Graham County supervisors approve asking voters to raise expenditure limit by $4 million

The Graham County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution at a special meeting to place a ballot question on the Nov. 3, 2026 general election asking voters to permanently raise the county's 1979-80 base expenditure limit by $4,000,000.

County Manager Dustin Welker, who presented the proposal, told the board the state's constitutional expenditure limitation ties local spending to an old base-year formula and can prevent jurisdictions from using funds they have prudently saved. "This is not a tax increase. It is important to emphasize an expenditure limitation override does not raise taxes, does not authorize new taxes, and does not require future tax increases," Welker said as he read the drafted resolution.

The county's resolution (No. 2026-03) says the adjustment would take effect in the fiscal year following voter approval and would allow Graham County to use existing general-fund balances for projects and needs including courthouse renovation, parks and fairgrounds improvements, competitive salaries, vehicle and equipment purchases, and public-safety infrastructure maintenance. Welker said the county currently carries no general debt other than bonds funded by a dedicated half-cent sales tax used for the jail project and that the override would let the county avoid borrowing for planned expenditures.

Board members voiced support. The chair described the county as fiscally conservative but noted infrastructure pressures, saying the county has "over 500 miles of unpaved roads" and needs capacity to address flooding, drainage and maintenance. Vice Chairman Howard said the measure prevents the county from incurring unnecessary debt when funds are available.

The resolution text also cites a statutory requirement to prepare and distribute a publicity pamphlet in connection with such an election; the resolution directs the elections director, clerk of the board, and appropriate county officers to take necessary actions to implement the ballot measure. A committee member moved to approve Resolution 2026-03, Vice Chairman Howard seconded the motion, and the chair called for the vote. Two vocal "Aye" responses are recorded in the transcript and the chair declared the motion passed unanimously; the resolution was adopted and the chair said he would sign it that day.

The question will appear on the Nov. 3, 2026 general election ballot if the county follows through with election preparations required by state statute. The special meeting was adjourned at 04:42.