During last week’s meeting of the Winslow City Council, the council reconciled having to cut appropriations to public events, having only $10,000 available for fiscal year 2026, which is substantially less than in prior years. This past year had a budget of $25,000 and $30,000 the year before. City staff presented several allocation options to the council, leading members to debate how best to divide the funds.
Councilmember Samantha Crisp suggested distributing the cuts proportionally, saying, “We received a reduction of approximately 55%, reducing that amount just seems most fair to me.” She offered specific figures under this model, such as $1,445 for the Christmas parade, $1,354 for the Standin’ on the Corner Festival, $2,257 for the Just Cruisin’ Car Show and $1,783 for the fireworks display.
Mayor Birdie Cano expressed concern about fully allocating the budget without flexibility, suggesting, “I would like a little bit in miscellaneous, because you never know. Something might arise that’s very important.”
The discussion then turned specifically to the fireworks show, a major event for Winslow. Councilmember Daniel Tafoya said he did not like significantly reducing funding for the fireworks, emphasizing, “We have a great fireworks show. We had one of the only [shows] in Northern Arizona this year.”
Councilmembers also explored the possibility of supplementing future fireworks budgets by allowing residents to voluntarily donate through their monthly water bills. Mayor Cano supported the concept, saying, “I would be willing to donate or round up every water bill I had,” suggesting that regular but small monthly contributions could add up significantly. Staff noted they already have a web-based donation option but Cano emphasized a utility-bill-based system would make donations more accessible.
Ultimately, the council agreed on one of the scenarios presented by city staff, which provided some funding to major events while preserving a small amount of discretionary funds for miscellaneous requests. The vote was unanimous.
The vote resulted in $3,250 for the Christmas parade, $1,000 for the Standin on the Corner Festival, $1,500 for the Just Cruisin Car Show, $1,000 for the Pow Wow, $250 for Inkfest, $500 for the Clear Creek Cowboys annual ride and $1,000 for miscellaneous to be appropriated later.
Earlier in the meeting, City Manager David Coolidge delivered an update on ongoing city projects. He reminded residents about the upcoming Clear Creek cleanup event scheduled from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, July 19, which will feature food, prizes and a dunk tank. “Our staff will also be grilling hot dogs for those participating and there’ll be water—obviously it’s probably going to be pretty warm,” Coolidge said.
Coolidge also announced the city is beginning the process of rewriting its zoning code to align with the recently adopted general plan. The current code, dating back to the 1980s, requires updating and simplifying. “We’re going to try and structure it where it’s much easier to follow along,” Coolidge explained, noting that monthly meetings would continue through early 2026, with public input sessions starting in spring 2026.
The manager addressed fireworks complaints received during the July 4 holiday, clarifying current regulations. Coolidge explained, “Permissible fireworks may not be used between the hours of 11 p.m. and 8 a.m., except for New Year’s Eve and actual July 4th,” and that non-permissible fireworks—such as aerial fireworks and firecrackers—”are prohibited regardless of the day and time.” He acknowledged that local enforcement options are limited under current city code and he spoke to council about solutions other municipalities have to this problem, the council said they would have future sessions to discuss it.
Coolidge concluded his report by praising the city’s parks staff after receiving a compliment from a visiting coach during recent regional Little League All-Star games. The coach reportedly told city staff that Winslow’s ballfields were better maintained than those in their own community, saying it showed how much the city supports its youth sports programs.
Finally, Coolidge reminded councilmembers that their July 22, meeting requires at least six members present, as the adoption of property tax levy would be discussed. The Aug. 12 meeting has been canceled.
In other business, the council:
* Approved the purchase of a Ford F-150 for the police department at a cost of $82,502.
* Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Navajo County Library District for membership in the program.
* Approved the transfer of a trained K-9 from the police department to the Arizona Department of Corrections.
* Approved designating Daniel Hendrix the chief fiscal officer as required to submit expenditure reports to the state auditor general.
The next meeting of the Winslow City Council will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 26, in the meeting room located at 523 W. Second St.
