County focuses on park sustainability amid rising costs and event challenges

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors held a special session on May 13, 2025, to discuss the fiscal year 2026 budget and address various operational challenges and opportunities facing the county. The meeting focused on the financial realities impacting county services, particularly in relation to rising costs and resource management.

The session began with a discussion on the challenges of serving a large area while maintaining competitive pay to attract and retain employees. Concerns were raised about the increasing costs of goods and services, particularly utilities, which have significantly impacted the county's budget. The board acknowledged the contributions from the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to help manage these costs but emphasized the ongoing threat posed by climate change and fire risks, which complicate the maintenance of healthy forests and open spaces.

One specific concern highlighted was the capacity issues at Fort Tuthill during peak events, such as concerts and rodeos, which strain parking and resource management. Additionally, the board expressed worries about potential losses of public-private partnerships that are crucial for capital funding and special projects.

On a more positive note, the board discussed opportunities for collaboration with Northern Arizona University (NAU) and Coconino Community College (CCC) in areas such as parks and recreation, forestry, and park ranger programs. The potential acquisition of the Frontiery property and Gonzales Ranch was also mentioned as a significant opportunity for the county.

Financial discussions revealed that the Highlands fire contract has increased by 26% over four years, further straining the budget. In fiscal year 2024, 44% of the operational budget was allocated to utilities, with actual expenditures reaching 55%. This left only 18% of the budget to maintain six parks, 3,000 acres of open space, and 42 miles of trails, highlighting the need for a strategic plan to reinvest in revenue-generating programs.

The board concluded the meeting by recognizing the importance of addressing these financial challenges while exploring new revenue opportunities and partnerships to ensure the sustainability of county services and facilities. The discussions underscored the need for careful planning and resource management as Coconino County moves forward into the next fiscal year.