The Mesa County Commissioners this morning approved the 2016 Mesa County budget.
County Administrator Frank Whidden and Commissioner Scott McInnis both emphasized that the 2016 budget is a planning tool, made up of projections. The numbers aren't set in concrete, they said.
"We're doing the best we can with the money we've got," said Commissioner Rose Pugliese. "But we can't do it all."
Department heads and elected officials will begin meeting in January to look at services the county is required to offer vs. services the county likes to offer.
"We're going to have to make this organization smaller and more sustainable," Pugliese said. "What is it we do that we don't have to be doing?
"We just keep spending more than we have. We need to really put our heads together and see how we can do this."
To view the complete 2016 budget, go here.
gave their OK to participate in the Rural Jump-Start program, a tax relief program for new businesses and new hires who locate into certain designated areas called jump-start zones.
approved a contract between Mesa County and Souder, Miller and Associates for environmental consulting services at Mesa County Solid Waste for $121,000.
agreed to provide up to $10,000 in in-kind services for the 2016 USA Pro Challenge should Grand Junction be chosen as the location of the race's start.
approved the 2016 Public Trustee's proposed budget.
approved two grant applications from the Grand Junction Regional Airport Authority.
To read supporting documents on any of these items, go here.