Boulder County to cut 90 jobs amid $30M–$40M shortfall
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Boulder County is eliminating about 90 positions, including 31 layoffs, as local leaders try to close a looming budget gap.
Why it matters: The cuts could ripple through core county services and affect residents, while also slowing hiring across departments.
The latest: The county announced Monday it will lay off 31 people and cut about 60 vacant positions.
- The Boulder County Housing Authority and Boulder County Public Health are planning additional, yet-to-be-announced reductions.
- Hiring requests are frozen — even for grant-funded jobs.
- Employees can opt into a voluntary severance program between Oct. 1 and Dec. 1.
- Caveat: The county does plan to support previous staffing commitments for the Boulder County Jail's new alternative sentencing facility and planned jail expansion.
Context: County officials say they face a structural deficit in the general fund, fueled by uncertainty over state and federal aid, inflation, and unpredictable revenue from property and sales taxes.
By the numbers: Boulder County must save $30 million to $40 million over the next three years, according to the county.
- Next year's recommended budget of $666.5 million trims $13.2 million from the general fund.
- About 70% of county spending goes to salaries and benefits, and personnel moves are expected to make up about 70% of the budget cuts.
- An additional $4 million in operating costs will be reduced.
- Budget director Emily Beam said the county will prioritize "core services and community commitments."
What they're saying: Boulder County Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann called the layoffs "super difficult for both staff and community."
- Commissioner Claire Levy stressed the decision was not a reflection on workers. "These are challenging times .... It's not a decision that we ever want to make."
What's next: A public hearing on the recommended budget will take place at 1pm on Oct. 14, at which time the public can make statements.
- The commissioners are scheduled to adopt the budget on Dec. 9.