Boulder County plans more layoffs to close budget gap

Driving the news: As Boulder County begins building its 2027 budget, officials say they must close a $13.2 million gap driven by costs rising faster than tax revenue.

Threat level: County officials say layoffs "will be necessary," but how many, and where, remains unclear.

• Unlike last year, officials say they've run out of easier options like eliminating vacant roles or offering buyouts.

Yes, but: County leaders say this should be the last round of layoffs needed to make up a three-year, $30 million-$40 million deficit.

• After cutting about $13 million over the last two budgets largely through personnel cuts, the county thinks it can make up the remaining deficit in subsequent years through ongoing personnel savings and operating cost cuts.

Catch up quick: More than 130 people were laid off or left voluntarily last year, according to the Boulder Reporting Lab.

• Of the 62 workers laid off, 30 found other roles within the county — an option that may be harder this time around.

The bottom line: Cities and counties across the state and even across the country have had to tighten the purse strings amid rising costs and declining tax revenue.