COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors adopted the County’s $192 million Fiscal Year 2018 budget during its public meeting June 27.
The County balanced the FY 2018 budget and maintained a projected fund balance over the course of the County’s ten-year plan. Due to sensible planning and increased revenues in the past year, the County will be able to invest in several projects to increase public safety, retain employees and operate more efficiently.
Some of the funding includes:
- A public safety pay range adjustment and pilot program to assist public safety retention and officer recruitment.
- A new Medical Examiner’s facility to meet the demands of the office.
- The second year for the replacement of a 20-year-old financial system to improve customer service, fiscal transparency, work flow and management reporting.
- Capital Project funding for the County’s Facility Master Plan. This will upgrade outdated and dangerous buildings and include funding for a potential courthouse co-location project.
- A market increase for all eligible employees to improve retention and lower recruitment costs
“This budget clearly prioritizes the safety and well-being of the people of Coconino County,” said Chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors Liz Archuleta. “We’ve invested resources to retain and hire qualified sheriff deputies and law enforcement personnel to help increase public safety. We’ve also made investments in new facilities like the Medical Examiner’s office and updated technology throughout the County so our employees can continue to provide excellent service to County customers.”
The County is expected to retain a $13 million fund balance in FY 2018, allowing it to remain flexible in response to emergency situations, such as natural disasters or cuts to state aid.
“Developing the County Budget has become a year-round process,” said County Manager Cynthia Seelhammer. “This year, over eight days of testimony to the Board, every department shared impactful stories on how critical services directly impacted the needs of County citizens. This extensive and thorough budget process is unique to Coconino County and I’m proud we were able to keep taxes low while maintaining or improving services.”
The final tax rates will be set Aug. 8, and the FY 2018 begins July 1, 2017.