10-year Budget Plan and Reserve Policies
Los Alamos County
Summary
The board reviewed cash reserve guidelines from 2016 that require up to 90% of some funds' annual revenue in reserves — targets staff said haven't been met in a decade. Options would lower operating reserves from 180 to 90 days. The board asked for a ten-year look at when reserves were actually needed.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 17, 2026.
Impact analysis
Reserve targets currently equal 25%–92% of annual revenue depending on the fund.
Ratepayers if reserve requirements are right-sized and rates don't have to cover unreachable targets.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Board of Public Utilities — June 17, 2026
The board reviewed cash reserve guidelines from 2016 that require up to 90% of some funds' annual revenue in reserves — targets staff said haven't been met in a decade. Options would lower operating reserves from 180 to 90 days. The board asked for a ten-year look at when reserves were actually needed.
Planning and Zoning Commission — April 22, 2026
The county wants to bump its reserve target from 20% to 25% of budgeted revenues to cushion against tax revenue swings and to look stronger to bond underwriters ahead of a planned $35 million debt issuance.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
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