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San Juan County holds public hearing on 2026 budget; commissioners adjust revenue estimates and earmark lodging tax for learning center
Summary
At a public hearing on the 2026 budget, staff detailed a $71,000 reduction in property-tax revenue, modest additions to public-health line items, and a proposed $30,000 lodging-tax allocation to the Silverton Family Learning Center; commissioners discussed mill levy adjustments, staffing costs, and benefits to emergency services.
San Juan County opened and then closed a public hearing on the proposed 2026 budget after staff presented updated financials and several recommended adjustments.
Key changes highlighted by staff include a reduction in property-tax revenue of about $71,000, a set of small additions to public‑health funding (including $10,000 for a medical adviser and $3,000 for clinic assistance), and a proposed lodging-tax allocation of $30,000 to the Silverton Family Learning Center (presented as $2,500 per month). Staff said the changes reflect October financial results and recent developments, including the defeat of a local ballot measure that affected assessed revenues.
Commissioners discussed how to account for the revenue shortfall—reducing mill levies temporarily or drawing from the general fund/escrow—and reviewed a variety of line items, such as highway users tax trends and insurance cost uncertainty. The board also discussed the EPA communications liaison line (previously managed by Anthony), noting EPA reimbursement to the county and weighing options to advertise the role externally or reconfigure it in-house.
Other budget points covered included employee compensation adjustments (a 4% increase for salaried personnel with smaller bumps for many hourly staff), equipment and road crew funding priorities, and the need to monitor insurance (property and workers’ comp) that remains a significant budget pressure. The board did not take final adoption action at the hearing; staff will proceed with the budget package and return follow‑up information as requested.
The hearing record showed no members of the public speaking during the allotted public-comment period. Commissioners closed the hearing and continued deliberations on budget line items and implementation details.
