At its regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Durango City Council began reviewing the City Manager’s proposed 2027 budget, a plan that emphasizes investing in existing services while improving efficiency and effectiveness across municipal operations, according to the City of Durango website.
The budget proposal calls for reducing expenditures where possible based on actual spending trends, eliminating vacant positions when appropriate, and absorbing position reclassifications to maximize resources while maintaining service levels. It also reinforces the city’s commitment to completing important capital projects, maintaining high‑quality services, and supporting employees through competitive compensation, benefits and incentive programs.
During the meeting, the Early Childhood Council of La Plata County presented a request to allocate $350,000 of the 2027 Lodgers’ Tax to expand and stabilize childcare services in Durango through an educator stipend program. Council members heard the proposal and will consider it as part of the overall budget discussion.
The Transportation Department shared results from its annual Ridership Survey, conducted in partnership with Fort Lewis College’s Sustainability by Design class. Of the 117 respondents, ridership satisfaction was rated 8.06 out of 10. Thirty‑five percent agreed that buses arrive on time, while 45 percent said they feel safe on the bus. The survey data will help the city better understand rider needs and gather demographic information.
City officials also provided an update on the Flock camera system. In September, Durango Police Officers performed 412 total searches of the camera database, with assault and battery searches accounting for 26 % of those inquiries. The presentation highlighted how the system assists in addressing local incidents and responding to custom or “hotlist” requests.
Public Works reported on recent rain‑caused flooding at the Wilson Gulch roundabout near the Maverik gas station in Three Springs. City crews are actively removing mud and debris flowing across the road to restore safe travel conditions.
Finally, councilors voted to consider a future business item that would raise the salary for newly elected councilors to $25,000.
What’s next: Council will vote to consider the budget ordinances at its next regular meeting on Nov. 17, and a final vote on the 2027 budget is scheduled for the Dec. 1 regular meeting.
Sources: durangoco.gov
