Avondale City Council Meeting – October 15, 2025

The Avondale City Council convened a regular meeting on October 15, 2025, at 5:36 PM. The meeting began with a proclamation for Women’s History Month, then proceeded through a consent agenda, a recess into executive session, and a comprehensive presentation and discussion of the Fiscal Year 2025 draft city manager’s recommended budget including the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and employee compensation and benefits. No public comments were heard.

Proclamation

• Councilmember Condi read a proclamation declaring March 2024 as Women’s History Month in Avondale, honoring the contributions of women in the community and recognizing former mayors Desi Lorenz and Marie Lopez Rogers, as well as current and past council members.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously by a 7-0 vote (voice vote). No items were removed for separate consideration.

Discussion Items

• City Manager’s Recommended FY2025 Budget (Renee Weatherless, Finance Director):

  • FY2024 revenues are performing slightly above expectations: sales tax 1% over prior year and 8% over budget; contracting sales tax remains strong, outpacing conservative budget assumptions. Development revenue assumptions reduced from 750 single-family homes to 300–500 per year in the forecast.
  • $2.5 million was reallocated from line-by-line operational reviews; $622,000 in planned vacancy savings is included for FY2025; $2.3 million in additional interest income is projected due to higher rates.
  • Fund balance (after required reserves) is projected to decline from $61.8 million in FY2024 to $6.6 million by FY2029, as one-time reserves are spent on planned capital projects.
  • Proposed policy changes to reserve minimums for other funds (public safety sales tax, dedicated sales tax, enterprise funds) will be brought forward in June.
  • Utility rate increases are incorporated (second year of solid waste increase in July 2024; water/sewer in January 2025; future rate study to return spring 2025).
  • A general obligation bond issuance may be considered in 2025 to help fund the estimated $130 million wastewater treatment plant expansion and a new fire station.
  • Personnel remains the top priority; requested FTEs include detention officers (paid from salary savings), a parks summer camp coordinator (3.9 FTE, mostly part-time), and reclassifications. Development Services positions are being added to address workload.
  • The budget includes $1.2 million to expand the WeRIDE program with additional weekday hours and Saturday service (detailed plan to come in June).
  • The Economic Opportunities Fund totals $400,000 but does not include a suite at the Phoenix Raceway; adding that would cost an additional $41,000.

• Capital Improvement Plan (James Melanese):

  • Several FY2024 projects are complete or near completion: distribution pressure improvements, Old Town Phase 2, Sam Garcia Library and Cernas Plaza Park improvements, City Hall furniture, Aquatic Center (ribbon cutting at State of the City), and sanitation volleyball courts.
  • Projects underway include Western Avenue reconstruction (additional funds needed due to unexpected excavation), Deacon Sini Park (grading started), and five hawk signal installations (two by June 30).
  • Proposed transfers for FY2025 include: Western Avenue reconstruction ($additional), ARPA fund swap for Deacon Sini Park (to meet federal obligation deadlines), four new fire apparatus (ordered early, delivery in ~24 months), Friendship Park amenities (dog park, pickleball, softball field) – design accelerated, and Aquatic Center bond closeout (using interest earnings).
  • New project requests total $53.5 million for FY2025, including: Agua Fria Trail crossings at Lower Buckeye and MC 85, restoration of Basom Meridian Wildlife Area, multi-agency master plan for the area ($300,000 Avondale share), pocket park at Dysart and Western, trail improvements around Boulevard area, Avondale Boulevard microsurfacing ($2.7 million), Western/Central intersection improvements, Lower Buckeye Road study, intersection capacity upgrades at Dysart and McDowell, safety improvement grants (80–90% federally funded), Van Buren Bridge lighting study, municipal operations center warehouse study, resource center expansion study, performing arts study (tied to parks master plan survey), court expansion, Buckeye Yard screening, regional wireless tower (Avondale’s share), and fire training tower ($4.1 million).
  • Utilities projects include: Rancho Santa Fe Reservoir electrical and control upgrades, Harrison Drive sewer reversal, 7th Street sewer replacement, and Northside Booster Station tank rehab.
  • Council discussion included support for protected medians rather than pedestrian bridges, interest in re-evaluating a commercial building at the water feature site, and prioritization of the Fairway Drive underpass (to be funded through federal grants).

• Compensation and Benefits (Andy Mosquita, HR):

  • Sworn firefighters: Approved MOU (Jan 2024) with 3% COLA and step increases; new retention program (up to $9,000 per 5-year cycle, max $36,000 over 20 years) – firefighters can opt in from the current productivity pay program.
  • Police officers and sergeants: Up to 8% increase (3% COLA + step movement up to 5%); combined cadet/Step 1 pay rate raised to $31.66/hour to be competitive; city 457 match increased from $25 to $50 per pay period (if employee contributes $50).
  • Retention program for police: similar to fire (up to $36,000 over 20 years); current $7,500 five-year retention bonus can be replaced.
  • Sick leave sellback pilot (police only): eligible after 20 years, can sell back up to 40 hours (min 8 hours) per year.
  • Sick leave compensation at retirement (police): 50% of accrued sick leave or 100% up to 500 hours (increasing by 50 hours per year of service beyond 20, not to exceed 1,000 hours).
  • All other employees: Up to 8% increase (3% COLA + merit up to 5%); a compensation study (salary only) will be conducted in FY2025.
  • Health plans: Transition from two-tier to four-tier options (employee, employee+spouse, employee+children, employee+family); premium rates adjusted; HSA contributions unchanged (employee-only $2,885, family $57.69/pay period).
  • Paid parental leave: Up to 6 weeks (240 hours) for birth, adoption, or foster placement after 12 months of employment; use within 12 months of event; can be continuous or intermittent. Both parents if city employees each receive 240 hours.
  • Flexible hours bank: 24 hours per year to compensate for holiday shortfall for 4/10 workers; use by June 30, non-cashable.
  • EAP: Increase from 6 to 12 visits per incident per family member; cost ~$15,000 annually.
  • Open enrollment ends March 31 at 8:59 PM; mandatory reenrollment.

Key Outcomes

• The consent agenda was approved 7-0.
• The council recessed (7-0) into executive session (topic not disclosed).
• No formal votes were taken on the budget, CIP, or compensation proposals. These will be considered at subsequent meetings:
  • April 8: City manager’s recommended budget presented.
  • May: Tentative budget adopted.
  • June: Final budget hearing and adoption.
• Council gave general direction on several items:
  • Proceed with the proposed compensation and benefits package as presented, with formal approval to follow.
  • Consider including $41,000 for a Phoenix Raceway suite; council members expressed mixed views, with some preferring a lower-cost or partnership approach; staff will explore options and report back.
  • Prioritize the Fairway Drive underpass connectivity and seek federal grants.
  • Continue emphasis on street preservation, safety (hawk signals), and economic development strategies (data centers, grocery stores) to broaden the tax base.
• The employee benefits committee and staff were commended for their collaborative approach.