The Dolores Town Board passed the 2019 budget Monday.
The budget is based on an estimated annual income of $908,810 derived from property taxes, sales taxes and utility fees.
Total expenses to operate administration, planning, streets, water enterprise and sewer enterprises are estimated to be $1.28 million for 2019, and there is enough carryover balance in each fund to cover the difference.
Major expenses for 2019 include the $187,484 contract for the Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office, $24,000 for a new mower and $26,000 to fill cracks on Central Avenue. Another future expense is $26,000 toward a new dump truck for the maintenance department.
Revenue collected from the town’s 3.5 percent sales tax is trending upward, reported Town Manager Jay Ruybalid. In 2018, the town collected $377,207 in sales taxes, up from $365,000 in 2017, and $350,481 in 2016.
The town has earmarked $41,500 in matching funds toward a future grant for a new playground at Joe Rowell Park. The town is applying for two grants for a new playground, including a $300,000 grant from Great Outdoors Colorado, Ruybalid said.
Contributions budgeted for 2019 include $1,800 to the senior citizen program at the Dolores Community Center, $500 to the Dolores Rotary for Christmas lights in town, $500 toward trail maintenance on the McPhee Overlook Trail, $500 toward the recycling program, and $800 toward Montezuma County public transportation services.
Dolores crews will be focusing on street maintenance and repairs for 2019.
“It is a good budget... there are no big changes,” said town trustee Val Truelsen.
Dolores has an estimated $1.8 million in reserve, which have doubled since 2013.
The town also certified the property tax mill levy of 10 mills for 2019. Property taxes collected for 2019 are estimated at $82,857. Total assessed valuation for the town of Dolores by the Montezuma County assessor is $8.2 million.