At their June 23 meeting, Globe City Council approved a $97.7 annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year, swollen by potential monies for flood recovery and other grant-funded projects. Council also honored Chief Gary Robinson, who is marking his 25th year with the Globe Fire Department.
Council approved an annual budget for fiscal year 2026-27 of close to $98 million, including significant capacity for flood recovery projects, grant-funded work and major capital improvements.
Finance Manager Dani Beathard and Assistant City Manager Linda Oddonetto presented a budget that totals $97.7 million, including expenditures of approximately $22.3 million in the general fund, $9 million in enterprise funds, and $19 million in capital projects — which includes $10 million for bridge projects — as well as more than $47 million in grant capacity.
Councilman Fernando Shipley pointed out that the large overall budget figure includes much more than normal operating expenditures. More than three-quarters of the budget consists of capacity being created for potential grant funding and contingencies, which legally must be included in the budget in order for the city to spend those funds if they become available.
The $97.7 million represents the maximum possible amount that the city could theoretically receive.
"What people don't understand is when we set the budget, we have to allow for capacity, because if it's not in the budget, we can't legally spend it," Shipley said.
“Even though we never plan on having a flood that's going to cost all these millions of dollars, if it's not in our budget that we can spend that money … we can't legally spend it.”
The city’s actual operational budget is about $22 million.
Beathard noted that anticipated revenues exceed expenditures by roughly $14 million. That mismatch is occurring because the budget includes the proceeds of a bond for the construction of a new fire station. The city is required to budget the entire amount, but only about $2 million of those funds will be spent during the upcoming fiscal year.
Expenditures are increasing by about $40.2 million, or nearly 70%, compared with the previous budget. This increase results largely from anticipated grant funding related to flood recovery efforts.
Council also received positive news regarding state assistance. The recently approved state budget includes $2.5 million in direct relief funding for Globe, which can be used as part of the local match required for future flood recovery grants.
City Manager Paul Jepson described the challenges of preparing this year’s budget, including ongoing flood recovery efforts, uncertain funding sources, and the need to continue moving major projects forward. He reiterated the city’s commitment to projects, including the new fire station, sewer system improvements, and other strategic priorities, while avoiding unnecessary debt.
The budget also includes continued employee pay increases and additional salary adjustments intended to help retain police officers in an increasingly competitive job market.
Mayor Al Gameros pointed out that Globe has weathered a series of challenges over the past decade, including wildfires, the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent flood disaster, while continuing to improve equipment and services across city departments.
Council recognized Fire Chief Gary Robinson for 25 years of service to the Globe Fire Department, praising him for a career that has included leadership, emergency response, education and community service.
Gameros presented the recognition and reflected on Robinson's career progression through the department. Gameros originally hired Robinson when Gameros headed the department.
Robinson first came to Globe to serve as a police officer and enrolled in the firefighter training program offered through Gila Community College. After completing firefighter training, he joined the Globe Fire Department as a reserve firefighter in January 2000 and was hired full time in June 2001.
Over the next two decades, Robinson advanced through the department. He earned his paramedic certification in 2009, was promoted to captain the same year, and took the reins as fire chief in 2017.
“Leadership in the fire service is not about the title, and it's not about just responding to emergencies. It's about setting the standard, making difficult decisions under pressure, and earning the trust and the respect not only of your department, but of the community that you serve in,” Gameros said.
He highlighted Robinson's extensive professional credentials, including certifications in arson investigation, fire inspection, wildland firefighting, technical rescue and firefighter instruction.
Robinson holds a bachelor's degree in public safety and emergency management and a master's degree in public administration, and is a graduate of the Arizona Fire Chiefs Executive Officer Program.
Mayor Gameros also recognized the support of Robinson's family, noting the sacrifices often required of fire service families during long shifts, emergency deployments and wildland fire assignments.
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