Coconino County supervisors pledge resources to speed assessor backlog resolution in FY27 budget wrap-up

Chair Patrice Horseman convened the Coconino County Board of Supervisors on April 30 for a FY27 budget wrap-up that centered on addressing a large backlog in the assessor’s office.

County management told the board staff had documented a substantial workflow backlog of unappraised construction permits that the assessor had estimated would take multiple years to clear. Board members said that timeline was unacceptable and urged a faster plan, saying the county would provide resources to help the assessor implement it. County Manager Andy Burlesson summarized the approach as a collaborative one focused on providing the assessor “what resources are necessary” to expedite the work.

Staff noted that the board’s basic fiscal responsibility—setting a uniform tax rate—depends on timely appraisals, and requested the assessor provide an analysis of how the backlog affects the tax rolls and levy. Supervisors repeatedly pushed for a shorter timeline than the multi-year estimate they had been given and for a detailed plan with milestones and resource needs.

To fund near-term efforts, staff presented an amended balanced-budget recommendation that would draw modestly on the county stability fund (the proposed stability fund target was $15 million) to make one-time investments addressing the backlog among other priorities. Supervisors signaled support for dipping into stability funds for targeted, one-time uses while preserving long-term budget stability.

Staff also said they would return to the board once the assessor’s formal backlog plan is produced, so the board can consider specific investments and timelines. No formal appropriation was approved at the meeting; supervisors approved only the recommendation to pursue the amended balanced-budget approach and to work with the assessor on a funded implementation plan.

The board voted earlier in the meeting to enter executive session for legal advice before returning to open session for this budget discussion.

What happens next: staff will distribute the assessor’s backlog plan when provided and bring specific stability-fund appropriation requests to the board for approval.