Alternative Expenditure Limitation (Home Rule):  Proposition 412 will be on the ballot at the primary election on July 30, 2024.  Home Rule is a proposition that goes on the ballot every four years that reverts back to 1979 revenues.  This proposition has always passed, allowing the city council to pass their budget with the current-day revenue.  If it were not to pass, it would be detrimental to the services the city now provides to our residents.  A Yes vote allows the city to continue to set their budget as presented and only spend the revenues received.  Thank you for your “Yes” vote.

Air Ambulance Insurance Membership Plans:  At the June 25 meeting, a presentation was made by the AirMedCare Network (Banner Air) and PHI Cares (AirEvac) on their membership plans and costs.  It is vital that all residents of the community research and understand these plans and costs in order to pick a plan that will fit your family needs and budget.  Our research has found that if you have coverage from one company and are flown by another company, you are not covered.  We found that these two companies are the main responders to our Globe-Miami community; that gives you a 50% chance of getting one of them on an emergency scene.  If you are being flown interfacility, you can request the company you have insurance with.  The base coverage only covers you and your household if you are flown in Gila County, but there is an upgrade cost to be covered statewide.  There is no argument that these services are critical in an emergency situation, no matter where you are.  That is why it is important to understand the costs, coverage, and responses.  Without any type of coverage for your family, you run the risk of having to pay a high flight bill in an emergency.

Here is the contact information in order for both flight companies:

PHI Cares: Kevin Gorskey, Senior Membership Manager, 812-259-1968 or kgorskey@phiairmedical.com.

AirMedCare:  Adam Martin, Membership Sales Manager, 480-489-3473 or adam.martin5@gmr.net.

Hill Street School Information:  The website is now up and running to get information or apply for residency at the new facility.  There are two ways now to get information about the Hill Street Senior Affordable Housing Project.  Go to www.hillstreetschool.com to review the site and request information online.  You are also able to contact them directly by phone at 928-255-5605, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  If nobody answers, please leave a callback number so they can return a call.  The website shows the various floor plans for studios, one-, two-, and three-bedrooms.  It also gives you the opportunity to schedule a tour of the facility.       

Adoption of Tentative Budget 2024-2025:  At the June 25 council meeting, the city’s finance department presented the 2024-2025 Tentative Budget for approval, which is the first step in the process for final adoption.  Once a tentative budget is approved, council cannot raise the amount, but has the option to lower it.  The next step is to post the public hearing for two consecutive weeks in the paper and on the website beginning July 3.  On July 16, a public hearing will be held prior to the final adoption of the budget.    

The Tentative Budget for FY 2024-2025 was adopted in the amount of $66,300,244.  Included in the budget is $19,000,000 for anticipated grants that may be received during the next fiscal year.  If this amount is not included and a grant is received, we do not have the ability to spend those funds. The General Funds revenues reflect about a 1.5% increase from last year’s budget that include all the proposed revenues received in the amount of $19,569,256 for next year for the city to operate with.  These amounts show a continued increase in sales tax revenue at around $9.5 million and a carry forward restricted fund balance of around $2.6 million that leaves an operating budget balance of $16,900,892. 

I want to thank our city manager, staff and finance department for all their hard work to bring forward a balanced budget for Council to review and approve.  I encourage all our residents to become familiar with the budget process to understand all the requirements of the law in order to create a balanced budget.                  

First Fridays:  First Fridays have become a monthly signature event and continue to grow each month with more participation from downtown businesses, vendors, and cruisers.  This event is not only enjoyed by our local residents in the community, but by many more people who are now coming from out of town on this day to enjoy the event.  Everyone is invited to participate in the downtown cruise that begins at 5:30 p.m. starting at the Active Adult Center.  We invite the community to come downtown and support the participating businesses and enjoy live music, food trucks, and vendors.  Anyone needing more information or wanting to set up a vendor booth during any First Friday event may do so by contacting Melissa Steele at 928-425-7146.