This week, town staff announced a free community celebration in Arbaney Park on Oct. 10 to commemorate the Town of Basalt’s 125th anniversary. Additionally, the Town of Basalt’s financial department presented its proposed budget for 2027, which paints a picture of a continued trend of decreased capital expenditures, since major projects like the Midland Streetscape have fully concluded.

All community members are invited to Arbaney Park from noon to 6:30pm on Oct. 10 to celebrate the history of Basalt. The event will feature historical tours, live music, a pie-baking contest and activities for all ages.

“Our heritage is a significant part of our present and the community is strong today because of those who came before us and those who work hard to contribute to a vibrant and close-knit Basalt,” Mayor David Knight said. “Our 125th anniversary is a chance to celebrate yesterday, today and tomorrow.”

Community members are encouraged to arrive at 1pm for an official town photo, which will enter Basalt’s historical record — a snapshot of how the town has grown.

The history tours will be led by the Basalt Regional Heritage Society. A performance of a traditional Ute dance will be from 3 to 4pm, meant to recognize the original roots of Basalt. The music will continue from 4 to 6:30pm with performances by the Aspen-based Norteño-style band Malqueridøs and high-energy country rockers A Band Called Alexis.

For the kids, the Art Base will provide fall-themed pumpkin crafts. Young Basaltians can also enjoy a bouncy house and obstacle courses hosted by the Basalt Library.

Basalt Lions Club will provide lunch from noon to 2pm. At 2pm, the town will hold a community pie baking competition. Bakers of Basalt wanting to show off their confectionary skills can bring in two pies for the judges to taste and rate. More information regarding how to enter the pie-baking competition is forthcoming on the town’s website. Local farmers will also host stands to sell fresh fall produce.

The Town of Basalt encourages those interested in attending to leave their cars at home and walk, bike or take RFTA. Those who need to drive are recommended to park at Basalt Elementary or Middle School and walk the path to Arbaney Park; ADA parking will be available at Arbaney Park.

Basalt’s financial future

The town’s Budget has been subjected to a review process by the town manager the past few weeks of September. On Tuesday evening, the proposed budget was presented to Basalt Town Council.

In recognition of its excellence in budget reporting, Basalt’s Finance Department has been a recipient of the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for several consecutive years. 

For 2027, the town budgeted for lower revenues for the general fund than in 2026, decreasing from $15.7 million to an estimated $13.5 million. General fund expenditures are planned to match this new estimated revenue. However, in both 2024 and 2025, actual expenditures were slightly lower than budgeted. 

Seventy-five percent of general fund revenues, approximately $10.2 million, is expected from taxes. Ninety-three percent of general fund expenditures would be spent on town personnel and operating costs. The Basalt Police Department makes up the largest portion of expenditures at 24% from the general fund, followed by administrative expenses at 17%.

Expenditures in the restricted fund are expected to exceed revenues by approximately $723,000. A good share of the restricted fund planned expenditures, $5.7 million of the $6.8 million, will be used by Open Space and Trails for capital improvements.

There are currently few expenditures planned in 2027 from the capital construction fund. Since 2024, Basalt has spent approximately $13 million from this fund, primarily for the Midland Streetscape Project. Along with the project, that figure has winded down year-by-year. In 2027, the town has only budgeted for a comparatively miniscule $3,750 in expenditures from the capital construction fund.

Approximately $7.47 million in funding has been requested by various departments for 2027, but has yet to be allocated. The largest planned expenditure over the next several years will be used by Open Space and Trails to improve parks, irrigation systems and trails, as well as for Phase II of the Safe Routes to School Project, which will specifically provide a safe trail along Two Rivers Road for young students. Open Space and Trails estimates a cost of roughly $2.8 million in 2027 for this specific project.

The final version of the budget will be presented for approval on Dec. 8.