Coconino County Board of Supervisors Budget Meeting - April, 23, 2026

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors held a budget meeting on April 23, 2026, focusing extensively on the financial and operational needs of the county's court system, including the Clerk of Superior Court, Juvenile Court Services, Adult Probation, Superior Court, and Justice Courts. Key procurement-related discussions included requests for funding new and temporary staff positions, such as a three-year limited term digital services clerk for the Clerk's Office and continued funding for a temporary chief deputy. The meeting also addressed capital improvement projects like the remodeling of the Fredonia Justice Court building and signage upgrades at the Page Justice Court. Budget challenges were highlighted, including staffing shortages, increasing case loads, and the need for technology upgrades, such as courtroom audio and transcript systems funded partly by ARPA money. The board discussed the potential creation of a Division 7 court to handle growing case volumes, noting the significant recurring costs and the lack of state funding mandates for this expansion. Concerns were raised about anticipated state budget shortfalls impacting probation services, with a projected $675,000 funding gap, and the need to explore alternative revenue sources, including sales tax. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of the courts' community outreach efforts, innovative programs like the Justice Bus, and the importance of staff wellness and retention amid increasing demands.