Council passes FY 2025-2026 budget, introduces ‘City Cents’ campaign

The City of Globe is heading into Fiscal Year 2025-2026 with City Council’s passage of a healthy budget that funds vital infrastructure while Council continues to plan for the future.

The $57 million budget is about $5 million less than the previous year, and relies on sound strategies and targeted reductions to balance spending.

Council focused on three major areas this year: water, wastewater, and the road tax and Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF) funds provided by the State to be used for road maintenance. To prepare for potential fiscal emergencies, $3 million will go toward contingency reserve funds to avoid disruptions in City services should problems arise.

Highlights of the new budget include investments in public safety and critical infrastructure that is either aging out or necessary to improve residents’ quality of life.

The Globe Fire Department will see investments in firefighter safety as well as increased wildfire overtime pay, with $450,000 intended to reduce pension debt.

The Police Department will receive five necessary police vehicles, as well as a full-time Victim Advocate, and two new unsworn Police Aid positions as a stepping stone to becoming law enforcement officers.

Additionally, Public Works will receive $450,000 to invest in new vehicles, crucial cemetery upgrades, and consultants to plan future infrastructure projects.

“This budget reflects the continued commitment Council and our staff have for building a strong economic foundation for the future of our city,” says Globe Mayor Al Gameros. “We need to continue to upgrade our 100-plus-year-old aging infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for our residents. We have prioritized housing to support sustainable growth, which is our main focus.”

Thanks to recent infusions of grant money from federal and state governments and businesses serving the Copper Corridor, much of Globe’s revenue increases have come from outside the community. In addition to external dollars that have helped bring large projects such as Connie’s Bridge and the community pool to fruition, sales tax income—much of it coming from people passing through—has increased by 11% over last year to $1.1 million.

Council has also tightened the City’s belt and reduced spending by $343,000 as part of a responsible approach to balancing the budget.

While there is plenty of good news in this year’s budget, there will still be challenges though, as City Council and staff must find a way to address key infrastructure challenges—water and sewer upgrades, sidewalk improvements and a new ladder truck and firehouse—if federal funds are not forthcoming.

The budget process has not happened in a void, as it has been crafted through a long series of public meetings and outreach by the City.

In the months leading up to the budget’s passing, the City’s Economic and Community Development Department (ECDD) rolled out City Cents, a series of presentations and social media posts to help inform the public about the budgeting process and give details about how tax dollars are being spent.

The campaign is part of an increased effort to educate the community, create transparency and open a dialog with residents of Globe.

“Public engagement is crucial to transparency in local government,” says Gameros. “Running a city is very complex, and there’s so many things you have to take into account. It’s important for people to participate and for us to be candid about what we’re doing.”

As part of that outreach campaign, Gameros has established “Coffee With the Mayor,” taking place at Copper Cities Coffee at 1 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month.

The City Cents program will continue, with the next iteration focused on people, process and progress. Details can be found at www.globeaz.gov, which includes a link to download the City of Globe app, providing regular updates, notifications and news on municipal actions. 

There are also links to Globe’s social media, including Facebook and YouTube, where public meetings are posted and archived for those who may not be able to make it to public meetings in person.