Yuma County Administrator Ian McGaughey will present the Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2026/27 during a special session of the Board of Supervisors on Monday, April 27. The proposed $535.6 million budget reflects the County’s continued commitment to fiscal stability, strategic investment and the delivery of essential services to residents.

“This Recommended Budget reflects our commitment to financial responsibility while investing in the services, people and infrastructure that Yuma County residents depend on,” said County Administrator Ian McGaughey. “The budget is grounded in long-term planning to ensure a strong foundation for the future.”

The budget is the first to emerge from the County’s new Five-Year Planning initiative, which connects department goals, risk management and long-term strategy to a clear vision of where Yuma County is headed.

Key highlights of the Recommended Budget include:

• A 2.42 cent increase in the property tax rate, partially restoring the 8.76 cent General Fund reduction adopted in FY 2023/24, to reinforce long-term financial stability. It’s recommended that any future adjustments be considered every other year following a reassessment of the County’s fiscal health.
• A levy that falls well below the allowable limit for the 15^th consecutive year.
• No net increase in total County workforce.
• Strategic capital investments, including expanded facilities for the Yuma County ITS and Facilities Management building, completion of the Sheriff’s Office Foothills Substation expansion and University of Arizona Cooperative Extension building.
• A 3% pay-scale adjustment and a 3% performance-based increase to employee compensation to help recruit and retain a strong workforce.
• A projected year-end General Fund balance of approximately 24.26% of total uses, meeting the County’s policy goal of 20% and including a $5 million recession contingency.
• A 3% reduction in total appropriations compared to the current budget.

“This recommended budget is the product of months of rigorous work by staff and elected officials,” McGaughey said. “I am proud to present a plan that reflects careful planning and positions the County to meet both current needs and future challenges.”

The Board’s special session on Monday begins at 9 a.m. in the E.F. Sanguinetti Auditorium at 197 S. Main Street in Yuma. The meeting will include a presentation of the FY2026/27 Recommended Budget, followed by a review of budgets for departments, offices and external agencies receiving County funding. The public is encouraged to attend and offer comments.

Adoption of the Tentative Budget is set for June 1, with Final Budget adoption scheduled for June 22.

To learn more and view the full Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2026/27, visit https://county-yuma-az-cleardoc.cleargov.com/24961, or click the banner at the top of the homepage.

For additional information, please contact Dave Nash at 928-373-1111 or via email at Dave.Nash@yumacountyaz.gov.

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