Supervisors keep levies unchanged for March postcard; discuss 911 console move and jail budget contingencies

The Page County Board of Supervisors voted to leave county levies unchanged for the March 5 tax notice/postcard deadline, while continuing budget work on the jail project and other capital needs.

Supervisors said levies can still be lowered before final adoption but must be entered by the March 5 deadline to meet state timing for the postcard mailing. The board’s action was taken to allow staff to meet statutory deadlines while continuing detailed budget review.

During budget discussion county staff and department heads described potential added costs tied to the jail project. County staff reported estimates to move the 911 dispatch console into the new jail: Motorola estimated roughly $100,000 for its portion; ICN (state network) provided a rough estimate around $70,000 pending a site visit; a third vendor estimate of approximately $45,000 was also discussed. Staff said some of those costs may be included in current construction contract bid packages and that certain items could be absorbed within the project contingency rather than the EMA/911 budget alone.

Financial advisors and supervisors also noted premium dollars from the recent bond sale — about $220,000 from the current issuance and a similar amount from the earlier sale — that add to project resources and reduce the earlier projected funding shortfall.

Public comment included concerns about the FY26 budget and property tax revenue projections. Cindy Van Boston, during public comment, asked for more transparency and questioned whether property tax revenue and levy rates will cover anticipated cost increases; supervisors replied that budget work and additional details would be provided during upcoming budget meetings.

The board scheduled follow‑up budget work and agreed to meet again for continued review; supervisors said they would seek additional detail from departments on equipment and timing before making further budget adjustments.