ALTERNATIVE EXPENDITURE LIMITATION (HOME RULE): Proposition 412 will be on the ballot at the primary election on July 30, 2024. Home Rule is a proposition that goes on the ballot every four years that reverts back to 1979 revenues. This proposition has always passed allowing the city council to pass their budget with the current day revenue. If it were not to pass, it would be detrimental to the services the city now provides to our residents. A Yes vote allows the city to continue to set its budget as presented and only spend the revenues received. Thank you for your “YES” vote.
AIR AMBULANCE INSURANCE MEMBERSHIP PLANS: At the June 25 meeting, a presentation was made by the AirMedCare Network (Banner Air) and PHI Cares (AirEvac) on their membership plans and costs. Our research has found that you are not covered if you have coverage from one company and are flown by another company. If you are being flown interfacility, you can request the company you have insurance with. The base coverage only covers you and your household if you are flown in Gila County, but there is an upgrade cost to be covered statewide. There is no argument that these services are critical. Understanding the costs, coverage, and responses is important so you do not risk paying a high flight bill in an emergency.
Here is the contact information for both flight companies:
PHI Cares: Kevin Gorskey, Senior Membership Manager, 812-259-1968
AirMedCare: Adam Martin, Membership Sales Manager, 480-489-3473
HILL STREET SCHOOL INFORMATION: The website is now up and running to get information or apply for residency at the new facility. There are two ways to get information about the Hill Street Senior Affordable housing project. Go to www.hillstreetschool.com or contact them directly by phone at 928-255-5605, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If nobody answers, please leave a callback number so they can return a call. The website shows the various floor plans for studios, one-two, and three-bedroom floor plans. It also allows you to schedule a tour of the facility.
ADOPTION OF TENTATIVE BUDGET 2024-2025: At the June 25 council meeting, the city’s finance department presented the 2024-2025 Tentative Budget for approval which is the first step in the process for final adoption. Once a tentative budget is approved, the council cannot raise the amount but has the option to lower it. The next step is to post the public hearing for two consecutive weeks in the paper and on the website beginning June 3rd. On June 16th, a public hearing will be held prior to the final adoption of the budget.
The Tentative Budget for FY 2024-2025 was adopted in the amount of $66,300,244.00. Included in the budget is $19 million for anticipated grants that may be received during the next fiscal year. If this amount is not included and a grant is received, we cannot spend those funds. The General Funds revenues reflect about a 1.5% increase from last year’s budget, which includes all the proposed revenues received in the amount of $19,569,256.00 for next year for the city to operate with. These amounts show a continued increase in sales tax revenue at around 9.5 million and a carry-forward restricted fund balance of around $2.6 million, leaving an operating budget balance of $16,900,892.00.
I want to thank our City Manager, staff and finance department for all their hard work to bring forward a balanced budget for Council to review and approve. I encourage all our residents to become familiar with the budget process to understand all the requirements of the law in order to create a balanced budget.

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