The recent Winslow City Council meeting provided valuable insights into the city’s progress and future prospects. From updates on the local medical center to economic development initiatives and public input on the upcoming fiscal budget, the meeting covered a range of important topics that showcased Winslow’s growth and potential.
Jack Dempsey, administrator at Little Colorado Medical Center, delivered a quarterly update on the hospital, offering mostly positive news. While highlighting the hospital’s smooth operations and stability, Dempsey also raised concerns about the increasing expenses, particularly in supplies and salaries. He noted that salaries had risen by an average of 25% while reimbursements remained flat. The administrator discussed the hospital’s ongoing improvements, including the installation of a new HVAC system for improved air quality in patient rooms and lobby updates to enhance social distancing. However, Dempsey also mentioned the anticipated million-dollar deficits for the current and upcoming years, attributed to reduced federal government matching funds received during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Una Wirkebau, the City of Winslow’s economic director, presented the yearly update on economic development initiatives. Wirkebau highlighted the successful events hosted in Winslow throughout the year, including the Rural Policy Forum, farmers market, and a tour of the city organized by the Arizona Commerce Authority. She emphasized her active participation in representing Winslow at various levels, attending public and private events, presenting to the legislature, and engaging in meetings with the Arizona League of Cities and Towns, and Flagstaff Business mixers.
Wirkebau shared promising news of more than 20 developers expressing interest in investing in Winslow. These developers are eyeing opportunities in diverse sectors such as hotels, restaurants and industrial businesses. Specific properties in Winslow have caught their attention, including an eight-acre property in the heart of the commercial district on North Park Drive and the redevelopment of the old Bashas’ building. Wirkebau’s efforts also extend to economic projections, expanding bus services, and pursuing grant applications to support Winslow’s growth.
The economic director highlighted the city’s progress in business development, with the number of business licenses increasing from 16 to 46 since her tenure began. Wirkebau also mentioned the Façade grant program, which provides businesses in Winslow’s historic district with $1,000 to enhance their appearance and create a more welcoming atmosphere for tourists visiting the bustling section of town.
Additionally, the meeting introduced two entrepreneurs interested in establishing their businesses in Winslow. Zach Smith, the CEO of Smith Solar, expressed his intent to establish a solar panel factory in the city, contributing to its renewable energy initiatives. Derek Chung, co-founder of Black Teal Energy, aims to bring battery recycling and energy storage services to Winslow, aligning with the city’s commitment to sustainability.
During the meeting, the council also made a proclamation declaring June 30, as International Asteroid Day. This is due to the city’s long history with asteroids and meteors being so close to the best-preserved meteor crater in the world at Meteor Crater. International Asteroid Day is recognized around the world and the council thought it would be a great celebration of that portion of the town’s history.
The meeting also incorporated a public hearing, allowing citizens to provide their input on the proposed final fiscal budget for 2023-2024 and the estimated tax levy. This opportunity for public engagement ensures that the city council considers the needs and concerns of the community while finalizing the budget but no members of the public chose to speak at the hearings.
In other business, the council:
* Approved first amendment to Grazing Lease Agreement between the city and Jake Shumway, to extend the lease another year. The lease agreement allows Shumway grazing rights on city owned property for following certain stipulations like maintaining the land at a cost of $3 a month per cow.
* Approved the city’s annual pension funding policy for the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System, which will cost approximately $16.8 million and plans on being fully funded by June 30, 2037.
The next meeting of the Winslow City Council will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11, in the meeting room located at 523 W. Second St.
