The City of Holbrook has presented its budget for the coming fiscal year and City Manager Ted Soltis was asked to elaborate on some of the information provided in the last city council meeting.
He noted that he is now participating on the Northern Arizona Council of Government Economic Development Council and would be working collaboratively to “create a quality sustainable regional economy while preserving our heritage and natural resources.” Soltis explained that he was just recently appointed and only attended a couple of meetings to date. “I’ll be learning how about what might be applicable to Holbrook,” he stated.
The city has budgeted $250,000 to the restoration of the Bucket of Blood buildings located at the south end of town near the railroad tracks. Those buildings are a part of Holbrook’s Wild West but have fallen into disrepair recently, with one of the walls collapsing. Soltis was asked what the overall plan is for the area to justify the spending of those funds on that project. He stated, “As someone noted when the Navajo County Historic Courthouse was fundraising for a roof, ‘unless it’s roofed, there won’t be a building to worry about.’ Similarly, unless something is done soon in the way of stabilizing these structures, these historic buildings, a piece of Holbrook history, may be lost forever.” He noted that since he’s been the city manager of Holbrook, he’s been approached by people who are concerned over the potential loss of these buildings. “It’s possible that it may already be too late; we are waiting on an engineer to provide advice, costs, and the feasibility of a stabilization project.” He referenced David Grasse who has the non-profit Preserve Arizona, who is currently looking to make the organization a 501(c)(3) in order to collect donations for the development of that historic area.
The city’s parks will be receiving a major makeover in the coming year with a $1.4 million investment. “All of the city parks will be renovated as they have reached the end of their life expectancy,” Soltis stated, noting that Hunt Park will receive new bleachers, dugouts, fencing, playground equipment, tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, skateboard park, as well as a new walking trail.
Lisitzky Park will receive a new basketball court, playground equipment, bleachers and benches. And Lewis Park will receive new playground equipment and picnic tables.
Soltis explained that DV Stuart is now handling code enforcement for the city and that the latest projects include two burned out mobile homes on Desert View Drive that were destroyed by fire. The first mobile home site was cleaned up by staff and the second site should be finished by the next council meeting.
Regarding other blight problems, Soltis noted that the city is part of a $600,000 Brownfield Assessment grant that was obtained by the Apache County Coalition. “This Brownfield assessment grant, which is a three-year grant to be used to do site inventories, site assessment, in support of renovation, cleanup, and reuse planning.” Soltis stated that this would be used to address blighted buildings on Hopi Drive and Navajo Blvd. but did not elaborate on which buildings would be targeted with the city’s portion of those funds.
Regarding new business development, Soltis reported having received many inquiries for locating to Holbrook. When asked if there were any incentives for new business development, Soltis replied, “No one is requesting incentives. The community naturally has incentives like rail connections, highway access, an airport, low-cost housing, low taxes, and low building fees to name a few.”
He went on to explain that a number of businesses will soon be locating in the Holbrook area. Those mentioned included West Camp Wind, a wind turbine company that will be located 10 miles south of Joseph City and will provide approximately 500 construction jobs. That project is estimated to begin in 2025. Clenera, another solar energy company, will be located just north of Holbrook and will create 200, with a peak of 500 construction jobs. The project is slated to begin in 2024.
Another unnamed solar company is also reportedly looking at the area and is in the process of securing land. This too will bring in 300-350 construction jobs.
According to Soltis, once completed each of these projects will offer eight to 12 permanent positions for the operation of the projects. But Soltis was optimistic, noting that would bring 24 to 36 more families to the community. “These projects and others will generate a number of other opportunities like new homes, hotels, restaurants, etc.”
A public hearing regarding the proposed budget is scheduled for 6 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday) at the City Council Chambers, located at 465 N. First Ave. Those interested in addressing the council or manager regarding the budget are encouraged to attend.
