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Grant County adopts fiscal 2026 budget, includes pay increases and targeted project funding
Summary
The board adopted the county’s FY26 final budget, including a 5% salary increase, funding for an EMS ambulance, airport taxiway repair, and adjustments to several grants and awards; commissioners raised concerns about road funding and insurance costs.
The Grant County Board of Commissioners adopted the county’s final fiscal year 2026 budget on July 24 after a summary of changes from the preliminary draft. County staff said the final package includes a 5 percent salary increase for employees and several program‑specific adjustments.
Finance staff (Andrea Montoya) summarized material changes: an increase in the tourism grant out of lodgers tax from $11,200 to $12,833; a $70,000 taxiway repair at the county airport to address fire damage; a $250,000 county fire fund allocation to purchase a new EMS ambulance; a $10,000 increase in the road department overtime line due to recent flooding; and a state fire funds allotment of $2,591,087 to be distributed to volunteer departments. The detention center’s capital project award was finalized at $350,000 (down from an earlier $375,000 estimate) for laundry facility remodel costs; the correction officers recruitment award was increased to $225,000 after the state awarded years 2 and 3 in year 2; and a farm and range cost share figure was corrected to $31,650.
Montoya also said the budget incorporates NMFA loan debt service and that workers’ compensation premiums were budgeted higher (from $175,000 to $181,487) pending the insurer’s renewal later in the year. The assessor asked to budget a previously omitted chief appraiser position; the manager’s contract salary was increased by $5,000. The sheriff’s requested $50,000 vehicle was removed from the draft. The board adopted the final budget by voice vote.
Several commissioners expressed continued concern about road maintenance funding; one noted the $10,000 increase for overtime was modest relative to road needs and said the department manages several hundred miles of county roads. Commissioners also asked staff to monitor insurance renewal projections and return with adjustments if needed.
Ending: The board adopted the FY26 final budget; staff will monitor insurance renewals and other variable costs and report back as necessary.
