The budget for Pitkin County is getting reviewed ahead of a December deadline for adoption. The $104 million budget reflects upgrades to government buildings.
Each fall the county commissioners review every dollar the local government plans to spend in the coming year. In 2016, ongoing expenses like salaries, health services and public safety are rising by 1.7 percent. But, the overall budget will increase by 8.9 percent. That includes expected costs for a major construction project. Jon Peacock is county manager.
"Our proposal to build 22,000 square feet of office space and remodel 17,000 square feet of existing office space, is really increasing our capital expenditures year-over-year."
County officials say the work is needed because aging buildings need updates and some are unfit to do business in. The county’s budget is a mix of revenues from sales and property taxes and community development fees.