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MAYOR AND COUNCIL SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING - JUNE 10, 2026
Published: Jun 10, 2026
Douglas Council Faces Calls for Transparency on Executive Sessions and Public Engagement
During the meeting, Council member Pedro raised concerns about the clarity and transparency of executive session agendas, requesting more detail for the public to understand the matters being discussed. She also requested an update on the Douglas airport sale. Ms. Lamar echoed these concerns, asking for more public updates on Flock cameras and surveillance, and for more detail on executive session agendas. She also urged the council to prioritize transparency and not follow other boards in holding executive sessions without legal counsel. Mr. Braverman criticized the council's perceived lack of action and transparency, demanding that council members attend a meeting regarding the Douglas Tourism and Economic Authority and threatening to name those who do not engage. He also criticized the city's spending and lack of marketing funds for initiatives. The council approved several ordinances, including amendments to historic preservation rules and personnel regulations, and accepted donated property, all of which were subject to public readings and discussions. The discussion on the tentative budget revealed complexities and uncertainties regarding state funding, prompting a commitment to transparency in communicating these challenges to the public.
Douglas City Council Addresses Firefighter Compensation and Community Service Amidst Budget Discussions
The council discussed issues related to fire department personnel, including a meet and confer process with the Professional Firefighters of Douglas. The city manager recommended including cancer screenings and one certification for pay, while leaving salary increase recommendations for budget discussion. The union president requested a 3% cost of living adjustment for all fire personnel and an additional 2% for line personnel (engineer, lieutenant, captain), citing rising living costs and recruitment/retention needs. They also highlighted their community involvement as residents. Council members expressed appreciation for the firefighters' service and discussed the budget implications, noting that the city's ability to offer raises is tied to its economic growth and state funding. The tentative budget includes provisions for employee raises, with further discussion planned. The council also approved the consent agenda, which included reappointments to the Douglas Airport Authority Board and Transit Advisory Committee.
Douglas Utility Projects Advance: New Water Wells, Sewer/Water Line Installations, and Conservation Measures Announced
During the City Manager's report, updates were provided on several utility and infrastructure projects. For 'Infrastructure West Douglas Utilities,' approximately 2300 feet of sewer and 1700 feet of water line have been installed. A new well (Well 20) at the Cochise College campus began drilling operations last week, and another new well (Well 18) at Kazy Park is progressing, with water production expected in late September. Plans and specifications are complete for the Geronimo 16-inch water line replacement and reservoir roof repair. Due to high water demand and dropping water levels, the public is being asked to practice water conservation by watering lawns at night or early morning. A flyer with more information is available on the city's website and will be distributed via social media. The SCADA telecommunication project contractor has begun utility locating services, with the drilling crew scheduled for June 15th and the Saber Tower installation starting June 16th. Regarding sidewalks, the 15th Street sidewalk project through CDBG has been completed for six blocks, and the city is seeking funding to address remaining gaps. The asphalt plant has been erected and is being connected to gas and electricity, with an August or fall timeframe for operation. Chino Road realignment at State Route 80 and 191 is under construction, and a totalizer for jet fuel has been ordered for the airport.
Douglas High School Skills USA Earns National Recognition; Council Proclaims Special Months and Celebrations
The council recognized the Douglas High School Skills USA chapter for their first-place achievement at Nationals. Six students presented their projects: Andre Kamacho on facility management, Gabriel Nandez on outstanding chapter, Ayatti Mercer on 'Project Pause' for stray animals, Antonio Vasquez on entrepreneurship, and Valentina Garcia on digital cinema. Council members expressed pride in the students' accomplishments and emphasized their role as ambassadors for the city, highlighting the mission to retain and attract young talent. Several proclamations were made: 'Taylor Mowen Month' in June, 'Juneteenth Day' on June 19, 2026, and the 'America 250th anniversary' on July 4, 2026. The council also discussed various community development initiatives, including economic development workshops, the upcoming Borderlands Gravel bike race, the Homecourt Douglas youth basketball program, and the need for more community engagement from residents and businesses.
Douglas City Council Approves Annual Property Tax Levy and Tentative Budget with Salary Adjustments
The Mayor and Council reviewed and approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 26-1234, which establishes the annual property tax levy for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. The proposed tax rate remains the same as the previous year at 1.0783 per $100 of assessed value. This rate, combined with higher assessed values and new construction, results in a total tax levy of $750,838, an increase from the previous year's $724,941. A Truth in Taxation hearing was held on April 22, 2026. The council also approved the consent agenda, including expenditures for May 2026 totaling $3,464,267.76, meeting minutes, reappointments to the Douglas Airport Authority Board and Transit Advisory Committee, a liquor license for Circle K, and contract renewals for a city magistrate and animal shelter services. The tentative budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 was adopted, with a general fund budget of $23,037,639, a 2.3% increase from the prior year. The finance committee recommended excluding employees at or above pay grade level 33 from a 3% COLA, using those savings to fund an additional 2% for entry-level fire and police sworn staff, and providing a $1,000 one-time Thanksgiving bonus to all employees. The total budget, with these changes, is projected at $107,973,928 across all funds.
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The Douglas News archive
IDA Regular Meeting Agenda - June 12, 2026
IDA Regular Meeting Agenda - June 12, 2026
Special Meeting Executive Session Agenda with Actions Taken - June 10, 2026
Regular Meeting Agenda with Actions Taken - June 10, 2026
Special Meeting Executive Session Agenda with Actions Taken - June 10, 2026
Regular Meeting Agenda with Actions Taken - June 10, 2026
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