Page County supervisors debate 2026 budget as public raises tax and reserve concerns; courthouse roof and jail bond draw attention

Page County Board of Supervisors members met for a budget work session and routine business in a meeting that included public comment on county taxes, an update from the county engineer on winter road work and bridge timing, and discussion of major anticipated costs for the courthouse roof and an upcoming jail bond sale.

Cindy Van Fossen, a resident who spoke during public comment, asked how the county’s fiscal 2026 levy and valuation changes would affect property owners and urged the board to limit recurring salary and benefits increases to the amount of “new money” available. "Do you recognize that salaries and benefits are recurring costs that are accumulative?" Van Fossen asked, and later said, "Do you agree that taxpayers work hard for their money and every dollar they send to public government ... is 1 less dollar they have in their own budget?" The board responded that budget work was not complete and staff were still compiling totals.

The supervisors then moved into a detailed review of Department 99 and numerous line items across the proposed fiscal 2026 budget. Commissioners and staff discussed fiscal items including annual dues and contributions (for example, a Western Iowa tourism line item), postage and shared…