Board adopts FY2025‑26 final budget; overall property tax rate unchanged

YUMA — Yuma County supervisors adopted the final fiscal‑year 2025‑26 budget during a combined budget and truth‑in‑taxation hearing June 23, preserving the county’s overall property tax rate and approving contingency reserves, officials said.

County budget staff presented the final appropriations package and long‑range forecast, describing a budget that reduces total appropriations about 3.4% from the prior year and includes a net reduction of just over 22 full‑time equivalent positions across all funds. Staff said the budget assumes cautious revenue estimates but projects increases in state‑shared and county sales taxes based on current trends.

The budget package includes a 3% performance‑based compensation strategy for employees and retains a contingency/reserve allocation intended to address emergencies, including an approximately $5 million recession contingency. The presentation noted the board has adopted a conservative tax rate for years; staff said the final budget repeats the same overall tax rate for the fourth consecutive year and that the county levy has remained well below allowable limits for more than a decade.

The board opened the combined public hearing, received no public comment, and voted to adopt two budget resolutions (recorded as Resolution No. 2025‑18 and Resolution No. 2025‑19 in the meeting). Supervisors noted the county should consider reducing dependence on some one‑time revenues (such as PILT) over time and continue prudent budgeting to withstand federal or economic changes.

The resolutions passed on roll‑call votes with all supervisors recorded in favor. County staff said they will present additional long‑range forecast detail and interactive worksheets by request and continue to monitor revenue and grants throughout the fiscal year.