Lake Havasu City Council Tentative Budget & CIP Adoption – June 9, 2026

The Lake Havasu City Council met on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. for a regular meeting focused on adopting the tentative budget and five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for Fiscal Year 2026-27. The meeting also addressed several public hearings, including liquor licenses, a memorial bench partnership, a planned development amendment, and a fire station construction contract. The meeting adjourned at 9:46 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the May 14, 2026 Budget/CIP Work Session and the May 26, 2026 Regular Meeting.
• Approved Resolution No. 26-3915 for an Intergovernmental Agreement with Mohave County for election services.
• Approved Resolution No. 26-3917 for the Fiscal Year 2026-27 policy on purchasing supplies from governing body members.
• Set a call for an executive session on June 23, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. All consent items passed 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

Item 7.8 – Charles James Kirk Memorial Bench

• Mr. Russ Mascari (Vice President, Havasu Freedom Foundation) and Mr. Virgil Venditto (project artist) presented the proposal, emphasizing private funding and non-political intent.
• Eight citizens spoke in favor of the project (Harvey Jackson, Jim Koblash, Chanel Sunshine-Lapham, Mile Cleo, Don Wisdom, Bonny Toy, Yvonne Totty, Pat Willett).
• Mr. Emiliano Torres spoke in opposition, arguing it was too soon and the figure was political.
• Several citizens offered suggestions for maintenance funding (e.g., donation jars, business sponsorships).

Item 7.3 – Five-Year CIP (2027-2031)

• Ms. Pam Swenson requested the splash pad location name be changed from "Rotary Park" to allow flexibility.
• Mr. Dave Johnson questioned the low percentage of infrastructure spending (0.92% of total budget for roads) compared to national averages.
• Mr. Chad Nelson proposed a task force to retain state tax dollars for roads.
• Dr. Keeley Lundin spoke in support of the splash pad, favoring the Aquatic Center location.
• Multiple citizens (Maddie O’Dell, Alex Coletta, etc.) also supported the splash pad, citing safety and family needs.
• Ms. Bonny Toy inquired about specific road projects and the shade canopy budget.
• Mr. Mike Calpine and Ms. Gianna Kraft questioned water main break costs and cost overruns.
• Mr. Gabriel Suarez suggested alternative revenue generation beyond raising taxes.

Item 7.4 – Tentative Budget

• Ms. Bonny Toy asked about volunteer and employee numbers, and compensation for contracted positions and council.
• Dr. Keeley Lundin expressed hope for community fundraising to reduce public funds for the splash pad.

Item 7.5 – General Plan

• Ms. Kathy Willett objected to development on the Cabana Drive parcel (a natural wash), citing flooding risks.
• Ms. Bonny Toy suggested posting the plan on the city’s Facebook page.
• Mr. Dave Johnson asked about shoreline preservation at Body Beach.
• Mr. Pat Willett asked what happens if the plan is not ratified (answer: retain the 2016 plan).

Item 7.6 – Come Together Project Amendment

• Mr. Dave Johnson, Mr. Gabriel Suarez, and Mr. Taylor Harrison spoke in support of the workforce housing development.
• Mr. Emiliano Torres spoke in opposition, citing code exceptions and enforcement concerns.
• Mr. Pat Willett also opposed, questioning suitability for families and school proximity.
• Ms. Chanel Sunshine-Lapham asked about unit affordability.

Item 7.7 – Fire Station No. 7

• Mr. Emiliano Torres expressed support for the project.
• Ms. Chanel Sunshine-Lapham asked about the bid process and cost per square foot.

Call to the Public

• Ms. Brigid Stevens suggested naming something after former Councilmember Dean Barlow and advocated for a lobbyist.
• Ms. Bonny Toy raised concerns about a proposed traffic signal at Smoketree Avenue and Swanson Avenue, suggesting a crosswalk instead.
• Ms. Pam Swenson stated that the Main Street Commons restrooms are locked except during events, alleging the public was misled about their availability.

Discussion Items

Item 7.3 – Resolution No. 26-3916: Five-Year CIP (FY 2027-2031) Administrative Services Director Jill Olsen presented the $197.3 million plan, including $96.9 million for FY 2026-27. Key changes:

• Multi-use Fields: $1 million moved to FY 2026-27 (planning/design), $6 million to FY 2027-28 (construction).
• Rotary Park Splash Pad: $1.5 million, now funded from General Fund (not grants).
• North Area Hangar Development: split $800,000 in FY 2027-28 and $500,000 in FY 2028-29.
• Water and wastewater projects (asterisked) assume a 5% wastewater and 8.5% water rate increase in later years; otherwise projects will be cut.
• Councilmembers Campbell and Lin opposed, citing lack of Parks Master Plan, insufficient water main replacement (3 miles/year vs. 300 miles of old pipe), and deviation from project prioritization (essential vs. desirable). Councilmember Dolan proposed removing “Rotary” from the splash pad name for location flexibility. Motion carried 5-2.

Item 7.4 – Resolution No. 26-3918: Tentative Budget FY 2026-27 Ms. Olsen presented a $303,688,635 budget cap with no property tax rate increase, step/wage adjustments (3.5% on anniversary dates), 10 additional public safety positions (6 fire, 4 police), and conservative revenue projections. The budget for services, supplies, and capital outlay is $2.4 million less than FY 2025-26. Councilmembers Campbell and Lin voted no, citing concerns about infrastructure funding and process; motion carried 5-2.

Item 7.5 – Resolution No. 26-3920: 2026 General Plan Planning Division Manager Chris Gilbert and consultant Terry Hogan presented the plan, developed over 14 months with over 27,000 community engagements. The plan reduces land use categories from 16 to 7, updates the Future Land Use Map, and includes goals for shoreline preservation (75-foot buffer under negotiation). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 7-0. Councilmembers questioned low questionnaire responses (831) and expressed hope the plan would limit rezones. Motion to adopt and submit to voters in November 2026 passed 7-0.

Item 7.6 – Ordinance No. 26-1380: Come Together Project Amendment City Planner Trevor Kearns explained the amendment reconfigures building locations and parking for the 102-unit multifamily project at 5699 Highway 95 (The Shops at Lake Havasu). Changes enhance ADA accessibility and site layout, reduce parking by 20 spaces (still 547 over code), and address an electrical easement. The project uses modular construction and is privately funded. Councilmember Dolan praised the PD process for workforce housing. Motion passed 7-0.

Item 7.7 – Fire Station No. 7: CMAR and GMP Public Works Director Ron Foggin and Willmeng Construction’s Tim Donoghue presented the $8,205,605.87 Guaranteed Maximum Price for the 12,117 sq. ft. station with three apparatus bays, eight dorm beds, and decontamination facilities. Construction starts July 2026 and completes June 2027. First-year utility costs estimated at $26,000; supplies at $15,000. Motion to approve passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• CIP Adoption (5-2): Resolution 26-3916 adopted with splash pad name changed to just “Splash Pad”. Nays: Campbell, Lin.
• Tentative Budget Adoption (5-2): Resolution 26-3918 adopted. Nays: Campbell, Lin.
• General Plan (7-0): Resolution 26-3920 adopted; will appear on November 3, 2026 ballot for voter ratification.
• Come Together Project (7-0): Ordinance 26-1380 approved, amending the Planned Development’s general development plan.
• Fire Station No. 7 (7-0): Approved CMAR contract and GMP with Willmeng Construction.
• Liquor Licenses (7-0): Recommended approval for Amigos Birria Tacos and Nautical Water Sports Center.
• Memorial Bench (6-1): Partnership Agreement approved; Councilmember Moses voted nay. The city is responsible for insurance and maintenance; Havasu Freedom Foundation will not assume those costs but will support fundraising.
• Future meetings: June 23 (Final Budget Adoption), July 14 (Property Tax Levy Adoption), July 28 (Regular Meeting).