Eloy City Council Meeting – August 10, 2026

The Eloy City Council met on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The meeting covered routine consent items, public comment, major staff reports, and several key business items including a $22 million bond sale, a 25% drop in community crime, a new playground for Shumway Park, and authorization to acquire property for the Sunland Gin Road improvement project, including potential use of eminent domain.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ann Howard, a resident of Wilson Ranch, expressed concerns about the use of automated license plate readers ("flack cameras") in the city and urged the council to be aware of ongoing online discussions about the technology.

Mayor’s and Council Announcements

• Mayor Sutton thanked all candidates who ran in the July 21 primary election and congratulated those elected. He reported on meetings with staff from Senators Kelly and Gallego, a tour of the Kitt Solar site (now in final testing), attendance at the Pinal Alliance Forum (focus on third-grade reading and workforce readiness), the Eloy Chamber mixer, and the Pinal Partners breakfast (where APS and SRP reported record peak deliveries of over 9 gigawatts each). He also welcomed Congressman Juan Ciscomani, who is working to secure an additional $6 million for Frontier Street repaving.
• Councilmember Galindo highlighted the upcoming 75th anniversary of the Eloy Fiesta Patrias (September 11–12), expected to draw 2,500–3,000 people, and invited parade participation.

City Manager’s Reports

• City Manager McKenzie Letcher announced the successful sale of approximately $22 million in utility revenue bonds (July 9, 2026) to fund water, sewer, and capital improvements. The third questionnaire for the Eloy Air Park Area Plan (airport master plan) is live until August 21, 2026. He introduced two new management analysts: Abraham Macy (intern-turned-analyst, working on strategic planning and the new Ask Eloy system) and Eric Limos (economic development, focused on sustainable growth).
• Ask Eloy Presentation: Abe Macy presented a new single-email system for resident questions and concerns. Since launch, 9 inquiries were logged, 100% answered within two business days (8 of 9 same-day). Examples included faded road markings, airplane noise (jurisdiction of FAA), and zoning setbacks. The system routes inquiries to department liaisons with backups. Council expressed strong support and suggested adding a satisfaction survey.
• Police Chief Sergio Banales Briefing: Chief Banales played a video from Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller showing that when prison-related incidents are separated, community-based crime cases filed by the county fell by nearly 25% from 2023 (246 cases) to 2025 (185 cases). The chief detailed department improvements: new support services and operations positions, a formal training plan, Lexipol policy management, upgraded body cameras with AI-assisted report writing, a wellness program, and expanded community engagement (Coffee with a Cop, Adopt-a-School, National Night Out, etc.). Council members praised the department’s community policing efforts, sharing personal anecdotes of positive interactions.
• Quarterly Financial Report (ended June 30, 2026): Finance Director Brian Wright reported that the general fund ended the fiscal year with a negative variance of $9.3 million as budgeted, but after transfers to capital funds, the operating result was a positive $5.4 million. Local sales tax collections totaled $11.1 million, $1.5 million above budget, driven by construction sales tax ($1.4 million in Q4 vs. $329,000 in Q4 2025). Manufacturing tax was up 40%, wholesale up 31%, and utilities/communications up 14%. State shared revenue decreased by $340,000 as expected. Water, wastewater, and sanitation funds ended with positive operating variances. Capital projects rollover items were noted.

Consent Calendar

• All 13 items on the consent agenda were approved by a unanimous roll call vote. These included:
  • Approval of minutes from July 13, 2026
  • Transfer of surplus police motorcycle to Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety
  • Annual Development Impact Fee Report
  • Approval of Maverik Master Sign Program (Case No. MSCP2026-001) for a 4.25-acre site at 1120 South Sunshine Boulevard
  • Purchase of a Western Star 47X chassis and sewer cleaner ($750,000) via Sourcewell contract
  • Purchase of a Caterpillar 304 mini excavator ($120,000) via ADOT contract
  • Resolution 26-1673 amending the Chief Fiscal Officer designation
  • Authorization to open a checking account for Flexible Spending Account program
  • Resolution 26-1674 authorizing investment accounts with Meeder Investment Management
  • Ordinance 26-1004 amending International Residential and Fire Codes regarding Eloy Fire District approvals
  • Renewal of Federal Equitable Sharing Agreement
  • Resolution 26-1675 adopting results of the July 21, 2026 Primary Election
  • Three-year Enterprise Agreement with Esri for GIS software and services ($67,137.60)

After the consent vote, a representative from Maverik (Larry Fink) provided an update on the surrounding 170-acre development, noting that flood mapping issues are being resolved and a preliminary plat is pending.

Discussion Items

• A. Community Partnership Funding Awards (FY 2026-2027): The council approved three awards totaling $99,500:

  • Pinal Hispanic Council: $3,000 (lump sum) for Veterans Day parade and Wreaths Across America events.
  • Greater Eloy Chamber of Commerce: $71,500 (quarterly invoices) for operations, visitor center, museum, and the new GLOW event ($5,000).
  • Corazón de Latinos Unidos (CDLU): $25,000 (lump sum reimbursement) for the Eloy Fiestas Patrias (increase from $15,000). Motion carried unanimously.

• B. Shumway Park Playground System: Paul Anchondo (Community Services) requested approval to purchase and install a new playground system from Miracle Recreation via Sourcewell contract for $245,811.69. The existing system is over 15 years old; the new system will double the play space, include a handicap-accessible swing, and incorporate shade structures. The project was not in the CIP but was partially funded by a $29,000 grant. Funding is available from the city’s 2% food tax. Motion carried unanimously.

• C. Public Hearing – Time Extension for Conditional Use Permit (CUP2023-057): Dan Symer (Community Development) presented a request for a three-year extension to a previously approved CUP for a solar utility-scale generation and battery energy storage facility on approximately 33 acres near Milligan Road and 11 Mile Corner Road. The applicant (John Gillespie, Rose Law Group, on behalf of Milligan Energy Center, LLC/Orsted) stated the extension is needed to finalize a power purchase agreement with APS and complete hydrology and environmental studies. The council opened the public hearing, heard no opposition, and closed it. Resolution 26-1676 was approved 6-1 (Councilmember Garcia voted no).

• D. Sunland Gin Road Improvement Project – Property Acquisition: City Attorney Stephen Cooper presented Resolution 26-1677 to authorize acquisition of real property interests (rights-of-way, easements) for the Sunland Gin Road improvement project (between Ina and Mountain View Avenue). The project, now exceeding $8 million total (including $5 million in state funds and additional federal funds), aims to improve safety and traffic flow. Staff recommended acquiring fee title where possible rather than easements to avoid future conflicts. One group of property owners is opposed; the city will attempt voluntary negotiation but seeks authority to use eminent domain if necessary. Resolution 26-1677 was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Community Partnership Funding: Approved $99,500 total for three organizations.
• Shumway Park Playground: Approved $245,811.69 purchase and installation.
• CUP Time Extension (Milligan Energy): Approved 6-1, granting a three-year extension.
• Sunland Gin Road Acquisition: Resolution approved, authorizing eminent domain as a last resort.
• Other: The new Ask Eloy system and police department initiatives were noted with strong council support. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:15 p.m. (estimated).