Increased wildfire risks and demand for wildfire protection services, along with rising costs, have left us in a precarious financial situation. We are committed to maintaining critical protection services and reducing risks, but additional revenue is needed.
Here’s a look at Larimer’s projected revenue and costs for 2026-2031, assuming service levels are maintained to meet resident demand. As you can see, we face a choice and a challenge especially if we face a significant natural disaster.
As you can see, projected expenses outpace revenue:
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Rising costs for basic equipment continues to increase. For example, fleet equipment and maintenance trucks increased an average of 36% from five years ago. County leaders made another $5 million in budget cuts in 2026, and current revenues are stretched to the max. Critical investments are needed but this can only be done with new annual revenue..
Residents deserve, expect and demand projects to preserve clean drinking water, healthy soils, and natural forest lands - and those are estimated to cost at least $35 million. You have the ability to let us know if you believe it’s worth making those investments in our future or not.
Our reserve fund of $23.3 million is not enough to combat the risks we face, and would be completely depleted by a single large natural disaster, or a series of smaller ones such as we have recently experienced. The Cameron Peak fire season cost the County $19 million and the 2013 Flood cost the County over $115 million. The County keeps a fund for emergencies, and given the recent decision by the Federal Government to deny tens of millions in relief funding for natural disasters in Colorado, our situation has become even more tenuous. What would you recommend?
Here is a snapshot of the revenue sources for Larimer County for 2026. We are at a crossroads given the revenue limits, rising risks, and demand for services. For more detailed information please visit the County’s budget website and let us know how you would prioritize revenues and expenditures by sharing Your Input and by using our Budget Tool.
Just like our residents, Larimer County is experiencing shocking price increases in addition to new state mandates and rising demand. From emergency vehicles to safety equipment for first-responders Costs continue to rise and are outpacing revenues.
Here are a few examples, totaling more than $27.7 million, of the different types of cost increases the County has absorbed over the years.
