Board of Supervisors Informal Meeting May 18, 2026

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors held an informal meeting on May 18, 2026, primarily focused on the presentation and adoption of the fiscal year 2027 recommended budget. The meeting included a detailed economic forecast presentation by Jim Rounds of Rounds Consulting Group, highlighting economic uncertainties, job growth trends, and challenges such as Medicaid funding and water supply issues. County CFO Mike McGee and Deputy Budget Director Kristen Prindle presented the budget overview, emphasizing funding for increased medical costs, employee retention, state-mandated payments, and capital improvement projects totaling $631.2 million. Key budget highlights included a reduction in the property tax rate, increased capital spending on public safety and facilities, and funding for retention incentives in the sheriff's office. The board unanimously approved the tentative budgets for the county, flood control district, library district, and special districts, and set public hearings and tax rate hearings for June and August 2026. Discussions also covered pension paydown impacts, grant reductions, and the importance of conservative budgeting amid economic uncertainties.