Andrew Bell

The City Council meeting included presentations on the Early Literacy Concert Series and a public hearing regarding the use of Community Development Block Grant funds. The Council addressed various new business items, including the renewal of the City Prosecutor contract, approval of professional design service contracts for budget years 2027-2031, and the extension of a natural gas hedging contract. Several resolutions were discussed and approved, covering budget amendments for the golf course, the tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, the adoption of a preapproved building plan program, and authorization for the submission of an application for FY2026 State Community Development Block Grant funds. Additionally, the Council held an executive session to discuss the City Manager employment contract and addressed the final employment agreement for the City Manager position.

The council received updates regarding local summer events, economic development projects, and tourism initiatives in the Hila Valley. A new police officer was introduced to the council. Presentations were given on the early literacy concert series featuring Red Yarn and the distribution of folk song-related books to local schools. Additionally, a public hearing was held to discuss the allocation of Community Development Block Grant funds for fiscal year 2026, with proposed projects including sidewalk and ADA improvements and traffic safety enhancements.

The Commission held a public hearing regarding a rezoning request for two parcels in Graham County from highway commercial to single-family residential. Additionally, the commission reviewed and recommended for approval the 2026-2036 General Plan update, which included minor revisions following feedback from various agencies. Future updates regarding the transition to 2024 building codes were announced.

The City of Safford General Plan serves as a roadmap for development and redevelopment, guiding the community's vision, analyzing opportunities and challenges, and establishing a policy framework for strategic growth. The plan aims to solidify Safford as a premier center for commerce and trade, leveraging assets such as the Safford Regional Airport and railway for economic development, and revitalizing its historic downtown. Key strategic pillars include strengthening partnerships, providing efficient multimodal transportation, conserving natural resources and open spaces, promoting fiscally sound infrastructure expansion, supporting community services, and securing grants and funding. The overall vision is to maintain the city's small-town charm while expanding employment, retail, and service offerings, supported by safe, livable neighborhoods and attainable housing, to enhance its unique heritage and quality of life.

The council held a budget work session to review enterprise revenues and proposed balanced budgets for various city funds. The discussion included adjustments for staffing levels, healthcare cost-sharing ratios, market adjustments, merit increases, and cost-of-living adjustments. The presentation covered fund balance projections for the sanitation, landfill, water, sewer, gas, and electric departments, along with a review of the 2027-2031 capital improvement projects.