Auditor previews $136 million proposed 2026 Iron County budget; public hearing scheduled

Auditor Luke presented the county’s proposed $136 million 2026 budget in a public hearing Nov. 24, walking commissioners through revenue assumptions, debt service and proposed capital and personnel changes.

Luke said sales‑tax and tourism revenues have generally held up; building‑permit receipts and recording fees remain volatile. He listed capital priorities including continuation of the Sheriff’s Complex construction (projected finish 2027) and equipment purchases for road and landfill operations. The proposed personnel package includes a 5% cost‑of‑living adjustment plus step‑and‑grade movement for many employees, targeted position additions (IT GIS and network security, community wildfire specialist, building‑department positions, three new sheriff patrol positions and eight jail deputy positions phased in quarterly), and a proposed change from part‑time to full‑time administrative support in building services.

Luke said the county plans to use tourism tax savings to retire the Shakespeare theater bond early and maintain a debt service fund for the sheriff’s complex. Commissioners discussed staffing pressures, implementation of step and grade changes since 2022 and the difficulty of hiring in a low‑unemployment market. The public hearing was opened and closed with no public speakers; the commission will vote on the final budget at its next meeting.