Board of Supervisors adopt tentative budget

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors tentatively adopted the County’s $182 million Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 budget during its public meeting June 5. During FY 19, the County is implementing a Strategic Investment Plan that includes funding for public safety, employee retention, behavioral health programs and criminal justice initiatives.

Some of the budget items include:

  • Adding four additional Deputy Sheriff positions to improve public safety and implementing the Law Enforcement Retention plan to lower costs associated with turnover.
  • A base market pay adjustment for all employees and a pilot housing program to improve retention and help employees with housing affordability issues.
  • County School Superintendent’s Office funding for professional development and training of teachers.
  • Investing resources to address behavioral health and substance abuse issues throughout the County to find efficiencies and reduce recidivism.
  • Hiring a Forest Restoration Director to work with community partners and industry to help prevent wildfire and subsequent post-wildfire flooding.
  • Investing Road Maintenance Sales Tax funds on capital road projects and maintenance.

“The County is excited to implement a strategic investment plan that directly impacts our citizens and empowers our employees,” said Chairman of the Board Matt Ryan. “This year, we made a concerted effort to focus on big picture priorities that will help make a real difference in people’s lives and reduce the long-term demand on County services.”

The County is expected to retain a fund balance in FY 2019 that will help the County respond to emergency situations.

“The threat of catastrophic wildfire and post-wildfire flooding is the number one public safety threat in Coconino County,” said Vice-Chair Art Babbott. “The County’s strategic investments in forest restoration and industry cultivation will help move regional restoration initiatives forward and work to protect our communities. The hiring of a County Forest Restoration Director is a key component of this initiative.”

The FY 2019 final budget will be considered for adoption June 26, 2018 and the final tax rates will be set Aug. 7, 2018.

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