The Coconino County Board of Supervisors tentatively adopted the County’s $182 million Fiscal Year 2019 budget during its public meeting June 5. As part of the budget, the County is implementing a strategic investment plan that includes funding for public safety, employee retention, behavioral health programs and criminal justice initiatives.
Some of the budget items include:
•Adding four additional Deputy Sheriff positions to improve public safety and implementing the Law Enforcement Retention plan to lower costs associated with turnover.
•A base market pay adjustment for all employees and a pilot housing program to improve retention and help employees with housing affordability issues.
•County School Superintendent’s Office funding for professional development and training of teachers.
•Investing resources to address behavioral health and substance abuse issues throughout the County to find efficiencies and reduce recidivism.
•Hiring a Forest Restoration Director to work with community partners and industry to help prevent wildfire and subsequent post-wildfire flooding.
•Investing Road Maintenance Sales Tax funds on capital road projects and maintenance.
“The County is excited to implement a strategic investment plan that directly impacts our citizens and empowers our employees,” said Chairman of the Board Matt Ryan. “This year, we made a concerted effort to focus on big picture priorities that will help make a real difference in people’s lives and reduce the long-term demand on County services.”
The final budget will be considered for adoption on June 26, and the final tax rates will be set August. 7.
