BUDGET MESSAGE

On Tuesday, June 28, 2022, the Teton County Commissioners will adopt the final budget for the upcoming fiscal year, ending June 30, 2023. Bringing the budget into balance as always requires making tough decisions related to the complexities in revenue sources and association intergovernmental payments and property tax. Decisions continue to be made to preserve the essential services and core duties of county government, as well as fiscal strength of Teton County, by maintaining healthy operational and capital reserves.

The proposed FY2023 budget represents some changes, with a decreased mill levy at 7.379 down .5 mill from FY2022. The changes in county property values have increased per a continued order from the Wyoming Department of Revenue, State Board of Equalization, requiring an effective age study and depreciation adjustment for all commercial properties, and removal of all attributes associated with residential properties, wheter improved or vacant. Teton County is the only county in the State that does not assess the full 12 mills allowable by State Statute.

The proposed general fund budget is $79,610,061, which is a substantial increase over FY2022. This increase in expense is due to an increase in Capital improvements throughout County facilities, and increase in salaries & benefits for all full-time employees, and the addition of the Library budget into the County funds. The general fund includes all general county operations such as public health and safety agencies, general county administrative services, elected offices and contracts with local human service and community development organizations. When Special Revenue Funds (such as Fire/EMS, Fair, Parks & Recreation, Capital, the Library and the BUILD Grant fund), the overall County Budget is $152,614,529.

The proposed FY2023 budget is a collaborative effort, with involvement from the Clerk, the Treasurer, the Assessor, other elected officials, the Commissioner's Administrator, and Department Directors. It represents a balanced and sustainable plan for the distribution of available finanical resources to cover current and proposed services.

The FY23 Adopted Budget will be posted here after the Board of Commissioners approve the adoption after Tuesday June 28, 2022.