Curry County adopts preliminary FY27 budget, approves Texaco agreement amendment and several grant applications

The Curry County Commission on May 28 adopted a preliminary fiscal year 2026–27 budget and approved several action items and grant applications during a two‑part meeting that included budget hearings.

County Manager Benjamin Powell presented the preliminary budget: general fund revenues projected at $26,987,005, with property tax revenue of $11,646,916 and gross receipts tax projected at $12,558,590. Manager Powell said interest income projections were $1,141,385 and that transfers to support special funds (roads, fairgrounds, event center) would be necessary; he reported a total projected operating budget of roughly $50.5 million across funds. The commission adopted Resolution 2026‑34 to approve the preliminary budget on a roll call vote.

On action items, commissioners unanimously approved an amendment to an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Texaco that removes contract language conditioning county support on EPCOR being the operator on record after Mayor Autry said Texaco now has certified operators and the city can perform water operations directly. Mayor Autry told the commission the city currently pays EPCOR $5,033 per month and has reduced other operational costs since taking over many functions.

Other approved items and authorizations included:

• Vehicle purchase: two 2026 Ram 3/4‑ton crew cab 4x4 supervisor pickups via the CES contract, for $108,830, funded from cost savings in renovations and improvements; approved by motion and roll call.

• Grants: Resolution 2026‑31 authorizing a Safe Streets and Roads for All grant application (request not to exceed $542,986 with a county cash contribution up to $136,000; total project cost not to exceed $678,986) and Resolution 2026‑32 authorizing a Celebrate America (NEH) grant application (request up to $25,000 with up to $25,000 county match; total project up to $50,000) — both were approved by roll call.

• Fairgrounds sponsorship lease: commissioners approved a sponsorship trade deal negotiated by fairgrounds staff to lease a skid steer and maintenance for roughly $29,450/year in wrapped advertising assets and a goodwill provision for two side‑by‑sides for fairgrounds use.

• Broadview brush truck: Broadview Volunteer Fire Department identified an available 500‑gallon brush truck for about $298,000. Broadview pledged $150,000 toward the purchase; county staff proposed a short‑term loan repaid from the department's annual fire fund receipts and planned to bring a ratification item to the next meeting; commissioners gave staff verbal approval to proceed and to ratify subsequently.

The budget adoption was procedural (preliminary) and allows the county to operate until the final budget is adopted after June deliberations and updated revenue/insurance estimates. Manager Powell said staff will continue to refine numbers and return to the commission with negotiated contract options and any recommended transfers before the final budget vote.

The commission adjourned after executive session actions on personnel were announced. The next scheduled meeting is June 11 at 9 a.m.