City Council discusses ladder truck funding at June 24 meeting

Ladder truck purchase to be funded through donations, possible contingency funds

At the end of the June 24 meeting, Council held an in-depth discussion about the City’s ongoing efforts to secure funding for a new ladder truck, which has been identified as a top public safety priority. 

City Manager Paul Jepson explained that the truck is expected to cost between $2.4 and $2.6 million – although it could potentially go higher – with production estimated to take 12 to 18 months. 

Generous donations are expected from community partners; however, the exact final cost of the vehicle remains uncertain due to the impact of tariffs and fluctuating supply costs. The manufacturer has stated that, even with full payment upfront, they can’t guarantee a final price due to these uncertainties.

Jepson asked Council to consider supporting a letter from the Mayor that would assure potential donors the City will close any funding gap if the final cost exceeds $2.6 million. This commitment would provide reassurance to donors that the City is fully committed to completing the purchase, even if unexpected cost increases arise.

“Looking at today’s fire conditions around the country, it behooves us to move on this. We need to show that we are serious about this transaction, that we are serious about public safety.” Councilman Gonzalez

Jepson suggested that if needed, Council contingency funds could be used to close any final shortfall, though this would be considered a last resort. He noted that the City has successfully funded similar big-ticket projects in the past, such as the Hill Street School project and the community pool. Jepson also pointed out that the truck will be delivered in the 2027 budget year, giving the city time to set aside funds to cover the cost.

Council members emphasized the importance of negotiating protections into the agreement to ensure that any cost increases are clearly documented and not arbitrarily imposed by the manufacturer. Mayor Gameros also emphasized the need to reassure donors that the City would honor its end of the deal and fulfill the purchase.

Fire Chief Gary Robinson said he would speak directly with the manufacturer’s representative to clarify whether a purchase order could lock in the price or whether a contingency allowance would still be required.

Jepson stressed the urgency of moving quickly to finalize the Mayor’s letter before the end of the fiscal year, as delays could jeopardize progress on the project. Council also requested that a manufacturer representative attend the July 8 Council meeting or appear via Zoom. 

City nears goal in paying down public safety retirement liability

In connection with the City’s accounts payable amount this month – just over $1.6 million – Mayor Gameros explained that $860,000 of that amount represents the City’s annual payment to the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System. This substantial amount is paid annually and helps reduce the City’s unfunded liability for police and fire pensions.

Paul Jepson noted that this annual contribution exceeds the base rate required by the state. Nearly a decade ago, the City made the strategic decision to pay more than the minimum in order to more effectively address the long-term liability. “It’s paid dividends,” Jepson said, adding that the City is now getting very close to meeting its goal.

“Now we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.” Councilman Rios

Councilman Rios recalled the initial challenge of committing to such a large annual expense. “It felt like such a heavy lift,” he said, noting that the state had placed the burden on cities. He expressed gratitude to the mayors and councils over the past decade who have maintained their commitment year after year.

City donates $5k to Gila County Sheriff’s Posse for services provided

Police Chief Dale Walters recognized the City’s longstanding partnership with the Gila County Sheriff’s Department, particularly the Sheriff’s Posse, and praised their consistent support of Globe’s special events over the past several years. 

Commander Guy Peterson and Lieutenant Lottie were acknowledged for the Posse’s presence at events such as high school graduations, the light parade, Halloween festivities, and First Fridays. As a nonprofit arm of the Sheriff’s Office, the Posse has regularly assisted the City when available. In appreciation, a $5,000 donation was presented to the Gila County Sheriff’s Posse to help support their continued service.

On-call contracts for engineering and surveying support approved

Council approved a new round of on-call contracts for civil engineering and surveying support services. These contracts allow the City to quickly engage qualified consultants as needed for infrastructure and development projects.

Travis Ashbaugh, the City’s Assistant Public Works Planning Director, explained that the City issued a request for qualifications earlier this year and selected multiple firms to enter into one-year agreements, with the option to renew for up to two additional years. Each contract allows billing of up to $165,000 annually, contingent on identified funding and possible grant reimbursements, including WIFA funding.

The City approved agreements with 11 firms for civil engineering and professional support services, including Sunrise Engineering, Richard Powers Consulting, Dale Miller Consulting, Barnes Engineering, Civil Tech Engineering, Paradigm Design, EPS Group, The WLB Group, Horrocks LLC, SEG, and EUSI.

“The more people competing for our business, the better chance we’ll have good prices, timely responses, and find people who will help partner with us.” Paul Jepson

The City also approved agreements with four firms specifically for surveying services: Sunrise Engineering, EPS Group, Civil Tech Engineering, and SEG.

Councilman Gonzalez expressed strong support for the pre-planning involved in having qualified firms ready to go, pointing out that it improves the City’s competitiveness for grants and readiness for urgent infrastructure work. 

Councilman Shipley emphasized the long-term benefit of eventually building internal surveying capacity to reduce costs and improve speed and efficiency. Jepson agreed and said hiring a full-time surveyor remains a goal for the City, though a very specific skill set would be needed.

Motions approved

Council also approved motions for the following:

• Accounts payable in the amount of $1,600,762.82.
• Purchases under $25,000 from Alliance Service & Control and JJ Electrical Contracting.
• Approving a new window sign on the front facade of the building located at 285 N. Broad Street, which is included within the Historic Preservation Overlay District. For this approval, council sat as the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission.
• Approving a sign package on the front facade of the building located at 576 N. Broad Street, which is included within the Historic Preservation Overlay District. For this approval, council sat as the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission.
• Granting approximately a combined ±4,231 square feet for a public sewer utility easement on three parcels owned by Larry G. Mora Sr. Travis Ashbaugh explained that the need for this easement began when the City discovered a sewer line running through three private properties while addressing a manhole issue. To ensure access in case of future emergencies or necessary repairs, the City needs to formally establish a public sewer utility easement. The property owners agreed to grant the easement. Councilman Gonzalez pointed out that many of Globe’s infrastructure challenges stem from systems installed over a century ago, during the city’s boomtown era. These installations often lacked long-term planning, which now requires the City to make ongoing repairs and improvements.
• Designating Paul Jepson as Chief Fiscal Officer on behalf of the City of Globe to submit the Annual Expenditure Limitation Report for FYE 2025 to the Auditor General. Jepson explained that state law requires the City to designate a Chief Fiscal Officer each year. In the absence of a current finance director—who would typically serve in that role—Jepson has fulfilled the responsibility for the past three years. He noted that once a finance director is hired, the designation will be transferred to that position. For now, however, the Council must formally designate Jepson again to meet the annual requirement.
• Approving a health care contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield for F2025-26. Jepson noted that Blue Cross Blue Shield declined to include a standard clause required by Arizona law that prohibits doing business with certain entities linked to human rights concerns, including the Uyghur population in China. Although the City pushed to have the clause included, Blue Cross Blue Shield refused to make the modification.

Members of the Globe City Council: Mayor Al Gameros, Vice Mayor Mike Stapleton (District 4), and Council members Freddy Rios (District 1), Mike Pastor (District 2), Jesse Leetham (District 3), Mariano Gonzalez (District 5), and Fernando Shipley (District 6). All members were in attendance at this meeting except Councilman Leetham.

To view this meeting online, visit City Council Meeting – June 24, 2025.

To view documents related to this meeting, click here. 

Full minutes can be found by going to the City Hall website.

The Globe City Council meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. 

Members of the public can also participate in City of Globe public meetings by viewing the meeting live on YouTube. 

To speak to agenda items before or during the meeting, you can call or text (928) 200-0154 or send an email to council@globeaz.gov.