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County warns Secure Rural Schools funding uncertain; budget planning to be conservative
Summary
County Administrator Derek Rapier told the board that Secure Rural Schools funding was not included in the recent continuing resolution and that the county will prepare conservative budget scenarios (1%, 3%, 5% salary increases) while monitoring federal grant and block-grant risks.
GREENLEE COUNTY — County Administrator Derek Rapier briefed the Greenlee County Board of Supervisors on state and federal budget risks, saying county staff had expected Secure Rural Schools (SRS) payments but found SRS was not included in the continuing resolution passed in Washington.
Rapier said Greenlee County had budgeted about $300,000 from SRS in the current fiscal year road fund. With SRS uncertain, the county will adopt a conservative planning posture and present multiple budget scenarios for the board — showing the fiscal impact of 1%, 3% and 5% compensation adjustments. Rapier said the county’s initial draft budget uses a 1% pay-increase placeholder.
Rapier asked elected leaders and department heads to identify capital and staffing needs, and warned that federal grant programs and block grants may face review or reduction. He noted that some federal funding streams include language tied to equity or similar provisions that could lead to scrutiny or changes at the federal or state level.
Rapier said the county would prepare for a range of outcomes and will follow up with elected officials and department heads to populate alternative budget scenarios. He said he will pursue follow-up letters and advocacy with federal representatives regarding SRS and Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding.
Why it matters If SRS payments do not arrive as budgeted, the county expects to rely on reserves and adjust spending plans. Road-fund projects and school distributions tied to SRS could be affected; Rapier said the county will adopt a prudent approach and prepare contingency plans.
