Tentative $18.7 million budget approved by Winslow Council

The projected General Fund revenues for the fiscal year are just over $7.8 million, a $117,263 increase over the previous year. Of that total, the city sales and bed tax is projected to bring in just under $3.2 million, $154,000 more than last year. State shared revenues are projected to bring in just under $2.9 million, about $92,941 more than last year. Increases in municipal court fees, recreation fees, permits, franchise taxes and charges to other funds are projected to bring in over $1.5 million an increase of $52,425 over last year’s revenues. The property tax is projected to bring in $382,596, an increase of $212,000 over last year.

The process of budget adoption has gone through multiple stages, including a public hearing and presentations to the city council. The entire budget is available to view at the city website, www.winslowaz.gov, or by visiting city hall at 21 N. Williamson Ave.

The council also approved a special election to be held in November to extend the existing two percent tax levy on restaurants and bars. The extension would allow the levy to continue from 2018 until 2038.

Public hearings on the budget and the election drew no comment from the public.

The council heard a presentation from the Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority (NAIPTA) outlining the need for transit. Many options exist for intercity travel, as well as commuter traffic. NAIPTA is still in the process of gathering information on ridership estimates, cost and demographics. Those wishing to contribute to the discussion are invited to visit www.winslowtransitplan.com to provide their input.

The council gave approval to end the contract between the city and attorney Ellen M. Van Riper and award a contract to the law firm of Gust Rosenfeld for municipal legal services and payment. The firm, with the Winslow team headed by Nicholle Harris, will be paid $8,300 per month for general municipal counsel services as outlined in the contract.

Status reports included an update on the Winslow Lindbergh Airport runway 4-22 rehabilitation, which was ready to use as of press time.

Councilman Bob Schlesinger gave an update on the Vargas Field project, acknowledging the Public Works Department’s efforts and reminding the public not to walk on the newly laid sod.

Councilman Tom Chacon urged the council and the public to continue to buy local as often as possible, citing statistics that for every $100 spent locally, $43 of those dollars stay in the community.

Councilman Marshall Losey called attention to streetlights that need repair on Williamson Avenue, and the need to address the condition of the public walking path that parallels Interstate 40.

The council also acknowledged graduates of the 2017 Leadership Academy. The program is a seven-week educational academy teaching citizens the inner workings of city departments. Graduates included Anna Minor, Alvin Thompson, Freda Thompson, Kathleen Dragoo, Leroy Edwards, Linda Dixon, Roxanne Dean, Sharon Oliva, Toni Casale and Steven Shirley.

City Manager Steve Pauken also noted that there are still vacancies on the boards of the Historic Preservation Society and the Arts Council, as well as the Public Safety Retirement Board.

In other business, the council:

* Approved the appointment of Sarah Smithson to the Planning and Zoning Commission to replace Ross Black.

* Approved an extension and amendment of the lease for real property located at the Winslow Lindbergh Regional Airport with Flagstaff Medical Center doing business as Guardian Air Transport.

The amendment allows Guardian Air to terminate the lease at any time given a 60-day notice.

* Approved an offer to purchase a total of 20 acres of property on Mike’s Pike, a portion of Lot 8, Pioneer Acres.

The next meeting of the council will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11, when the council will be asked to approve the finalized 2018 budget. The public is invited to attend in the council chambers, 115 E. Second St.