The Grant County Board of Commissioners approved a preliminary Fiscal Year 2026 budget at its May 22 meeting, with a directive that several contested items be revisited before the final budget is adopted.

County finance staff told the board that gross receipts tax (GRT) collections have stabilized since state law changes and that the county used conservative estimates for other revenue lines such as property (copper) receipts. Staff also warned of an unexpected reduction in federal Secure Rural Schools (SRS) payments: the county received a small SRS payment for the current year but staff said the formula and federal action leave the county with an expected shortfall of roughly $250,000–$278,000 if the program is not reauthorized; the county budget assumes that payment will not recur for FY26.

On the expenditure side, staff recommended funding for several capital items and department priorities while trimming or deferring some requests. The board agreed to a proposed EagleView aerial imagery purchase (about $203,000) but staff recommended funding that pilot out of LATCF (local funds set aside for capital) rather than the general fund so the county can evaluate whether it produces valuation gains that would offset the cost. The commission approved the preliminary budget with that conditional approach.

Other votes and directions: The board left the sheriff’s request for a permanent additional administrative position and recurring DARE (drug education) funding off the preliminary budget but approved a vehicle purchase for the sheriff’s office; commissioners asked that the DARE request and the admin-post proposal be revisited before the final budget in late summer. Several commissioners said they supported DARE’s community role but wanted to explore updated, evidence-based alternatives to the classic program and to seek outside funding from donors and regional partners.

What happens next: The preliminary approval enables the county to complete required public notices and continue budget work. Commissioners directed staff to return with additional information and options on the sheriff’s requests, DARE funding, the EagleView pilot, and other prioritized items before final adoption of the FY26 budget.