Carefree Truth

Issue #324, May 30, 2014

 

 

 

Gary Neiss reported that the state and local revenue streams are showing slight increases, an encouraging trend.  These are the two sources of income, as Carefree has no local property tax.

 

 

 

The Town is continuing the streets maintenance program.  Over 4 million dollars has been spent on the streets over the past four years, and issues will continue to be addressed as needed after the big projects are completed. 

 

 

 

17 new homes are under construction and an additional 60 are in the planning stages, but construction will level off over time.  So the focus will be on diversifying revenue sources. 

 

 

 

The future lies in economic development.  Approximately 15% of the 2014/15 fiscal year budget is earmarked for economic development and the revitalization plan.  The plan prioritizes "brick and mortar" projects and investments in infrastructure.

 

 

 

Carefree has a small staff of 15, including those in the Public Works Department.  An additional Events Liaison/Marketing position is being considered.  This would enhance the public outreach program with residents, businesses, landlords, event promoters and visitors.

 

 

 

The Carefree Christmas Festival is funded by a collaboration of the Town, the local merchants, and corporate sponsors. $30,000 is budgeted for the 2014 Christmas Festival, which is considered a premier event in Arizona, and which attracts more than 20,000 people.  The goal is to make the Festival better and safer, rather than bigger.  Cave Creek invests over $90,000 in Wild West Days, their signature event.

 

 

 

There are 8 concerts scheduled in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion during the early winter-late spring season, organized by the promoter who previously held the popular series at El Pedregal.  Summer Classic Movie Nights are also being considered for the Pavilion.

 

 

 

$200,000 is budgeted for the MAG bike lane project, which is funded through a grant to Carefree and Cave Creek, although it is uncertain whether it will be implemented in this budget year or the following one.  The project is being managed by ADOT, and the timing is in their hands, but the money must be included in the budget should the project begin during the 2014/15 fiscal year.  At a meeting to provide information about the project and to receive public feedback, a representative from MAG stated that all the bicyclists who were interviewed said they returned to both towns to dine and shop after riding through, so as well as making the streets safer and more functional, bike lanes are an economic development tool.

 

 

 

Timing is crucial, as the lease for the space in the 100 Easy Street building where the Town meetings are now held expires in 2016.  Exploration is underway to determine if it would be better to renew the lease and continue to rent, or to expand the Carefree Town Hall located at 8 Sundial Circle.

 

 

 

Mr. Neiss stressed that the budgets are typically high, and not all the money is spent, but if potential expenditures are not included, the money cannot be spent.  Funds can be moved around within the budget, but once set, the bottom line cannot be exceeded.  The next step is to advertise the proposed budget in circulating newspapers, pursuant to the Arizona Auditor General's Municipal Budget Schedules.  The budget will be adopted at the June Council meeting, and the 2014/15 fiscal year begins on July 1st.

 

 

 

Councilman Mike Farrar had spoken to the concert promoter to move that program forward, and he expressed his enthusiasm about the concert series and movie nights in the improved Pavilion.  Mr. Neiss agreed, saying these are wonderful family events.  

 

 

 

Councilwoman Melissa Price questioned the increased amount budgeted for the Carefree Cemetery.  Mayor David Schwan explained that the cemetery needed maintenance work done, and was being expanded.  Ms. Price requested that sidewalks and pockets of parking be considered for the future.  She asked about the strategy for investing in the cultural attraction that Ed Lewis feels is crucial to his Easy Street mixed use project.  The Mayor assured her there was adequate room in the budget, as well as many financial options that can be pursued going forward, but said that issue is "not even close yet".

 

 

 

A bottom line of 8.29 million dollars was unanimously approved by the Council.   

 

https://vimeo.com/94902592

 

 

Lyn Hitchon

 

 

 

 

Prepared by Carefree Truth

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