JACKSON, Wyo. — Teton County will publish a final draft of the County’s budget for fiscal year 2021 tomorrow.
The fiscal year begins July 1. The Teton County Board of County Commissioners has approved the final draft and is now seeking public comment.
Preliminary budget decisions were based on the expected loss of revenue due to COVID-19 as well as the challenge of ensuring the ongoing provision of services to the community.
In addition, Commissioners took careful consideration of the hardships facing Teton County taxpayers. The budget, as published, anticipates a flat mill levy of 8.404, however, the mill levy will not be formally set until August 2020.
Significant cuts to both capital and operational expenditures were made to create a balanced budget given the projected downturn in sales and lodging tax revenues of 50%, or $9,819,391 in the coming year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
All departments and elected offices were asked to reduce operating budgets and the average reduction across internal budgets is approximately 9.5% from FY20. The draft budget reflects a salary freeze, which means that Teton County employees will not receive a raise in salary over the course of the next fiscal year. In addition, capital fund expenses are reduced by 58% from FY20 and the majority of capital expenditures are focused on repair and maintenance of existing assets rather than pursuing new projects or equipment.
The overall County General Fund budget was reduced by 19.5%, from $44,980,497 in FY20 to $36,200,893 in FY21. Funding for Human Services is proposed to remain flat at FY20 levels and will continue to benefit programs such as the Children’s Learning Center, Senior Center, Hole Food Rescue, Teton Literacy Center, One22, and more.
The public is encouraged to review the draft budget and provide feedback to the Board before a final vote is made by Commissioners at the end of the month.
Public comment can be made by emailing Commissioners at commissioners@tetoncountywy.gov, dropping off a letter at the Teton County Administration Building at 200 S. Willow Street in Jackson, or by sending a letter in the mail to PO BOX 3594, Jackson, WY 83001. Individuals can also give public comment in person or via Zoom at the beginning of Teton County BCC voucher meetings, held every Monday at 9 a.m. in the BCC Chambers at the Teton County Administration Building, at the beginning of the Teton County BCC regular meeting on Tuesday, June 16, or at the formal FY21 budget hearing on Tuesday, June 30 at 9 a.m. The draft budget will be posted online tomorrow, June 12.
