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Teton County adopts 2026 budget after debate over nonprofit funding and veteran support
Summary
The Teton County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a fiscal 2026 budget after a public hearing that included pleas from nonprofits and veterans groups for restored funding. Commissioners budgeted one‑time reserve uses for capital projects while warning long‑term revenue pressures persist.
The Teton County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 25 adopted a fiscal year 2026 budget after a public hearing in which nonprofit leaders and veterans urged the board to find funding for community services.
County staff presented budget figures and tradeoffs, saying property tax revenue is insufficient to meet rising demand and that officials will use roughly $690,416 in one‑time remaining cash to balance the books. The staff overview listed several one‑time expenditures, including a new HVAC system for the law enforcement center, $150,000 to rewrite the county comprehensive plan and transfer station infrastructure work. “The only new staffing was a patrol deputy that is partially funded on a grant,” the budget presenter said.
Nonprofit leaders and partners, including representatives of the Teton Regional Economic Coalition (TREC), told commissioners that the county’s decision to cut most nonprofit support for FY26 could harm local economic development, tourism marketing and grant‑matching capacity. “Without the work of TREC, the work of coordinating visits from potential employers would fall to the county or towns,” TREC supporters said during the hearing.
Veterans also appealed for help. Nolan Boyle of American Legion Post 95 described the post’s long record of providing military honors and upkeep for veterans’ graves and asked the board to consider restoring a veterans‑memorial levy the county collected in past decades. “One drink per year per person would replace the funding we once had,” Boyle said, urging a modest local commitment.
Commissioners said the county faces structural revenue limits tied to state law and the local property tax base. After public comment and discussion the board adopted a resolution stating the FY26 budget totals $23,000,139.01. Several commissioners said they would explore options to revisit nonprofit support through remaining cash or a future budget hearing but emphasized that recurring commitments must fit the county’s constrained revenue picture.
Next steps outlined by staff include public notice for any budget changes and follow‑up meetings if the board chooses to open the budget to add one‑time nonprofit support. Commissioners and staff also said they will continue lobbying the Legislature for broader revenue options that would reduce pressure on local services.
