County budget officer Charles A. Martinez presented a tentative FY2027 budget proposing total spending near $157.8 million (a reported $13.693 million, ~9.5% increase). He cited state-driven social-service and pension cost growth and proposed creating a segregated ambulance operating fund financed from existing surpluses.

The Legislature received the county’s tentative budget for fiscal year 2026, which the sponsor said keeps the property tax levy unchanged but projects expense growth; the treasurer and legislators discussed fund balances, interest earnings and whether interest could offset county budget pressures and exemptions.