Public Meetings - Eloy, Arizona

The Eloy Planning & Zoning Commission met on May 20, 2026, at 5:15 PM in the Eloy City Council Chambers. The primary action was a public hearing and recommendation on the city's General Plan update (Case GPA2026-001), a major policy document replacing the 2020 plan. Commissioners also received an informational presentation on a request for qualifications (RFQ) for airport planning and environmental consulting services for the Eloy Municipal Airport. The meeting opened with roll call, pledge of allegiance, and approval of the March 11, 2026 minutes. Consent Calendar - Unanimous approval of the March 11, 2026 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting minutes (motion by Commissioner [unnamed], seconded, all ayes). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak during the public appearances portion. No public testimony was offered during the public hearing for the General Plan update. Discussion Items - General Plan Update (GPA2026-001): Dan Seimer, Planning Director, and Terry Hogan of Logan Simpson presented the “Eloy General Plan: Planning Today for a Stronger Tomorrow,” covering approximately 521.7 square miles. The update followed an extensive 18-month public engagement process with about 9,400 community engagements, 4,600 website visits, 306 questionnaire responses, and 224 comments during the 60-day review period. The plan includes four themed chapters, a future land use map, and an implementation action plan. Commissioner Whitman raised several specific edits to policies and glossary terms, which were discussed and incorporated into the motion. - Airport Planning RFQ: Christina Wozniak, Public Works Operations Manager and Airport Manager, presented information on the city’s RFQ for airport planning and environmental consulting services. Only one proposal was received, from Coffin Associates (a Pape Dawson company), which has a 30-year history with the Eloy Municipal Airport. The proposed agreement is three years with two optional one-year extensions. Services are on an as-needed basis and largely grant-funded. Commissioners expressed support for the firm’s qualifications. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve General Plan with Modifications: Commissioner Whitman moved to approve and adopt the General Plan update with the following modifications: - Policy LU 2.3 (page 66): Add “within growth areas” to the sentence about promoting sustainable mobility, and define “sustainable mobility” in the glossary. - Housing and neighborhoods: Change “affordable housing” to “attainable housing” throughout (consistent with glossary definition). - Policy DT 1.8 (page 88): Change “design for alternative mobility and curb management” to “design to accommodate mobility alternatives” and strike “curb management.” - Policy C 1.112 (page 133, technology): Strike the specific examples “electric vehicle charging and autonomous vehicle readiness,” keeping only “integrate emerging transportation technologies.” - Action PE 16 (page 141): Change “formalize programs” to “promote programs.” - Additionally, staff will verify the appropriateness of industrial development authority bonds for housing finance; if not suitable, alternative bonding mechanisms (e.g., CFDs, community revitalization districts) will be substituted. Non-substantive editorial comments from Commissioner Whitman were also incorporated. - The motion was seconded and passed unanimously on a roll call vote (Commissioners Lopez, Bacta, Whitman, Crawford, Frasetto, Vice Chair Tolson, Chairman Paulson all ayes). This recommendation will go to the Eloy City Council for a special hearing on June 1, 2026, and subsequently to voter ratification in November 2026. - No action on Airport RFQ: The item was informational only; no vote was taken. The commission expressed support for the consultant selection, and staff will bring the agreement to city council for final approval.

On Monday, May 18, 2026, the Eloy City Council held a work session to review the proposed tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. (note: the agenda listed a 4:00 p.m. start time, but the transcript indicates a 5:00 p.m. start). No public comments were made. City Finance Director Brian R. presented the budget overview, covering revenues, expenditures, personnel changes, and capital projects. The total proposed budget is $105,612,540, a reduction of approximately $10 million from the prior year's $115 million budget, primarily due to the completion of large capital transfers from the general fund to water and wastewater projects. Discussion Items - Budget Overview: The FY2026-2027 tentative budget totals $105,612,540. The general fund is $28.1 million (down $12.3 million due to reduced transfers out). Special revenue funds account for 33% of the budget, capital projects funds for 28%, enterprise funds for 12%, and the perpetual care fund for 2%. The budget is balanced with expenses matching revenues, and contingencies are built into funds such as the general fund ($2.7 million contingency). - Revenue Outlook: City sales tax is up slightly (about $300,000), primarily from construction/manufacturing. The primary property tax rate will increase from 0.9769% to 0.9848%, a nominal increase. State shared revenue is conservatively budgeted at $3.6 million due to uncertainty at the state level. Water/wastewater rate increases (second of five) effective November 1, 2026, and a 4.8% sanitation increase (Waste Management) effective July 1, 2026, are included. - Personnel and Compensation: The budget includes a 4% general wage increase for all employees, market adjustments for positions identified in the classification and compensation study (about $204,000 including benefits), and a 1% holiday incentive. Health insurance costs increase by approximately 4.8%. Two new positions are added: a public works inspector (costing $107,000) and a police dispatcher ($89,000). Minimum wage is programmed at $15.15 per hour. - Key Cost Drivers: 4% wage increase ($430,000 including benefits), market adjustments ($204,000), two new positions, one-time cash payouts for retirements ($91,000), and a slight decrease in Arizona State Retirement contributions (from 12% to 11.97%). - Fund-by-Fund Review: The director reviewed each fund, highlighting major changes: - Streets Fund: $5.58 million, up $4.1 million due to Sunland Gin/Erica Road project ($3.5 million) and increased operating costs. - Streets One-Time Fund: $1.9 million, with no specific projects identified but available for unexpected needs. - LTAF: $11,860, no significant changes. - Economic and Community Development Fund: $2.6 million, increase of $188,110; includes rollover projects for general plan update. - Police Impound and Public Safety Equipment Funds: Small budgets ($13,490 and $11,265) for public safety expenses. - Grants Fund: $14.69 million, increase of $1.8 million; includes three grant-funded personnel (Githem, HIDA, SRO) and $4.8 million for Sunland Gin road grant. - JCF and Court Recovery Funds: $67,680 and $192,130 for court-related expenses; potential use for security upgrades. - Opioid Settlement Fund: New $500,000 budget; total settlement over $2.1 million, funds to be used for opioid-related expenses. - Economic Incentive Fund: $5 million, no expenditures identified. - Smart and Safety Fund: $230,425 for public safety expenses from marijuana tax. - Water Allotment Fund: $130,000; holds funds for Linmark's water allocation; reimbursable if agreement canceled. - Cemetery Fund: $237,465, decrease of $176,705 due to completion of capital projects (backhoe, vegetation work). - Airport Fund: $1.06 million, increase of $656,000 for lease updates and policy work. - Perpetual Care Fund: $23,835, decrease reflecting plot sales. - Capital Projects Fund: $3.2 million for general administration capital projects, including police vehicles, senior center renovation, and flexibility for unforeseen projects. - Impact Fees: Parks ($1.2M), Police ($1.1M), Water ($378,380), Streets ($1.2M); wastewater impact fee fund exhausted. These funds are for growth-related expenses only. - Utility Obligation Bond: $22 million for water/wastewater improvements. - Enterprise Funds: Water ($4.73M, decrease of $3.73M), Wastewater ($5.22M, decrease of $9.79M), Sanitation ($3.05M, decrease of $674K). Reductions due to completion of major projects and bond payoffs. Contingencies established for each fund. - General Fund Departments: Reviewed each department budget: - City Council: $352,500 (increase for community programs and partnerships). - Human Resources: $545,360 (increase due to ESI contract). - City Clerk: $655,700 (increase for E1 software support and risk retention pool). - Magistrate Court: $675,530 (slight decrease). - City Manager: $677,320 (increase for legal expenses). - Finance: $1.24 million (decrease due to removal of one-time payout, but increase in software subscriptions). - Legal: $214,845 (no change). - Community Development: $2.7 million (increase for outside plan review). - Contingency/Debt/Transfers: $9.78 million (includes $2.7M contingency, $200K for Veterans Park improvements, $50K for 250th 4th of July celebration). - Community Services: Administration ($671K), Parks ($687K), Recreation ($1.1M), Library ($308K), Facility Maintenance ($562K). Increases for programming, HVAC replacement, and air scrubber bulb replacement. - Police: Administration ($2.2M), Field Operations ($4.65M), Animal Control ($300K). Animal control budget increased by $100K to fund two potential positions and/or contract with Pinal County. Council expressed interest in bringing animal control in-house; further discussions planned. - Public Works: GIS ($67K), Fleet Services ($307K), Public Works Administration ($14K). Minor changes. - Capital Projects: The CIP includes 42 projects totaling $37.1 million, primarily water/wastewater, streets ($9M, including Sunland Gin/Erica Road), airport ($2.7M), and general capital. Two new projects added: animal facility (in year five) and permitting software upgrade. - Next Steps: The tentative budget will be adopted by resolution on June 8, 2026. A two-week public notice period follows. A special meeting for public hearing and final budget adoption is scheduled for June 25, 2026, at either 5:00 or 5:30 p.m. The property tax levy will be adopted at the regular council meeting on July 13, 2026. Key Outcomes - The council received the FY2026-2027 tentative budget presentation and discussed its elements. No formal vote was taken; the budget is scheduled for adoption on June 8, 2026. - The council expressed interest in advancing animal control services, with funding available in the animal control budget ($300,000) and contingency fund ($2.7 million) for potential in-house positions and facility upgrades. Further discussions with Pinal County are ongoing. - The council discussed the community outreach program allocations; a separate closed-door meeting will be scheduled (likely June 22, 2026, before the regular council meeting) to review applications, with final decisions brought to a future public meeting. - The status of the HUD building purchase across from the police station remains uncertain due to HUD personnel changes; the project is still in the CIP but no budget has been allocated yet.

The Eloy City Council met on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The meeting opened with a moment of silence, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a special proclamation honoring the Robson Ranch Singers. Council unanimously approved the consent agenda (with the exception of minutes, voted separately), a second amendment to a property purchase and sales agreement, and a resolution authorizing a state housing grant application. Proclamation – Robson Ranch Singers Day - Mayor Andy Sutton read a proclamation declaring May 24, 2026, as Robson Ranch Singers Day in Eloy, recognizing the group’s upcoming performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The singers performed a short preview of their repertoire. Vice Mayor Tarango read the formal proclamation. Reports and Announcements - Mayor's Announcements: Attended the Eloy Chamber of Commerce luncheon (April 30), where City Manager McKenzie presented on economic development; attended the ribbon‑cutting for Luke’s House for Behavioral Health (May 1); and the Cinco de Mayo celebration in the park. - Council Members’ Announcements: - Councilmember Curtis noted the Robson Ranch Singers’ concerts and the need to pay for sheet music; also attended the chamber luncheon where Exceptional Hospital presented on patient protocols. - Councilmember Garcia attended the Pinal County Partnership breakfast, reporting that eight copper companies are active in the county; highlighted that the only U.S. smelter is in Salt Lake City and lacks capacity, forcing export of copper plates for processing. - Multiple councilmembers thanked the singers and noted upcoming events. - Councilmember Galindo reminded residents of the Memorial Day ceremony at the Eloy cemetery on May 25 at 9:00 a.m., featuring a parachute jumper with a large flag. - City Manager’s Announcements: - Freeburg Industrial Fabrication hiring event on May 13–14 at City Hall (9 a.m.–3 p.m.), seeking 200 employees for a new metal fabrication facility. - Budget work session on May 18–19, starting at 5 p.m. - Adoption of the General Plan special meeting on June 1 at 6 p.m. - Eloy Police Department launching VerisTerm Community Connect software on May 19, providing text updates to 911 callers on case status. Consent Calendar - Items B–D were approved unanimously by roll‑call vote: - B: Declaration of surplus and disposal of 24 decommissioned iPhone 12 devices via ecoATM. - C: Authorization to use Sourcewell contract 040825‑CAM with Core and Main to purchase ten fire hydrants (up to $40,000). - D: Authorization to use 1GPA contract 22‑12P‑03 with Phoenix Fence for purchase and installation of automatic gates at the Public Works Facility. - Item A (Minutes of April 27, 2026 regular meeting) was removed from the consent agenda at the mayor’s request. Councilmember Curtis asked why the April 13 meeting minutes were not included; the City Clerk stated they would appear at the next meeting. The April 27 minutes were then approved unanimously. Discussion Items A. Second Amendment to Purchase and Sales Agreement (PSA) with Eloy Community Development Partners, LLC - City Manager McKenzie presented the amendment, which extends the feasibility period and revises deposit and escrow provisions. The original PSA covers 81± acres at the northwest corner of Houser Road and 11 Mile Corner Road, with a total purchase price of $1,486,000. - Key changes: - New close of escrow date: November 19, 2026. - Additional $10,000 deposits will only be required during the current feasibility period, not during any extensions. - The City Manager (not council) may administratively approve up to three 60‑day extension options, with notification to council. - Councilmember Curtis asked staff to review the city’s manufactured‑home ordinance, as the project includes manufactured homes. Staff confirmed the development agreement will address requirements. - Vote: Unanimously approved (7‑0). B. Adoption of Resolution No. 26‑1658 – HOME Grant Application - Brian Wright, City staff, presented the resolution authorizing submission of a $583,000 grant application to the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) for FY2025 State Housing Trust Funds (HOME). The city commits $75,000 as leverage (for construction specialist salary, homeowner relocation, etc.). - The grant funds rehabilitation and reconstruction of owner‑occupied homes for low‑income residents. Since 2016–2017, the program has completed 31 homes. Currently 10 households are on the waiting list; 4 have been identified for immediate work (two reconstructions, two rehabs). - Councilmember Curtis clarified that the program does not cover standalone air‑conditioner replacements; those would be referred to other programs (e.g., CARA home repair/weatherization). - Vote: Unanimously approved (7‑0). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the scheduled Public Appearances (Item VIII). - After adjournment, Vera Canella, a Robson Ranch resident and tour manager for the singers, thanked the council for the proclamation and support. She noted that the flash mob was the mayor’s idea and that the song “Why We Sing” had never been performed publicly before. The group will sing at the Memorial Day Parade (May 25, nationally televised) and perform at the Kennedy Center on May 24. Key Outcomes - Approved the second amendment to the PSA with Eloy Community Development Partners, extending the feasibility period and revising deposit terms. - Adopted Resolution 26‑1658, authorizing the $583,000 HOME grant application with $75,000 city leverage. - Approved all consent agenda items (B‑D and the April 27 minutes). - Upcoming events: Freeburg hiring event (May 13‑14), budget work session (May 18‑19), General Plan adoption (June 1), Memorial Day ceremony (May 25), and Robson Ranch Singers’ Kennedy Center performance (May 24).

The meeting was scheduled for April 27, 2026 at 9:45 AM in the Eloy City Council Chambers. However, the available transcript contains only a microphone test and no meeting proceedings. The minutes are not available (listed as "No minutes available"). As a result, no substantive actions, discussions, or public comments can be confirmed from the provided source materials. Below is a summary of the agenda items that would have been considered, based on the agenda alone. Consent Calendar - Agenda Item B: Purchase of 13 Panasonic Toughbook computers (up to $50,000) from MCT Mobile Concepts via state contract. Status unknown. - Agenda Item C: Adoption of Ordinance No. 26-1000 amending a zoning map amendment for Eloy Valley Specific Plan PAD First Amendment – Sawtooth – EDF Renewables. Status unknown. - Agenda Item D: Authorization of agreement with Danson Construction for exterior renovations at Troy Thomas Center (up to $106,000). Status unknown. - Agenda Item E: Resolution No. 26-1657 authorizing submission of a ballot measure regarding the Eloy General Plan to Pinal County Election Department. Status unknown. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded in the available transcript or minutes. Discussion Items - Agenda Item A: Discussion of accepting a proposal from Ellison-Mills for Phase II of Houser Road Water Line Extension (up to $200,000). No discussion recorded. - Agenda Item B: Adoption of Resolution 26-1656 authorizing sale of water/wastewater revenue obligations and refunding bonds. No discussion recorded. Key Outcomes - No votes, decisions, or actions are documented. The record does not confirm whether the meeting was actually held or if any agenda items were acted upon. Note: The agenda also included a Moment of Silence, Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor’s Proclamation for Mental Health Awareness Week, and an Executive Session, but these were not reflected in the available records.

The meeting was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on April 27, 2026, at Eloy City Council Chambers. However, the only available recording consists of microphone testing and does not capture any official proceedings, public comments, discussions, or votes. No meeting minutes are available. The following items were listed on the agenda but their disposition is unknown due to lack of documentation. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes (none to approve) - Purchase of 13 Panasonic Toughbook computers for up to $50,000 (State Contract) - Ordinance No. 26-1000 amending Zoning Map Amendment for Eloy Valley Specific Plan PAD First Amendment – Sawtooth – EDF Renewables - Agreement with Danson Construction for Troy Thomas Center exterior renovations up to $106,000 - Resolution No. 26-1657 authorizing submission of General Plan ballot measure to Pinal County Business Items (Possible Discussion and/or Action) - Houser Road Water Line Extension Phase II – proposal from Ellison-Mills up to $200,000 - Resolution 26-1656 authorizing water and wastewater revenue obligations and refunding bonds series 2026 Executive Session - Possible executive session for legal advice Adjournment - Scheduled but no documentation exists Note: The date/time provided (2026-04-27 17:30:00+00:00) differs from the agenda's stated start time of 9:30 a.m. This discrepancy cannot be resolved from available materials.

The Eloy City Council met on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 8:45 a.m. in the Eloy City Council Chambers. The only available record of the meeting is the agenda; the minutes are unavailable and the raw transcript consists solely of an audio system test, with no record of discussion, public comments, or voting. Therefore, the following summary is based solely on the agenda items as scheduled and cannot confirm any actions taken. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes: None to approve. - Consideration and approval of a proposal from MCT Mobile Concepts Technology for the purchase of thirteen Panasonic Toughbook mobile data computers, accessories, and warranties, not to exceed $50,000, utilizing Arizona State Contract No. CTR068894. - Adoption of Ordinance No. 26-1000, amending Ordinance No. 24-971, regarding the Zoning Map Amendment (Rezone) Case No. RZPAD2024-001, Eloy Valley Specific Plan PAD First Amendment – Sawtooth – EDF Renewables. - Authorization to enter into an agreement with Danson Construction, LLC, for exterior building renovations at the Troy Thomas Center, not to exceed $106,000. - Consideration and possible action of Resolution No. 26-1657 authorizing staff to submit a ballot measure to the Pinal County Election Department for ratification of the Eloy General Plan. Public Comments & Testimony - No record of public comments is available. Discussion Items - Discussion and consideration of accepting a proposal from Ellison-Mills based on a cooperative purchasing contract with Pinal County (Contract 233828ROQ) for construction of Phase II of the Houser Road Water Line Extension Project, not to exceed $200,000. - Adoption of Resolution No. 26-1656 authorizing the sale and delivery of water and wastewater system revenue obligations, series 2026, and refunding obligations, series 2026, and related agreements. Key Outcomes - Due to the absence of minutes and the lack of substantive transcript content, no decisions, votes, or outcomes from this meeting can be confirmed. The agenda items listed above were scheduled for possible discussion and/or action.

The Eloy City Council met on Monday, April 27, 2026, beginning at 6:00 PM (note: the agenda listed a 5:00 PM start time, creating a discrepancy). The meeting included a moment of silence, pledge of allegiance, public appearances, announcements, consent agenda items, and two major business items. All votes were unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - Marlene Shu deferred her comments on the Houser Road water line project to the business item, stating it had been 20–25 years in the making. Consent Calendar - Items A (approval of minutes – none available), C (Ordinance No. 26-1000, Sawtooth zoning amendment), and E (Resolution No. 26-1657, ballot measure for General Plan) were approved unanimously in a single motion. - Items B (Panasonic Toughbook purchase) and D (Troy Thomas Center renovations) were pulled by council members for separate discussion. Mayor's Announcements and Proclamation - Mayor Andrew Sutton proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month, recognizing the May 1st ribbon cutting of Luke's House for Behavioral Health in Eloy. - Mayor reported on meetings with APS, the Arizona Chamber luncheon, the Adopt Our Street program (346 participants, 2 tons of trash removed), and the concert in the park featuring Soul Town Train, which received positive comments from a Coolidge resident. Council Member Announcements - Council members noted the prevalence of small liquor bottles along Frontier, praised the Lions Club vision program, announced upcoming fiestas on September 11–12, and reported attending the Santa Cruz Valley Food Pantry award ceremony. City Manager's Reports - City Manager McKenzie reported on the Adopt Our Street program (37 streets cleaned, 346 participants, 2 tons of trash). - The community crime map became operational April 23, offering real-time alerts. - Youth basketball league (ages 6–11, registration until May 8) and free youth football camp (May 2) were announced. - Cinco de Mayo event scheduled for May 1, 2026, with live music, food, and car show. Discussion Items Item B: Purchase of Panasonic Toughbook Mobile Data Computers - Councilmember Snyder requested discussion. PD representative explained the 13 computers, costing not to exceed $50,000, are portable and can be taken home by officers. They are controlled via MDM and can be remotely wiped if lost. Council approved unanimously. Item D: Exterior Renovations at Troy Thomas Center - Councilmember Garcia asked about the mural; staff confirmed it can be removed and potentially recreated later on a more visible side of the building. The $106,000 contract with Danson Construction was approved unanimously. Business Item A: Houser Road Water Line Extension Phase II - McKenzie presented three options for connecting the last two residents (Shoes and Yoder) to city water. Option 3 (Charleston alignment) was recommended: a 1,300-foot six-inch line in city right-of-way, with a maintenance road built in-house, at a total cost not to exceed $200,000 (estimated $147,000 without contingencies). Marlene Shu expressed appreciation and noted minor cost concerns. Council approved unanimously. Business Item B: Resolution 26-1656 – Water and Wastewater Revenue Obligations - Brian (Finance Director) presented a resolution to issue up to $22 million in bonds (25-year term, 4.5% interest, annual debt service $4.5 million) to fund water and wastewater improvements, including Sunland Gin water line, sewer line on 11 Mile Road, SCADA upgrades, and odor control. The bond also refinances existing USDA loans. The city received an A+ rating from S&P. Council questions about future debt capacity were answered positively. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda (excluding B and D): Approved unanimously. - Item B (Toughbooks): Approved unanimously. - Item D (Troy Thomas Center): Approved unanimously. - Business Item A (Houser Road Water Line): Approved unanimously. - Business Item B (Resolution 26-1656): Approved unanimously. - The meeting adjourned without an executive session. Discrepancy note: The agenda listed the meeting start at 5:00 PM, but the mayor called it to order at 6:00 PM.

The Eloy City Council met on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. (agenda listed 5:00 p.m.) in the City Council Chambers. Mayor Andrew Sutton presided, with all seven council members present. The meeting included proclamations, staff reports, a consent agenda, a public hearing on a solar farm extension, and a vote to place an APS franchise agreement on the November 2026 ballot. Consent Calendar - Items B, D, E, F, and G were approved unanimously under one motion. Item A (approval of minutes from March 23, 2026 work session and regular meeting, and March 30, 2026 budget study session) was pulled by Councilmember Schneider, who was absent for the March 30 session. After a separate vote, Item A passed 6–0–1 (Schneider abstained). Item C (upgrade of Police Department briefing/training room AV technology, not to exceed $60,000) was removed for clarification by Councilmember Galindo, then approved 7–0 after staff confirmed the funds were from the FY 25/26 CIP budget and could not be supplemented by opioid settlement funds. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the scheduled public appearance period. Reports and Announcements - Mayor’s Announcements: Mayor Sutton reported attending a Central Arizona Governments meeting and ADOT listening tour, stressing the need for better communication; a volunteer shift at the Easter egg hunt; ribbon-cutting for a new butcher shop, La Canaseria La Mejor; the Panal Scholarship Dinner; and the Eloy Police Department picnic. He also read two proclamations: one declaring April 11–17, 2026 as “Week of the Young Child” and another declaring April 12–18, 2026 as “National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.” - Council Member Announcements: Councilmember Galindo attended the Panal Scholarship Dinner (20th anniversary, 51 scholarship recipients), celebrated the return of a new community services employee, and noted a productive meeting with constituents about a new plant. Councilmember Curtis attended a virtual tour with student council, the Easter egg hunt (10,000 eggs), and a groundbreaking at the Kindercity. Councilmember Schneider (Vice Mayor) reported on a Pinal County meeting about Opportunity Zones, noting that Arizona’s designated zones may be reduced by 30% and encouraging “shovel-ready” projects. Councilmember Garcia attended the butcher shop ribbon-cutting, the Panal Scholarship Dinner, and the police picnic. Councilmember Michel noted the Easter egg hunt’s high turnout and urged support for the new butcher shop. - City Manager’s Announcements: The city manager reported that the Easter egg hunt had over 500 attendees, announced the Eloy Adopt-a-Street Spring Cleanup (April 18, 7–10 a.m., Shamway North Park), and the spring concert featuring Soul Town Train (April 18, 6–9 p.m., Main Street Park). - Police Chief Sergio Banales Briefing: Chief Banales thanked the communications unit (dispatchers Trisha, Audra Cockins, Amanda Viesquez, Brittany Beechum, and Nicole Huffman) for providing 24/7 coverage (approx. 720 hours/month of dispatch). He reported that in March 2026, the department hired a former dispatcher, is actively recruiting for three police officer and two dispatcher positions, and has 29 sworn officers. Community engagement included Read Across America, vaccination clinics, a school safety summit (with plans to meet school superintendents), and a soon-to-launch public crime mapping tool (April 20). The traffic enforcement unit (redeployed June 2025) used $8,400 in overtime for DUI and speed enforcement during Thanksgiving, St. Patrick’s Day, and spring break; future details include back-to-school enforcement (July 19–Aug 1), Labor Day DUI detail (Sept 4–7), and child passenger safety week (Sept 20–26). Councilmembers encouraged bike safety education and a “Coffee with a Cop” event; the chief agreed to explore both. Discussion Items - Item A – Extension of Conditional Use Permit (CUP2022-022) for Solar Facility: A public hearing was held on Resolution 26-1654, which would grant a two-year extension to a previously approved CUP for a solar utility-scale generation and battery energy storage facility on 320 acres at the northeast corner of Sunshine Boulevard and Pretzer Road. Applicant Sean Lake (NextEra Energy Resources) and project manager Stuart Bear presented. They noted that the project has a contracted customer (Arizona Electric Power Cooperative, AEPCO), has received a Certificate of Construction from the Arizona Corporation Commission, and is working through NEPA (categorical exclusion expected by end of April). Councilmembers asked about county permits, fire department coordination (Eloy Fire District covering the site), landscaping (a preliminary landscape plan submitted with county), and environmental impacts (the land is currently farmland; NEPA categorical exclusion addressed). The project is expected to break ground by end of 2026. The public hearing was closed with no opposition. The motion to approve Resolution 26-1654 passed 6–1, with Councilmember Garcia voting no. - Item B – APS Franchise Agreement Referral to Ballot: Staff presented Resolution 26-1655, authorizing the placement of a 25-year franchise agreement with Arizona Public Service (APS) on the November 2026 general election ballot. The current agreement expires in 2027. Key changes: shifting from a flat fee (approx. $100,000/year with CPI escalator) to a 2% gross revenue fee, which would grow with the city. Richard Rosales (APS) explained that the agreement is a right-of-way contract, includes relocation costs, restoration requirements, and vegetation management. Councilmembers asked about outreach (town halls, not just newspaper notices), the impact of a “no” vote (APS would still operate but would need individual permits, potentially delaying repairs), and the fact that the 2% fee is not an increase. City Attorney Stephen Cooper noted that staff negotiated an annual coordination meeting and a five-year planning requirement with APS, a concession not offered to other cities. The motion to read the resolution by title and then adopt it passed unanimously 7–0. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda: Approved with items A and C voted separately (Item A: 6–0–1; Item C: 7–0). - Resolution 26-1654 (Solar CUP extension): Approved 6–1. - Resolution 26-1655 (APS franchise on ballot): Approved unanimously, sending the question to voters in November 2026. - The meeting adjourned without an executive session.

The Eloy City Council held a budget work session on Monday, March 30, 2026, beginning at approximately 5:00 p.m. (the agenda listed a 4:15 p.m. start). Finance Director Brian Wright presented revenue projections for the FY 2026-2027 annual budget, sought guidance on the proposed property tax rate, and reviewed the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Consolidated Rate and Fee Schedule. Council members reached consensus to adopt the maximum property tax levy and directed staff to update the CIP and fee schedule. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were on the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - No unscheduled public appearances were made. Discussion Items Item V-A: Revenue Projections and Property Tax Rate Guidance Brian Wright presented key influences on the FY 2026-2027 budget, including uncertainty over Pinal County's half-cent sales tax distribution for roads, state shared revenue impacts from San Tan Valley, inflation (Phoenix CPI about 2.2% as of December 2025), and slower job growth statewide. Wright highlighted that state shared revenue has dropped 37%, and a potential state tax/fee freeze could cap local sales tax increases for four years, but would not affect already-adopted utility rate studies. City sales tax collections have grown modestly (3.39% increase), and general fund revenue is projected at $23.8 million (up from $21.8 million last year), but about $1.2 million in one-time planning/permit fees are from a large commercial project (FreePoint). On property taxes, Wright noted the current primary property tax rate is 0.9769 per $100 of assessed valuation. New construction added $10 million in valuation. The maximum levy allowed (2% growth) would yield a rate of 0.9848, generating an additional $31,280 over the new construction-only rate (0.9655). Council members Vodraska, Galindo, the mayor, and Sarah all expressed support for taking the maximum levy, citing the stability of property tax revenue and the small impact on taxpayers (less than $3 per year on a $300,000 home). Staff will prepare the Truth in Taxation notice and proceed with the property tax ordinance. Item V-B: Capital Improvement Plan and Consolidated Rate and Fee Schedule Wright reviewed the FY 2026-2027 CIP, totaling $36.6 million across 41 projects, with heavy emphasis on water/wastewater infrastructure (about $29 million of the total, including a $21 million utility obligation bond for 10 projects and the $8 million SunLyn Gin overpass/grant project). The five-year CIP includes 197 projects worth $236 million. Council guidance from the retreat was to defer general fund CIP projects, but staff recommended restoring four projects: interior improvements at the senior center, a shade structure at public works, and two police cars (total $400,000). Council member Galindo requested adding an animal control facility to the five-year CIP, which Wright agreed to include. Council also asked staff to add AZ Smart Fund grant matches for road projects. For the Consolidated Rate and Fee Schedule, Wright noted changes highlighted in yellow, including: utility deposits increasing by $25 (to cover water/sewer rate increases); building permit fee restructuring (moving to flat hourly rates for many items to reduce costs for smaller projects like patios and garages, while increasing fees for high-value projects); and a 4.8% sanitation rate increase (residential trash from $30.04 to $31.00 per month) effective July 1, 2026, per the Waste Management contract. Dan (Public Works) explained that the fee changes target 75% cost recovery and aim to keep Eloy competitive while covering increased inspection costs. Wright noted that water rates will increase 14% and sewer rates 11% on November 1, 2026 (second year of a five-year rate plan). Landfill Study Update Council member Galindo asked about the ongoing landfill study. Staff reported it is 85% complete but discovered historical fill rate data inaccuracies. A flyover will be conducted to reassess true fill rates, and a contract for that may come to council in May. A community outreach process will follow before any decisions on mothballing, privatization, or continued operation of the landfill. Key Outcomes - Consensus to adopt the maximum property tax levy at 0.9848 (a $31,280 increase over new construction only). Staff directed to prepare public notices and the property tax ordinance. - CIP updates: Add animal control facility to the five-year plan; include AZ Smart Fund grant matches for road projects; proceed with the four restored general fund CIP projects (senior center, shade structure, two police cars). - Consolidated Rate and Fee Schedule: To be posted for 60 days; a resolution for adoption will be brought to council in May (the second meeting). Changes include utility deposit increase, building permit fee restructuring, and 4.8% sanitation rate increase effective July 1, 2026. - Future consideration: Wright suggested a potential half-cent sales tax increase in six to nine months to offset state revenue losses, but no action was taken. - No formal votes were taken; this was a work session to provide guidance.