The City of Cortez has released its 2026 Draft Budget, and now is the time for our community to get involved. Your input is essential in helping guide how our city allocates its resources for the year ahead.
Review and Comment Online with ClearGov
To make the budget process more transparent and accessible, the City is using the ClearGov Transparency Center. You can explore the full 2026 Draft Budget at cleargov.com/colorado/montezuma/city/cortez. This interactive platform allows you to dive into the numbers, see where funds are going, and most importantly, "Join the conversation" by submitting your questions, comments, or suggestions directly through the site.
Key Dates to Know
First Reading: Tuesday, October 28th - 7:30 PM
Location: City Council Chambers, 123 Roger Smith Avenue, Cortez
Second Reading & Public Hearing: Wednesday, November 12 at 7:30 PM (Please note this is a change from the usual schedule due to the Veterans Day Holiday)
Don't Wait—Speak Up Now
The City strongly encourages residents to review the budget now and share their feedback early. You don’t have to wait for the public hearing to make your voice heard. You can:
Submit comments through the ClearGov website
Email your thoughts directly to:
Randy Bailey, Finance Director: rbailey@cortezco.gov
Drew Sanders, City Manager: dsanders@cortezco.gov
Danielle Wells, City Clerk: dwells@cortezco.gov
Prefer Paper? Printed copies of the 2026 Draft Budget are available for review at City Hall.
Every dollar in the city budget represents a decision about our shared future, whether it's maintaining roads, funding emergency services, supporting parks and recreation, the airport, the public library, water resources or investing in infrastructure. When you participate in the budget process, you're helping ensure that those decisions reflect the needs and priorities of the people who live, work, and thrive in Cortez.
Please review the budget, ask questions, and share your ideas.