Cochise County supervisors adopt $3,325,599 library budget and set Truth in Taxation hearing

The Cochise County Board of Supervisors, acting as the Library District board, adopted a $3,325,599 final budget for fiscal year 2025–2026 and approved a Truth in Taxation hearing after staff reported an increase in assessed values, officials said during a public meeting at the Hearing Room on 151415 Melody Lane.

Miss Gilman, a library district staff member, told the board, “This is the library district budget for FY 26. As approved in the tentative budget, there have been no changes. This is with the calculation of holding the tax rate flat. However, because of the increase in levy, there is a need for a truth in taxation hearing because of the increase in assessed values, and that'll be the next item on the agenda.”

The board approved the consent agenda (items 1 and 2) by voice vote, then moved to adopt the final budget in the amount of $3,325,599; the motion carried on a 3–0 vote. The board later approved a motion to open a Truth in Taxation hearing to receive public comment on the proposed increase in the primary property tax levy for the Cochise County Library District for fiscal year 2025–2026; that motion also passed 3–0. No members of the public offered comment when the hearing was opened.

The meeting record shows Supervisors Crosby (District 1), Gomez (District 2) and Antonori (District 3) were present for the votes. The board noted the tax rate calculation used in the adopted budget holds the tax rate flat while assessed values rose, triggering the Truth in Taxation procedure required when levy amounts increase.

The board adjourned the library district meeting and moved on to the flood control district agenda.