Santa Fe County management presents $305M proposed operating budget overview

The Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners held a special meeting on May 6, 2025, to discuss the proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2026. The meeting provided a high-level overview of the budget, which totals approximately $305 million, excluding transfers. This budget includes recurring expenditures of about $253 million and nonrecurring expenditures of around $51 million, which encompasses budget contingencies aimed at ensuring financial resilience.

County management emphasized the importance of maintaining competitiveness in the labor market, which has been a priority in recent budget cycles. This focus has contributed to a declining vacancy rate within the county workforce. The proposed budget allocates approximately $2.46 million for a class and compensation study for various employee positions, alongside additional funds for negotiations with specific bargaining units.

Significant budgetary increases include a 0.5% rise in the county's Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) contribution rates, effective July, and an anticipated increase in group health benefit contributions set for January, totaling around $426,000.

The budget also outlines targeted expansions in the workforce, including the addition of an administrative assistant to enhance customer service at the county's main office and a clerk to support the growing volume of public records requests. Furthermore, the county is preparing for future growth by conducting staffing studies in the sheriff's department and emergency communication center, which will inform long-term planning for public safety needs.

Additionally, the budget includes resources for the acquisition and implementation of an enterprise resource planning system and jail management systems, with significant funding allocated for consulting services to guide this process.

The Board of County Commissioners will continue to review the budget in upcoming study sessions, with final approval expected in May.