Payson Town Council Regular Meeting - April 8, 2026
Payson Town Council Regular Meeting - April 8, 2026
The Payson Town Council met in regular session on April 8, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including a wildfire outlook presentation, refinancing of Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) debt, acquisition of a property for flooding remediation, and a settlement in ongoing litigation. The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:56 p.m.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes: The Council unanimously approved the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of March 25, 2026 (7-0).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Mike Imholz and Collette Muscara (representing Church on the Mountain, formerly Church for the Nations) reported completion of their parking lot project and invited Council and staff to a celebration and ribbon cutting on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
- Jeff Robbins expressed frustration that the Town has not acted on previous public comments regarding property maintenance and code violations, arguing for a proactive enforcement system rather than the current complaint-driven approach.
- Tom Dunning urged the Council to consider options to retire PSPRS debt earlier at potentially lower cost, citing possible savings in time and money.
- Isaac Blake spoke about voter participation rates for Party Not Designated (PND) voters, stating that over 3,000 Payson residents are registered as PND. He requested the Town update public communications to clearly explain that PND voters must take action to receive a ballot, noting confusion in the 2024 election. Town Manager Darren Coldwell clarified that election materials are provided by Gila County, which is responsible for elections.
- Nina Grabiel opposed the three-minute time limit per person for public comments, arguing it infringes on First Amendment rights.
- Ralph Townsend opposed the use of Flock automated license plate reader cameras, stating the invasive surveillance technology violates constitutional rights, citing U.S. Supreme Court rulings (United States v. Jones and Carpenter v. United States).
- Mike Quinn reported that his two FOIA requests were referred for legal review but never answered. He also echoed concerns about code enforcement regarding junk, debris, inoperable vehicles, and overgrown vegetation, urging the Town to be more proactive.
- Darlene Younker DeLage expressed support for careful consideration of PSPRS refinancing options but urged the Council to consider potential impacts from future changes in elected officials and staff, noting the flexibility of the proposed direct lending could allow future councils to take on additional debt.
- Janet Williams (speaking on H.2) inquired about the purpose of Resolution 2026-017, plans for property usage, and mitigation of drainage and flooding. Council directed staff to reach out to her after matters were resolved to provide additional information.
Discussion Items
- D.1 – 2026 Wildfire Outlook: Public Safety Director / Fire Chief David Staub presented the annual wildfire outlook. Key points included multi-agency coordination, potential delay in fire restrictions due to recent weather, and increased fire risk expected by June. He reviewed resources (including a change from 8 engines to 6 engines plus an initial attack crew), evacuation planning, and public education efforts. Assistant Fire Chief Kevin McCully provided an update on a multi-agency mastication project to which the Town donated $10,000, noting its completion and offering tours. Vice Mayor Tubbs requested staff research a neighborhood-based communication program like Neighbor to Neighbor.
- H.1 – PSPRS Debt and Refinancing Options: The Council discussed a proposal from Holman Capital to refinance the Town's PSPRS unfunded liability (approximately $19.5 million) through direct lending. Representatives Lance Holman and James Lott outlined flexible repayment options, reduced closing costs ($20,000 flat fee), a 30-45 day closing window, and the ability to exit or refinance at any time with a prepayment premium (5-6% of outstanding principal). The Town's current PSPRS payment is about $5 million annually; if the debt were paid off, the annual payment would drop to around $1 million. Council directed staff to return with a comparison to bond financing and detailed financial scenarios for future consideration. Council members expressed interest in a 10-year repayment term. No formal vote was taken.
- H.2 – Resolution 2026-017 (Acquisition of 1700 North Dogie Circle): This resolution authorizing acquisition of the property for flooding remediation was first tabled pending mediation. After returning from executive session, the Council approved Resolution 2026-017 (7-0), authorizing the purchase of the property as part of a settlement agreement. Town contribution: $600,000; insurance contribution: $100,000; appraised value: $410,000. The resolution also allows donation or eminent domain, but the settlement involves purchase.
- H.3 & H.4 – Executive Session: The Council voted (7-0) to move into executive session to receive legal advice regarding Resolution 2026-017 (H.3) and to consider its position in Dudley v. Town of Payson (H.4). The meeting recessed at 6:19 p.m. and reconvened at 6:53 p.m.
- H.5 – Settlement in Dudley v. Town of Payson: After executive session, the Council approved (7-0) a settlement agreement reached during March 31, 2026 mediation. The settlement authorizes the purchase of the property at 1700 North Dogie Circle.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda: Approved meeting minutes of March 25, 2026 (7-0).
- Resolution 2026-017: Approved to authorize acquisition of 1700 North Dogie Circle by purchase (7-0), as part of the approved settlement.
- Settlement in Dudley v. Town of Payson: Approved (7-0), authorizing staff to proceed as discussed in executive session. The settlement involves the Town paying $600,000 and insurance contributing $100,000 to purchase the property (appraised at $410,000) to resolve litigation and mitigate drainage/flooding.
- Executive Session: Motion carried (7-0) to recess for executive session on items H.3 and H.4.
- Wildfire Outlook: Staff directed to research a Neighbor to Neighbor communication program and report back.
- PSPRS Refinancing: Council directed staff to present a bond comparison and further financial analysis at a future meeting; no final decision made.
Meeting Transcript
I trusted on Home Depot, I think, with the color. We're live. We're live. I call this meeting of the Common Council of the Tall Town of Payson to order April 8th, 2026. Invocation. Pastor Joseph Treppenbacher. Well, thank you for the opportunity to open this up in prayer. Lord Jesus, we just thank you for every person that's here. We thank you for your people here who are here to serve the people of Payson. We thank you for all the ideas that you give to them and how you lead them and guide them. And I pray first of all that everyone here would remember who we serve first, and that's you and then the town of Payson. And I ask that you would order our steps and order our ideas and our thoughts and our plans so that uh they would better serve the town of Payson and that they would glorify you, Lord, in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Thank you. I gladly of the United States of America. And the Republicans, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Let the record reflect that all council members are present. Thank you. That brings us to call to the public. Uh as a reminder, it's election season. State law prohibits any town resource, including staff time, equipment, and anything of value to be used to influence an election. This prohibitive this prohibition applies to call to the public. You can talk about a town issue, but please do not advocate for a specific candidate or ballot measure. We appreciate your efforts to help the town comply with state law and avoid using taxpayer monies to influence the election. This is the opportunity for citizens to speak on any issue within the legal authority and jurisdiction of the town of Payson. The town must abide by Arizona Open Meeting Law, and this agendized item is the public's opportunity to be heard at the meeting. When called to speak, please approach the podium, speak towards the microphone so your statement can be heard and recorded and give your name. The town requests that you address your comments to the council as a whole. If you are speaking on an agenda item from today's meeting, you can wait until uh after that specific item is presented to speak, or you may state your comments now. Call to the public is regulated by time, place and manner restrictions, and you cannot speak more than once at this meeting on the same issue. Each speaker is limited to three minutes. You may not donate your time to another speaker. Purpose of this meeting is to conduct town business. If you've not submitted a speaker request form but wish to speak, raise your hand at the conclusion of the speakers who have filed forms, and I will recognize you. Your courtesy and respect are appreciated. The town thanks you for coming to this meeting and for sharing your thoughts with the council. Let's get started. Mike Himholtz. Good afternoon. I'm not Mike. My name is Colette Muscara, and I am a member of the Church on Miracle Mountain, formerly known as Church for the Nations. Some of you might know already that we finally completed our parking lot project. And uh we're getting ready to celebrate on the 23rd of this month, Thursday. We're having a ribbon cutting and we're having a celebration for the public. I personally gave invitations for all of you. If I miss somebody, please forgive me. And everyone in attendance is invited. We'll be having a picnic lunch. We'll be doing tours of our prayer garden and the church.
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