Cochise County Flood Control District adopts $9.84 million budget after supervisors cut levy

The Cochise County Flood Control District adopted a final fiscal year 2025–26 budget of $9,843,356 after supervisors voted 3-0 to reduce the district—s property-tax levy to $2,518,356, officials said at a public hearing in the Melody Lane hearing room.

County staff presented the flood control district—s final budget, saying there were no changes from the tentative budget approved in June. "Today, we present the flood control district budget, final budget. This is, there are no changes, I should say, from the tentative budget that was passed back in June," the presenter said.

The budget discussion centered on whether to collect the full levy generated by higher assessed values. Supervisor Crossby proposed sharply reducing the budget to preserve cash on hand and avoid new studies or high-cost projects, saying, "I propose that we decrease the budget to 7,325,000 for the flood control district." That proposal was discussed but not adopted. Supervisor Gomez moved an amendment to prevent a tax increase tied to assessed-value growth, which reduced the levy from $2,623,414 to $2,518,356. The amendment passed 3-0; the board then adopted the amended final budget of $9,843,356 by the same margin.

Board members and staff clarified the financial mechanics during debate. Staff said the district had approximately $7.3 million in cash carryforward and that the levy would have generated roughly $2.6 million in revenue for FY2026 based on assessed-value growth. Staff also noted a portion of the taxes line in planning includes delinquent taxes from prior years, separate from the current-year levy.

Supervisors discussed trade-offs between keeping a larger revenue stream for future projects and lowering the levy now. Crossby argued for cheaper studies and smaller projects, saying funds had gone to large hydrology studies in the past. Other supervisors expressed concern about potential impacts on flood-insurance eligibility and on flood-prone infrastructure in areas such as Sierra Vista, the port of entry and Douglas.

The board also directed county staff to relay a separate request to the treasurer: when the treasurer sends the annual fall tax postcard, spell out "Flood Control District" rather than the abbreviation "FCD." That request will be relayed to the treasurer for consideration at a future meeting.

After the vote the board withdrew agenda item 4 (truth-in-taxation action) because, with the levy reduction adopted, the board determined there would be no net tax increase for the flood control district. The board adjourned the flood control portion of the meeting and moved on to the next district meeting.

The vote totals on the budget amendment and the final adoption were recorded as 3-0 in favor. The three supervisors recorded present earlier were identified in roll call as Crossby (District 1), Gomez (District 2) and Antonari (District 3).