The Noxious Weed Control Board presented its proposed budget for 2026 and described how assessment revenue, grants and vehicle reserves fund operations. The board highlighted a stable operating picture for 2026 but warned that county cost allocations (rent, IT, insurance) and a planned vehicle replacement in 2027 could require an assessment increase in 2027.

Program coordinator (presenter) summarized the board’s mission and structure, noting the program is financed primarily through a special noxious weed assessment (per parcel and per acre) established by the county. The presenter said the assessment rate currently in place is $8 per parcel and $0.30 per acre, with forest parcels assessed at one-tenth of that rate (80¢ per parcel and 3¢ per acre). The board receives additional funding from grants and modest miscellaneous revenues.

Budget highlights provided to commissioners included a beginning fund balance of about $359,000 for 2026, assessment revenue of roughly $461,000 and anticipated grants of about $66,000 — for approximately $532,000 in expected revenue for 2026. The presenter said a line for vehicle reserves (roughly $50,000 in 2026) is part of the fund balance; the program plans to replace a vehicle in 2027 and expects the vehicle reserve to drop at that time.

The board described modest changes to expense lines: a small rise in the cost-share and supplies line (about $1,300), a reduction of roughly $3,000 in other services (temporary seasonal crew costs are grant-reimbursed), and an increase in labor from cost-of-living adjustments. The largest uncontrollable increase is in interfund charges — the presenter said rent at county facilities rose from roughly $4,000 per year historically to more than $16,000 per year under the new calculation; auditor, IT and insurance cost allocations also increased. The presenter said those interfund increases are a primary driver for potentially seeking a higher assessment in 2027.

The presenter said the board is comfortable with an ending fund balance near $200,000–$250,000 and noted that an accounting convention (unspent funds remain in the program fund) typically yields about 10% unspent funds annually; when that is taken into account the board expects the 2027 projected low balance (about $59,000) to be higher in practice. The board said it will place consideration of an assessment increase on next year’s agenda if needed.

Ending: The presenter asked commissioners to note the program’s role in preventing agricultural and recreational impacts from invasive species and to consider interfund cost pressures when reviewing the weed board’s budget request.