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Next level of state budget cuts will further impact county programs and services

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Coconino County officials anticipate additional reductions in County programs and services as a result of proposed State budget cuts in the current State Legislative special sessions. An additional 15 percent to 30 percent reduction in state program funding means that state services delivered by the county will be reduced or eliminated. These program cuts will affect local individuals, families and the local economy. These state budget cuts are in addition to $4.5 million in state program funding reductions over the past 18 months.

The anticipated cuts to county departments are in three main areas:

- Reductions in state programs delivered by the County.

- Cost shifts from the state to the county.

- Continuing decline in local revenues.

Further reductions to public health programs expectedContinuing cost shifts reduce county road maintenance

Proposed cost shifts from the state to the county will transfer mandatory costs to the county that it has not covered in the past. One proposed shift will reduce the amount of gasoline tax returned to the county - funds that are used to maintain county roads. The gasoline tax is referred to as the Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF). HURF was reduced by $600,000 last year and the state is proposing a reduction of an additional $700,000 this year. The continued depletion of HURF monies means that the County will be unable to purchase needed road maintenance equipment, or continue the development of key capital improvement projects.

A hiring freeze has been instituted on twelve vacant Public Works positions. In addition, recent reductions in ADOT snow plowing services on Highways 180 and 89A during heavy snowfall periods will result in limited or delayed access to County roads located off of these highways.

Justice system impacts

Another proposed cost shift makes Coconino County responsible for paying the salaries of Superior Court and Justice Court judges. This amounts to a cost shift of approximately $500,000 per year.

An additional proposed cost shift transfers Department of Corrections costs to County detention facilities. Prisoners sentenced to the Department of Corrections for a year or less would be held in County detention facilities rather than a State facility, resulting in a loss of bed rental revenue estimated at $2 million per year.

Department of revenue cost shifts

Given State budget reductions, the Department of Revenue (DOR) no longer provides property valuation services to some Arizona counties. As a result, the associated costs have shifted to the counties. Coconino County has purchased the technology and software necessary to perform property valuations, which cost the County over $1 million. These additional responsibilities will also impact other services at the offices of the County Assessor and Treasurer.

The State is also proposing the elimination of the Property Tax Division within DOR, which means that the County will be responsible for valuing centrally valued properties, such as utilities and railroads.

Local revenues continue downward trend

In addition to the State cuts, local revenues are continuing their downward trend. The attached table shows the reduction in revenues since the high point in 2007. To address revenue reductions, the County has laid off 16 employees and has frozen another 30 General Fund positions as of November 1. The loss of staff impacts services provided by most County departments, such as the Sheriff's Office, Parks and Recreation and Public Works. With the slow return of the economy and the continuing budget crisis at the State, County officials expect further service reductions over at least the next two years.

For more information, call the Coconino County Manager's Office at (928) 679-7144.


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