Gilbert Town Council Meeting: Budget Adoption and E-Bike Ordinance – June 10, 2026

The Gilbert Town Council met on June 10, 2026, to adopt the final budget for fiscal year 2027, pass an e-bike ordinance, approve the capital improvement plan, and address public comments on a wide range of issues including utility rates, spending transparency, police accountability, and park projects. The meeting included a recognition of interim town manager Don Prince and a transition to new town manager Mario Paniagua.

Recognition

• Interim Town Manager Don Prince was recognized for her six months of service. The mayor read a letter commending her leadership during a transition period, including producing a balanced budget, reprioritizing resources, and maintaining staff morale.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Barbara Colvin (Gilbert resident) criticized the council for not caring enough about residents, pointing to steep utility rate increases (doubling sewer rates, tripling flat fees, and future water rate hikes). She argued the council had predetermined votes on water and Harvest Grove issues and accused staff of poor resolution processes.
• Tiffany Silva (Gilbert resident) expressed concern about the scale of spending: approximately $1.7 billion in planned projects over the next decade, a $100 million CIP contingency fund lacking clear oversight, and $400 million in parks and recreation spending (including pickleball courts and a pump track). She requested an independent audit of water treatment facilities and better transparency on existing revenues.
• Lauren Reber (Gilbert homeowner) criticized the grass rebate program for encouraging heat islands, opposed a primary property tax, and complained about e-bikes and golf carts causing safety issues at night. She asked for stronger enforcement of rules on trails and bike usage.
• May Dobbins (Gilbert resident and business owner) thanked the council for their work and urged proactive efforts to increase diversity in leadership to reflect the growing community.
• Charles Montenegro (Gilbert resident, Power Ranch) supported the e-bike ordinance but recommended strengthening helmet requirements, adding strobe lights, and escalating fines for repeat offenders. He also raised concerns about e-bikes on HOA green belts and near businesses.
• Noah James Markham (Tempe resident) spoke about Pride Month, the new city manager, flock cameras, Israel/Palestine, transgender restrooms, light rail, and the cactus surf park. He also criticized gender representation in leadership.
• Daryl Grosen (Gilbert resident) accused council members of attacking residents, spreading misinformation, and using police to harass a resident over a Facebook post. He denied encouraging a utility bill boycott and stated he had 300 pages of screenshots to back his claims.
• Carissa Arnold (Gilbert resident) commemorated the 10-year anniversary of Alyssa Romine's murder, alleging the Gilbert Police Department concealed evidence and failed to investigate. She demanded the resignation of Chief Solberg, citing the unsolved murders of Rachel Hanson, Nick Cordova, and Preston Lord.

Discussion Items

• E-Bike Ordinance (Item 32): Assistant Chief Mike Angstead presented the ordinance, which establishes age restrictions (no one under 12 for Class 1/2 e-bikes, under 16 for Class 3), a 15 mph speed limit on sidewalks and multi-use paths, helmet requirements for minors, parent liability for violations, and a safety program that waives fines upon completion. The ordinance also prohibits riding under the influence and fleeing from police. Councilmember Buckley requested a six-month update on enforcement. After public testimony, the council amended the safety program language to require completion (not just selection) for a fine waiver. The ordinance passed 7-0 and took effect immediately.
• Streetlight Improvement Districts (Item 33): Kelly from the budget office explained that the district pays for electricity costs only, and the proposed budget reflects about a 5% increase due to SRP rate changes. Public speaker Barbara Colvin asked for clarification. The council approved the item 6-1 (Councilmember Lyons opposed).
• Parkway Maintenance Improvement Districts (Item 34): Approved unanimously after brief explanation.
• Capital Improvement Plan (Item 35): Councilmember Kaprowski recused herself due to a potential conflict of interest. The plan includes $1.7 billion in infrastructure projects, with $1.2 billion already in progress. The motion passed 5-1 (Councilmember Torgeson opposed).
• Secondary Property Tax Levy (Item 36): The levy remains at $0.98 per $100 assessed value, providing $36.6 million to repay voter-approved debt. Councilmember Torgeson expressed ideological opposition to property taxes but supported the levy because the debt must be paid. The motion passed unanimously.
• Final Budget Adoption (Item 37): The budget video highlighted a $20 million annual revenue loss due to state and federal changes, zero-based budgeting, and tough trade-offs (e.g., reduced park maintenance, canceled events). The council approved the final budget of $2,554,042,835 for FY 2027. Vice Mayor Bongiovanni clarified that the total budget includes multi-year CIP projects, and actual spending is $500–$800 million. The motion passed 6-1 (Councilmember Torgeson opposed).
• Consent Calendar (Items 2–24, 38): Town Manager Mario Paniagua summarized 23 items, including intergovernmental agreements, contracts for water infrastructure, firefighting equipment, stormwater repairs, park development, and the appointment of four members to the Veterans Advisory Board. Councilmember Torgeson asked for a breakdown of water-related spending. The consent calendar passed 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• E-bike ordinance adopted (7-0) with immediate effect; includes age restrictions, helmet mandate, speed limits, and a safety program.
• Capital Improvement Plan approved (5-1) for FY 2027–2036, totaling $1.7 billion.
• Secondary property tax levy set at $0.98 per $100 (unchanged from previous year), generating $36.6 million.
• Final budget adopted (6-1) for FY 2027 at $2.55 billion (total budget; actual spending estimated at $500–$800 million).
• Streetlight improvement districts approved (6-1) with a 5% increase in electricity costs.
• Parkway improvement districts approved unanimously.
• Consent calendar approved (6-0), including contracts for water, sewer, and park projects.
• Four new members appointed to Veterans Advisory Board: James Baplasic, Rose Lichtenfels, Douglas McClure, and Raymond Kimball (terms through June 2029).
• New town manager Mario Paniagua thanked the council and staff; Don Prince returned to her role as assistant town manager.
• Future meetings announced: Juneteenth celebration (June 19) and Fourth of July celebration.