BOISE –FY22 budget presentations to the Ada County Commissioners begin today. The annual process involves each of Ada County’s departments and elected offices submitting their anticipated revenues and expenses for providing services in the coming fiscal year. The budget presentations will take place in the Ada County Courthouse Public Hearing Room and are open to the public. The presentations will be streamed live on YouTube.
The public testimony part of the budget process takes place Wednesday, June 16 at 4:30 PM in the first floor Public Hearing Room in the Ada County Courthouse.
The budget as submitted is approximately $284M. Public Safety and Judicial Services are the largest portion of the Ada County budget. They account for more than 62% of the county’s budget and include the Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Coroner’s Office, Juvenile Court Services, Public Defender, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Ada County Jail, and Drug Court.
“Families, individuals and businesses live within their means and so will Ada County Government,” said Ada County Board of Commissioners Chairman Rod Beck. “We will focus on our constitutional obligations as we consider how to provide the best government services for the lowest cost, just like you would.”
The most anticipated discussions will revolve around Ada County property taxes. County commissioners have the option to increase the property tax budget or maintain current funding levels.
“As we make tough and prudent decisions about how we allocate our resources we want to ensure that the level of service Ada County residents have come to expect is maintained,” said Ada County Commissioner Kendra Kenyon.
The Ada County Capital Investment Program is another critically important decision point for the board to discuss. This year’s projects include a focus on security infrastructure. Another budget item on which commissioners will deliberate are Extraordinary Operational Expenses and includes spending on items like IT infrastructure maintenance, and redistricting.
“My approach to government spending is to focus on what is affordable, and what is the best value to taxpayers,” said Ada County Commissioner Ryan Davidson. “While I believe it is important to allow each department to present their case to the board, I will be looking for ways we can operate in a lean and effective manner.”
Budget discussions will include possible cost of living and merit increases for Ada County’s 2000 employees.
As a reminder, the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) is a separate political entity, not part of Ada County government, and has its own board of commissioners.
