The Navajo County Board of Supervisors approved a $113 million tentative budget for fiscal year 2012 on Tuesday.

The amount reflects a reduction of approximately $1 million over the fiscal year 2011 year’s budget that includes a general fund budget of approximately $38 million.

“Last year we budgeted about $38 million for the general fund, but actually spent $30 million and we’ll be targeting for the same amount this year,” explained Finance Director James Menlove, adding that it’s best to budget high, because once the budget is set, the amount cannot be exceeded.

Menlove commented that this year’s budget is essentially flat with no major changes. He noted that while there are no specific capital projects outlined, $5 million is being allocated for potential jail improvements.

“The jail was originally intended to service approximately 120 inmates, but now houses around 400. The facilities used for laundry, kitchen and medical needs have needed to be expanded since 2000, and this just leaves that option open for the coming year if the board should choose to make improvements,” stated Menlove.

The board also approved the tentative budget for fiscal year 2012 for all districts.

In addition, the board rescinded fire restrictions in Navajo County. Navajo County Emergency Management has been monitoring the monsoonal weather, and in discussion with local fire districts and the U.S. Forest Service has determined that the restrictions can be lifted. Approval by the board put that motion into effect immediately.

In other action July 12, the board:

* Approved the acceptance of a grant award from Arizona Automobile Theft Authority in the amount of $23,920.23. These funds will be utilized to purchase license plate readers and accompanying laptops. The readers will be installed in patrol vehicles, and will automatically read license plates and alert deputies to stolen vehicles.

* Approved abatement of uncollectable personal property taxes in cases that the sheriff’s office, assessor’s office and treasurer’s office were unable to locate the owner or property.

* Approved an amendment to the pavement marking contract with Highway Technologies to extend the contract for one additional year.

* Authorized the extension of the contract with Petrified Forest National Park to extend dispatching services for one additional year.

* Authorized the acceptance of a $245,193 grant award from the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission Byrne Grant.

* Approved the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Project.

* Approved an amendment to an intergovernmental agreement between the Arizona Department of Economic Security and the board of supervisors for Workforce in Action (WIA) allocating funding in the amount of $478,847.

* Approved the re-appointment of Margaret Belknap and Joshua M. Hall to the Navajo County Industrial Development Authority Board for six-year terms, and the appointment of Jeff Hill to fill the remainder of Charles Hendrickson’s term, which will expire on Feb. 5, 2013.