Palmer Lake’s proposed 2027 budget calls for $32,198 reserve draw
The draft pairs $160,000 in one-time transfers with an appropriation from the town’s unassigned fund balance to cover spending above revenue.
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Palmer Lake’s proposed 2027 General Fund budget would use $160,000 in one-time transfers and $32,198 from unassigned fund balance to cover spending that exceeds revenue.
The proposed budget spreadsheet in the Nov. 5 meeting packet lists about $5.20 million in revenue and about $5.39 million in departmental expenditures. It includes a $25,000 transfer from funds labeled “CTF” and $135,000 from kiosk funds. Before transfers, expenditures exceed revenue by $192,198; the proposed transfers reduce the amount to be covered by unassigned fund balance to $32,198.
Town Administrator Patrick Davidson described the draft at the Nov. 5 workshop as a lean budget responding to limited tax revenue. Proposed reductions include less maintenance and overtime, reduced non-emergency spending, leaving one police position unfunded, eliminating part-time firefighter positions and not replacing the fire chief. The town also proposed ending out-of-jurisdiction fire deployments except when needed to protect the immediate area. Officials cautioned that residents could experience slower service or other operational effects.
Trustees gave general direction to continue developing the draft; they did not vote to approve the budget. The proposal projects an ending General Fund balance of about $5.16 million.