Montezuma County BOCC wishes to provide clarification

The Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners wishes to provide clarification regarding several points raised in social and print media, particularly those involving the KRW report, departmental funding, and communication concerns. Our goal is to present clear, factual information so the public has an accurate understanding of the issues at hand.

First and foremost, the Board fully supports public safety. In 2024, we sought to strengthen that support by asking voters to consider a public safety sales tax, solely intended to provide additional funding for law enforcement. Voters ultimately rejected this measure, and we continue to work within existing financial constraints. Even so, the Board will be adding two additional Detention Deputy positions to the Sheriff’s Office budget for 2026.

Communication has been highlighted as a challenge, and we agree that open dialogue is essential. The Board has repeatedly attempted to open lines of communication and schedule discussions with the Sheriff. When the Sheriff does not attend scheduled meetings or provide information related to his department’s budget, meaningful communication cannot occur.

KRW Report

The KRW report contains several important recommendations, particularly regarding law enforcement service contracts for the Town of Dolores, the Ute Mountain Casino, and School Resource Officers (SROs). The report explicitly states that “failure to operate with a current contract is not responsible and risks civil liability,” and that “under no circumstances should the service be provided without a contract in place.”

At this time, only the contract with the Town of Dolores has been finalized. Services continue to be provided to the Casino and for SROs without contracts, placing the financial burden on County taxpayers.

Budget and Staffing

The Sheriff has repeatedly said his office has endured “deep budget cuts.” County financial records show consistent underspending by the Sheriff’s Office over several years:

• 2018: Underspent by 4.89% ($270,573)
• 2019: Underspent by 9.82% ($535,760)
• 2020: Underspent by 18.69% ($1,150,429)
• 2021: Underspent by 15.65% ($967,720)

In the 2023 through current year budgets, the budget committee has worked to get the Sheriff’s budget back in line with actual expenditures while avoiding cuts to other county services.

The KRW report recommends a minimum of 18 additional deputies—nine patrol and nine detentions—but does not specify whether this represents a platinum, gold, or silver staffing model. The report also states that a comprehensive patrol and detentions staffing study is still needed, though the Board feels that the subject was requested in the initial scope of work for the report.

The estimated cost for 18 deputies at an entry-level salary with benefits is $1,323,247.23 annually:

• $707,431.41 for patrol
• $615,815.82 for detentions

This does not include costs for equipment, training, vehicles, or insurance.  The KRW report also strongly recommended a public safety sales tax to cover these increased costs.

Fiscal Responsibility to All Departments

The Board must consider the services provided by every County department and elected office. Currently, 44% of the general fund is allocated to the Sheriff’s Office.  Increasing funding to the Sheriff’s Office means reducing funding to other departments and could result in reducing services the community relies on.  The Board cannot engage in spontaneous or short-term spending decisions; we must ensure long-term, sustainable budgeting practices.

We also face significant upcoming County-wide financial obligations (including the Sheriff’s Office). Deferred maintenance, accessibility improvements, parking lot repairs, and upgrades to keep the detention center in compliance with state jail standards are all necessary and are being considered by the BOCC.

In April of 2025, the Commissioners passed Resolution 4-2025, establishing a goal of one year of general fund expenses for the general fund reserve.  The 2026 budget was developed under this guidance and currently includes $800,000 in general reserve spending. This level of reserve spending to support current operations will bring the reserve down over several years without growing government or creating unsustainable future budgets.

The Board remains committed to responsible governance, transparent communication, and providing accurate information to the public. We will continue working to balance public safety needs with the long-term financial stability of Montezuma County.