Patagonia council reviews $6.93 million tentative budget, directs manager to draft adoption resolution

The Town of Patagonia council reviewed a tentative fiscal year 2026‑27 budget of $6,929,139 during a May 6, 2026 budget study session and directed Town Manager Robinson to draft a resolution to adopt the tentative plan for consideration at a future meeting.

Town Manager Robinson told the council the town faces an approximately $460,000 reduction in projected local sales tax revenue for the new fiscal year and attributed part of that decline to reduced local spending when the company South32 bussed contractors and employees into the area. Robinson reviewed line‑item comparisons and presented the total tentative budget figure, which he said is inclusive of potential grant funding. “The challenge was now to create a budget with the lower number,” Robinson said, and he answered council questions following the presentation.

Mayor Andrea Wood said the budget “looks good” and directed Robinson to prepare a resolution to place the tentative budget on a future meeting agenda for formal consideration. The council did not vote to adopt the budget at the May 6 session; the action recorded was a direction to staff to draft the adoption resolution.

Procedurally, Mayor Wood moved to adjourn at the close of business; Council Member Claverie seconded and the motion passed 5‑0 (Ayes: Mayor Wood, Vice‑Mayor Stabile, Council Members Finch, Claverie and Retherford). The meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m.

The tentative budget figure and the sales‑tax shortfall reported by staff will be part of the resolution draft and subsequent public agenda materials when the council considers formal adoption at a later date.