Eloy City Council Meeting – February 26, 2024

The Eloy City Council met on Monday, February 26, 2024, at approximately 6:00 p.m. (agenda listed 5:30 p.m.). The meeting included public comment, approval of consent items, and two major business items: placing a ballot measure to extend the mayor's term from two to four years, and authorizing a professional services agreement for an executive search firm to recruit the next Chief of Police.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from the February 12, 2024 regular meeting.
• Adoption of Resolution No. 24-1568 approving a Conditional Use Permit for a restaurant with drive-through (Filiberto’s) at 3910 West Shedd Road (APN 404-02-0090).
• Approval of a cooperative purchasing agreement with Ellison-Mills Construction, LLC, not to exceed $55,000, for removal and replacement of a 12-inch water valve.
• All consent items were approved unanimously by roll call vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mike Huffman, Sergeant with the Eloy Police Department and representative of the Eloy Police Officers Association (covering 81% of department personnel), spoke about pay disparities and retention issues. He stated that the city has become one of the lowest-paid police departments in Pinal County, with at least eight officers actively seeking other opportunities (prospective salary increases of $15,000–$30,000) and six more eligible for retirement. He also expressed opposition to hiring an external search firm for the chief of police, arguing that Interim Chief Gualtney has proven himself an exceptional leader and that spending city funds on an outside search is unnecessary.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance No. 24-956 – Mayor Term Extension Ballot Measure

  • The council considered placing a proposition on the July 30, 2024 primary election ballot to ask voters whether the mayor’s term should be extended from two years to four years. If approved by voters, the change would take effect in November 2026. Discussion included potential future term limits for council members and the mayor. The council opted to move forward with only the mayor term extension, without term limits at this time.
  • Vote: 6–1 in favor (Councilmember Garcia opposed), as recorded by roll call.

• Professional Services Agreement with Public Sector Search & Consulting

  • The council debated authorizing a contract not to exceed $50,000 with the firm to conduct a nationwide search for the next Chief of Police. City Manager David L. explained that the base fee is $30,000 plus search-related expenses (up to $6,000) and potential background investigation ($1,500–$3,000), and the $50,000 cap was set to avoid needing additional council approval for overages. The firm specializes in police executive recruitment and all recruiters are retired police chiefs. Proponents argued the search ensures transparency and tests internal candidates against the best external candidates. Skeptics questioned the cost and suggested the process could be managed internally by human resources.
  • During discussion, the firm’s representative, Mr. Peterson, joined by phone and explained the process, noting that 80 searches in five years had a high success rate and that interim chiefs sometimes win the job.
  • Vote: 5–2 in favor (Vice Mayor Curtis and Councilmember Wanavato Rodriguez opposed).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Ballot Measure for Mayor Term: Ordinance No. 24-956 was adopted (6–1) to place on the July 30, 2024 primary election a proposition for voters to decide whether the mayor’s term shall be four years instead of two years, effective November 2026.
• Police Chief Search Contract: Council authorized (5–2) a professional services agreement with Public Sector Search & Consulting for up to $50,000 to conduct an executive search for the next Chief of Police. The city manager will oversee the process.
• No executive session was needed; the meeting adjourned.