Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the County Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Yavapai County budget preview: reserves strong but staff flags revenue gap and state costs
Summary
Budget manager Kevin Forks told the board that sales tax and VLT revenues are above prior year levels, capital reserves are roughly $40 million, and undesignated general fund reserves are about $97 million, while cautioning the board about a structural revenue gap and possible state‑level mandated costs to factor into FY27.
Kevin Forks, Yavapai County budget manager, briefed the board on the county’s draft budget assumptions and data trends. He reported higher‑than‑budgeted shared sales tax and vehicle license tax receipts for the current fiscal year, observed that general fund expenditures remain on track, and highlighted several large balance figures: a capital reserve just over $40 million and an undesignated general fund reserve of about $97 million.
Forks cautioned that despite strong fund balances the county faces a revenue gap in ongoing operations: "The revenues have exceeded budget amounts. Expenses are contained to what was budgeted," he said, but added that decisions about ongoing commitments must consider future liabilities and state actions. He noted a possible $1 million mandatory health payment in the governor’s executive budget that could affect the FY27 draft.
Other clarifying figures provided during the presentation: the county’s draft assessed limited property value was presented and staff flagged that the final net assessed valuation must be received from the assessor by February 10 (statutory deadline) before final recommendations can be made. Forks also explained the budget calendar: department requests due March 13; budget books to be delivered April 13; study sessions beginning April 27.
Chair and board members thanked budget staff for providing an eight‑year historical context and for automating FTE accounting; board members asked staff to preserve funding for PSPRS payments and confirmed inclusion of prior commitments in the draft. Next steps: staff will continue to refine revenue and expenditure projections and present a recommended budget timeline to the board.
