{"id":19292,"date":"2025-12-10T09:03:48","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T16:03:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.elpasoco.com\/?p=19292"},"modified":"2025-12-10T09:03:48","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T16:03:48","slug":"el-paso-county-board-approves-balanced-2026-budget-focused-on-infrastructure-public-safety-and-fiscal-stewardship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.elpasoco.com\/el-paso-county-board-approves-balanced-2026-budget-focused-on-infrastructure-public-safety-and-fiscal-stewardship\/","title":{"rendered":"El Paso County Board Approves Balanced 2026 Budget Focused on Infrastructure, Public Safety, and Fiscal Stewardship"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]December 10, 2025\u00a0–<\/strong>\u00a0The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners approved the\u00a0County\u2019s balanced 2026 Budget, totaling $532.3 million. The adopted budget reflects\u00a0the County\u2019s continued commitment to delivering high-quality public services,\u00a0maintaining low taxes, and upholding long-term fiscal responsibility.<\/p>\n

Guided by the County\u2019s Strategic Plan, the 2026 Budget prioritizes Infrastructure,\u00a0Service Quality, Community Trust, and Public Safety, while positioning the County to\u00a0meet current demands and prepare for future needs.<\/p>\n

\u201cEl Paso County is in a strong financial position because of years of disciplined planning\u00a0and data-driven decision-making,\u201d said El Paso County Board of County\u00a0Commissioners Chair Carrie Geitner. \u201cThat stability allows us to continue delivering\u00a0critical services without layoffs or furloughs, even as some jurisdictions and the state\u00a0announce reductions. With a steady workforce, we can stay focused on what matters\u00a0most to our residents\u2014strengthening public safety and making long-term investments\u00a0in our infrastructure, including our roads. I am grateful for the leadership of\u00a0County Administrator Bret Waters, Chief Financial Officer Nikki Simmons, and their\u00a0teams.\u202fTheir commitment to strong fiscal stewardship helps ensure El Paso County\u00a0remains well-positioned to meet the needs of our community.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEl Paso County has long taken a careful and disciplined approach to budgeting,\u201d said\u00a0Chief Financial Officer Nikki Simmons. \u201cBy relying on realistic revenue projections,\u00a0\u00a0closely monitoring expenditures, and planning with the future in mind, we\u2019ve been able\u00a0to preserve essential services, maintain strong reserves, and support a stable\u00a0workforce. The approved budget upholds that commitment, prioritizing the County\u2019s\u00a0most critical needs while maintaining operations and staffing levels.\u201d<\/p>\n