El Paso County Update: Budget, Water, Transportation, and Land Use
El Paso County Commissioner Bill Wysong recently shared updates on the county’s budget, water resources, transportation infrastructure, and land use policies, highlighting the challenges and priorities facing the region.
Balanced Budget and Fiscal Responsibility
El Paso County is in the midst of its budget cycle, managing a $500 million budget with a focus on fiscal conservatism. Commissioner Wysong emphasized the county’s commitment to maintaining a balanced budget without changes to staffing levels. A key priority is keeping property taxes low, with the county retaining only 6-9% of property tax revenue. This year’s TABOR rebate of $19 for each property owner will show up as a credit for next year’s taxes. The draft budget is available for public review on the county’s finance webpage, with final approval scheduled for December 7.
Groundwater Study Reveals Opportunities and Challenges
The county commissioned Bruce Lytle, a water expert from Moore Engineering Inc., to conduct a comprehensive groundwater study. Lytle’s 2.5-hour presentation, available online, detailed the state of El Paso County’s aquifers. The study revealed that while aquifers like the Dawson (primarily for residential use) and Denver (for commercial use) are declining, water levels are rising in other areas. Below these lie the Arapahoe and Laramie-Foxhills aquifers, the latter of which has poor water quality and remains largely untouched.
The aquifers contain an estimated 290 million acre-feet of water, stored in sandstone pockets described as a “sponge.” However, this resource is not unlimited, and the county operates under a 300-year sustainability requirement. Drilling costs for wells are approximately $700 per foot. When a well goes “dry” sometimes it just requires going deeper within the aquifer. The Arapahoe basin, in particular, has sufficient water to support development water districts, offering opportunities for growth.
Transportation Investments
Transportation remains a priority, with the county maintaining 2,400 lane miles of paved roads and an equal amount of gravel roads. This year, an additional $7 million was allocated to the budget to proactively address road repairs and maintenance, ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with community needs.
State Overreach and Underfunded Mandates
Commissioner Wysong expressed frustration with state overreach, particularly regarding underfunded mandates. Previously referred to as “unfunded mandates,” these state-imposed requirements now come with minimal funding, placing a financial strain on the county. This issue underscores the need for greater local control and resources to meet state expectations.
Federal Shutdown Impacts SNAP and WIC
The government shutdown has raised concerns about federal programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children). In El Paso County, one in ten residents relies on SNAP, with $17 million distributed monthly. However, starting November 1, funding disruptions could leave 75,000 families without SNAP benefits. While the military may provide some support for service members, the broader community faces significant uncertainty.
Land Use Code Rewrite and Property Rights
El Paso County is in the process of rewriting its land use code, sparking debates over property rights and regulations. Short-term rentals (STRs), such as those listed on VRBO, have become a contentious issue. A proposal to include STRs in the land use code was overruled, leaving unincorporated areas like Cascade—where 280 of 320 properties are STRs—without specific controls.
Commissioner Wysong emphasized the importance of property rights, noting that while the U.S. Constitution protects the ability to purchase property, it does not explicitly address land use. He cautioned that zoning changes should not be approved without thorough negotiation and urged residents to engage with their county commissioners to voice concerns about proposed changes to the land use code. Listening to opposition, he stressed, is critical to ensuring fair and balanced policies.
Moving Forward
El Paso County faces a complex set of challenges, from managing finite water resources and maintaining infrastructure to navigating state mandates and federal funding uncertainties. Commissioner Wysong’s updates reflect a commitment to fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and sustainable development. Residents are encouraged to review the draft budget, explore the groundwater study, and participate in discussions about the land use code to shape the county’s future.
For more information, visit the county’s finance page or contact your county commissioner to stay informed and engaged.