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Council meeting 06-22-2026
Published: Jun 22, 2026
Phased Rate Increase for Golf Course Water Usage Approved
The council discussed options for funding effluent and surface water usage at the golf course. The city has been providing effluent water since 2002 without charge until this fiscal year, when it was added to the budget. A rate of $2.50 per thousand gallons was established in 2014 for other users (county duck ponds), based on pipeline debt. The golf course uses an average of 191 million gallons of effluent annually, potentially costing $478,000 if charged at the established rate. Surface water from Fry Mesa averages 20 million gallons annually. Councilmember Flores proposed a phased-in rate increase, starting at $1.50/thousand gallons for city facilities (including the golf course) in FY27, rising to $2.50 by FY29, and directed staff to develop a rate schedule for non-city users at $2.50. This phased approach aims to balance costs and revenue generation for the wastewater fund.
Police Department Receives $285,000 Grant for Flock Camera System
The council discussed and approved amending the FY2027 tentative budget to include $285,000 in additional police grants for the Flock camera system. This grant will cover years two through four of the system's operation. The amendment does not change the overall budget total, but rather reallocates funds by reducing the contingency amount. Staff supports this amendment, which allows the police department to accept and utilize the grant funding.
Golf Course Projects Receive Carryover Funding of $64,000
The council approved carrying over $64,000 in unspent funds from FY2026 to FY2027 for the golf course. These funds are related to the remodeling of the kitchen ($12,000 remaining) and the driving range entry ($10,000 remaining). The carryover will allow for the completion of these projects and potential additional enhancements. The golf course generates approximately $1.5 million in annual revenue, and these improvements are expected to support its self-sufficiency goals.
Police Department Accreditation Manager to Receive 5% Duty Differential
The council discussed and approved a 5% duty differential for the Safford Police Department's Accreditation Manager. This position requires specialized knowledge, a substantial workload, and ongoing responsibilities to maintain department accreditation through the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ALEAP). Sergeant Bench has managed this process for two years, which involved extensive policy reviews and compliance with 174 standards. The accreditation status is for four years, requiring annual review of 430 proofs. The differential is recommended to recognize the specialized skills and significant workload, impacting professionalism, accountability, and operational efficiency. The differential applies to any employee assigned as Accreditation Manager, contingent upon maintaining accredited status.
Council Approves Budget Amendments, Including Police Grants, Road Projects, Vehicle Life Extensions, and Holiday Bonuses
The council discussed and approved several budget amendments. First, they approved amending the FY2027 tentative budget to include $285,000 in additional police grants for the Flock camera system, covering years two through four, without changing the overall budget total. Second, they approved amending the FY2027 tentative budget to include an additional mill and overlay project on 14th Avenue, utilizing fund balance to cover the cost, with the project's start dependent on a railroad permit. Third, they approved carrying over $64,000 in unspent funds from FY2026 to FY2027 for the golf course's kitchen and driving range projects. Fourth, they amended the FY2027 tentative budget to increase the vehicle replacement useful life by one year for Chevy trucks, large vehicles, and golf course equipment, saving approximately $170,000. Fifth, they tabled a discussion on 'ghost vehicles' to allow staff to provide more detailed information on their necessity and costs. Sixth, they approved amending the tentative budget to implement a phased-in reclaimed water rate for city facilities, starting at $1.50 per thousand gallons in FY27 and increasing to $2.50 by FY29, while also directing staff to develop a rate schedule for non-city users. Finally, they approved including $167,240 for employee holiday bonuses in the tentative budget, utilizing savings from vehicle replacement and other adjustments, with a separate discussion planned for November regarding the actual bonus approval and legality.
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The Safford News archive
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