Teton County officials warn state fund cuts could wipe out a quarter of road budget; levy language to be drafted
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Summary
Public Works outlined a possible $878,000 reduction in state general fund support for county roads — roughly 25% of the road & bridge budget. Commissioners asked staff to draft ballot language for a road levy renewal and consider size options ranging from a modest bump to a larger dollar increase.
TETON COUNTY, Idaho — County Public Works staff told commissioners Feb. 9 that proposed cuts to the Idaho state general fund could reduce the county’s road and bridge support by roughly $878,000 — about one quarter of the county’s road and bridge budget — prompting urgent discussion about local levy options.
Daryl Johnson said the county’s FY26 road and bridge fund was budgeted at roughly $3.2 million and that a $878,000 reduction would strike a significant portion of construction project funding. Commissioners discussed options including renewing the existing temporary road levy ($1.4 million per year) or increasing it modestly (discussed $1.5 million) or substantially (up to $3 million) and whether to offer two ballot questions or staggered options to voters. Staff said ballot language must be finalized by the end of the month to be included in the upcoming ballot schedule.
Commissioners also discussed the difficulty of restoring state funding if it is cut; the board directed staff to draft language for renewal at $1.5 million and to explore an option for a second ballot question if that is permissible. The board agreed to bring a formal action item and language for voter materials to the next meeting.
What happens next: Staff will prepare sample ballot language (including $1.5M renewal and optional higher replacement questions) and return to the board with options and legal guidance before finalizing language for the ballot.
