By Talaina Kor During the Holbrook City Council meeting on July 8, the council held a public hearing for the primary tax levy for the 2022 fiscal year. Finance Director Randy Sullivan stated that due to the council not going over the two percent limit, no Truth in Taxation hearing would be held. No one from the public spoke during the hearing. This was a first reading for the council. The levy presented is for a rate of $0.4866 cents per $100 of full cash assessed valuation of all property located within the corporate limits of the City of Holbrook, a tax rate sufficient to raise the amount of $104,954 as required for the budget. It was noted by Mayor Merrill Young that the amount was incorrect in the ordinance, which was listed as $0.5026 cents per $100 full cash assessed valuation. The amount was corrected. An example of the amount assessed would be property with a cash value of $100,000 that had an assessor’s full cash value of $10,000, which would result in a tax of $48.66 annually. Another public hearing was also held for the final budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. Sullivan stated that the 2022 budget amounted to nearly $12 million. The council approved the adoption of the final budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. A contract for the transfer station waste hauling was awarded to Waste Management of Arizona, Inc., which offered the lowest bid. In a breakdown of the costs, it was noted that Blue Hills Environmental, who had the contract prior, cost $698 based on a cost example of a 7.25 ton average per 40-yard. The company did not bid for the current contract so Waste Management’s bid of $771.62 on the same cost example of 7.25 ton average per 40-yard was accepted. Larson Waste also put in a bid for $1,720 on the same cost example. City Manager Ted Soltis encouraged pedestrians to use caution while walking on the sidewalks during the hot weather. “Sidewalks have been expanding, creating trip hazards,” said Soltis, “Our crews will be repairing them soon. In the meantime, please be careful.” Soltis also thanked the Holbrook Fire Department for their part in the Fourth of July celebrations. Mayor Merrill Young extended his sympathies for his relative Jerry Young who passed away July 7. The Mayor stated he was a lifelong resident of Holbrook as well as a member of the Hashknife Posse and the Elks Lodge. “I send my warm wishes out to the family, his four girls and wife.” His sentiment was echoed by other members of the council. Councilmember Adam Marsh also asked drivers to be wary in light of the recent car accidents in the area along the highways just south of Holbrook on 277, 77 and 377. “I just want to remind people to offer everybody grace and patience on the road. We’re all going to get there, just slow down.” Councilmember Mike Nilsson remarked on how nice the parks are and as well as the pool. “How well kept the parks look. Thumbs up to the city.”
