Yuma County’s proposed 2021-22 budget sets money aside for struggling residents

News 11's Adonis Albright breaks down the county's budget for next year, and what residents need to know

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Yuma County recently unveiled its $464 million budget proposal for fiscal year 2021-2022, which marks a nearly 60% increase from last year's. According to County Administrator Susan Thorpe, the additional funds are coming from the federal government with a one-time payment of roughly $42 million in coronavirus relief aid.

The Yuma County Board of Supervisors also managed to save millions of dollars from last year's budget. According to Thorpe, that's because the board was cautious about its funds during the pandemic.

"We were in the midst of COVID, it had just started when we were trying to propose and adopt a budget for this year, so we were very conservative and we actually were very conservative with our revenues, very conservative in our expenditures. So, as we end this year we're projected to increase revenues by about $9 million over our estimate", said Thorpe.

In addition, the county's expenditures are down by almost $5 million. These extra funds, according to Thorpe, puts the county in a good spot when considering future budgets. The money could also be used for upcoming projects, including the new Administration Building on Main St.

There's also good news for Yuma County residents who have been receiving help through the county's emergency rental assistance program. The coronavirus relief aid will be put, in part, toward the program and will essentially double the funding.

“The biggest piece that we have that’s going to make a difference for the general public and those who qualify is the emergency rental assistance program. That’s going to go from $6.5 million to about $12 to $13 million, and that can go back up to 15 months", said Thorpe.

Part of the funds from the federal government will also go toward expanding broadband internet access for areas around Yuma County. 

“We want to provide universal, redundant fiber access to as many people across the entire county as we can, because broadband access is such a big problem in rural America, especially in Yuma County, and that is the board’s highest priority."

Another takeaway for residents outlined in this budget proposal: tax rates across the county will be unchanged.

“We are not increasing the tax rate for any of our districts, whether it’s the jail districts, health, library, flood control or the general fund. Our tax rate is going to stay the same. But if your assessed value of your own property went up, then your tax amount that you pay will go up. Assessed values across the county went up by 6.15%. But that just depends on if your property didn’t go up in value, then there won’t be a change. If it did go up between 0 and 6, then it will go up some."

The Yuma County Board of Supervisors will meet on June 7 to formally adopt the tentative budget, opening it up to the public for comment before adopting a finalized budget on June 28.