Mesa County adopts 2026 budget

On Dec. 9, 2025, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted a thorough and strategically aligned budget for the fiscal year 2026, highlighting a substantial investment in excellent services, infrastructure, and long-term financial health. 

The total budget of $242.9 million represents a 2.8% decrease from the previous year, with a net county budget of $211 million after accounting for interfund transfers and charges.

“During the hiring freeze, departments stepped up and maintained essential services despite current vacancies, which is really demonstrative of the very best of Team Mesa,” said Mesa County Administrator Todd Hollenbeck. “Because we began forecasting early, we're able to make informed decisions and reduce expenditures where necessary, in order to prioritize core services and public safety. Through this disciplined approach, I'm glad to say that we're bringing forward a balanced budget in 2026.”

Key highlights of the 2026 budget

• Investing in our workforce:  A reorganization of FTEs across several departments and defunding of 10 FTEs through the voluntary staff reduction program to minimize impact on current employees. Addition of 3 FTEs for Road and Bridge, and one for Natural Resources. Minimal health insurance premium increases ensure affordability for employees.
• Enhancing infrastructure: The budget allocates $49.1 million to the Capital Improvement Program, including substantial community projects such as the Orchard Mesa Check Piping 38 Road Bike and Pedestrian Project, the Mesa County Justice Center Renovation and continued major road improvements.
• Preparing for the future: A $3.7M investment in HVAC systems, $2M in preserving current assets, reflecting the County’s commitment to maintaining our assets thoughtfully today to protect our future and uphold fiscal efficiency.
• Improving service delivery: $2.5 million is allocated to implement software and hardware replacements and upgrades across various departments to continue providing efficient, excellent services to residents.

“This definitely was not an easy budget,” said Mesa County Commissioner Bobbie Daniel. “But I'm really proud of the work that we've done and the communication that we've had with the public.”

The budget was developed in alignment with Mesa County’s Strategic Plan, focusing on four key pillars: building a strong workforce, fostering a culture of excellence, enhancing public health and safety, and maintaining fiscal stability.

Going back to when we sat down with our strategic plan, setting the priorities and services that are most important for Mesa County, we identified the accountability piece and transparency,” said Mesa County Commissioner JJ Fletcher. “I think we've done an excellent job here today with proposing and putting together the finalized budget.”

Despite economic uncertainties, the County has budgeted conservatively, with $91.7 million in General Fund revenues and a $10.8 million reserve. 

The budget encompasses investments across 21 different funds and over 29 departments and supports nine elected offices, with significant allocations to the General Fund and the Capital Improvement Program.

“It's been the toughest budget year in my tenure,” said Chair of the Board of Mesa County Commissioners Cody Davis. “But it's really helped us reprioritize, prioritize, and really look to what's most meaningful and what the true, proper role of government is.”

To learn more, visit Budgets from Financial Services on our website for detailed insights into the 2026 budget.