Yuma County approves new $535M budget
Adrik Vargas
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma County has approved its new 2026-27 fiscal year budget, with county leaders highlighting no increase in property taxes and continued funding set aside for emergencies.
County officials described the budget as one focused on long-term stability while continuing to provide services without expanding the workforce.
They say one of the biggest goals this year was improving efficiency and finding new ways to deliver services while keeping residents at the center of county operations.
County leaders say part of what helped make keeping property tax rates unchanged possible was refinancing debt, which freed up money elsewhere in the budget and helped offset rising costs without increasing taxes.
Another priority in this year’s budget was maintaining emergency funding.
County leaders say reserve funds are important to ensure the county can respond quickly during unexpected situations such as natural disasters, extreme heat, economic challenges, or other emergencies.
Supervisor Tony Reyes said having accessible emergency funds gives the county flexibility to respond without having to rearrange other parts of the budget.
He also said those funds could become important if community needs arise unexpectedly and require immediate action.
County officials say the budget reflects more than county spending priorities, they say it reflects the county’s overall values and commitment to serving residents.