Yuma County proposes new budget for fiscal year 2025-26
Andrea Turisk
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – County leaders are presenting a $548 million budget proposal for fiscal year 2025 to 2026. It’s designed to fund major improvements while staying fiscally conservative.
Tuesday’s meeting gave county departments and the public the chance to weigh in.
The Yuma County Board of Supervisors heard from different departments across the county.
Yuma County Administrator Ian McGaughey says this budget is a conservative, smart, fiscally proven budget that will fund certain projects that meet the county’s needs.
“All of these big projects come down to one thing which is how can we better serve our community and that’s the top initiative of the board. Customer service is in our strategic plan, it’s the heart of our mission and this budget helps facilitate that,” said McGaughey.
The plan includes about $38.8 million of general funding which will go towards expanding health facilities, finishing the new administration building, and a new south county transfer site to cut down on illegal dumping.
Supervisors Chairman Martin Porchas says he’s grateful for the department heads understanding during the process.
“It’s a year where we’re getting so many things. Uncertainty, and so, we just want to be ready and make sure where we can adjust if something down the road comes that is gonna affect us,” Chairman Porchas expressed.
McGaughey says the proposed budget was made to keep taxpayers in mind, ensuring the budget accomplishes a lot without increasing the general fund tax rate or combined tax rates.
“We have a very conservative outlook and we make sure we reflect that to our taxpayers. We want to keep that tax rate static,” explained McGaughey.
County officials say this budget is about stability and service, keeping Yuma strong today, and ready for tomorrow.