Luke, Iron County’s auditor, presented the proposed 2026 county budget and opened the statutorily required public hearing, noting there will be a final vote at the next commission meeting.

Luke said the proposed total county budget is approximately $136 million and walked commissioners through trends affecting the fiscal year: steady but lower inflation (~3% recently), projected sales‑tax receipts, average home values, recording/permit fee volatility, and interest‑rate impacts on county investment earnings. He highlighted capital plans including ongoing construction of the Sheriff’s Complex and jail (projected finish 2027), road‑department equipment, landfill equipment to address fire risks, and new transit vans for the Council on Aging.

On personnel and wages, Luke said the 2026 proposal includes a 5% cost‑of‑living adjustment combined with step‑and‑grade movements for many positions; departments were reviewed to add levelled positions that reward licensing or certifications. Requested staffing changes include part‑time hour increases in Council on Aging, new IT security positions, a community wildfire specialist in emergency management, additional sign‑shop staff, and several sheriff/jail positions phased through the year.

Luke also reviewed county debt: the Shakespeare theater bond (paid from tourism tax) is budgeted to be paid off next year, and the sheriff’s complex bond (paid from sales tax) is expected to remain serviceable thanks to projected sales‑tax flows. Insurance premiums and a one‑time increase were also highlighted as a notable budgetary pressure for 2026.

The public hearing opened with no public speakers on the budget; commissioners thanked department heads for conservative proposals. The commission did not vote on the budget at the meeting; staff will return the proposed budget for final adoption at the next regularly scheduled commission meeting.

What’s next: Final adoption of the 2026 budget at the next commission meeting; compensation adjustments for executive county officers will be considered as part of that final process.