Hello, Robin.

This meet meeting is now called to order.

Maria, would you please call roll?

Councilmember Brown.

I'm here.

Mayor Wheatley.

Here.

Councilmember Oliphant?

Here.

Councilmember Benning.

Councilmember Martinell?

Here.

Vice Mayor McClure.

President.

Councilmember But the Mayor, we do have a quorum.

Have a quorum.

Thank you, Maria.

It is so great to look out and see all of our staff here.

We don't always get the opportunity to see you or interact with you regularly.

We try and do our best of telling the department heads how much we appreciate you.

So hopefully that's carried carried on.

But um it really is great to see everyone here this afternoon and um just really appreciate all you work all the work you do on our behalf.

But um before we begin this budget session, just want to provide uh a few things.

It's uh typically more of a casual nature, but just want to make sure that we still use our request to speak button and um and address the the facilitator and try and avoid any any side comments.

But um we have a lot of work to do this evening.

The first action item is consideration and possible approval of the April sixteenth, two thousand twenty-five budget minutes.

Are there any comments or I would entertain a motion?

Mayor, I approved I move to approve minutes.

Second.

Thank you.

Great.

We will move on to the big item on the agenda, which is discussion of the fiscal year two thousand twenty-six, two thousand twenty-seven town manager's recommended budget, and now I would like to turn it over to our town manager, Bruce Gardner.

Thank you so much, Bruce.

And it's without your help that we can that uh in support of the council that we can accomplish some of the things that we have the last three years.

So thank you so much, team.

Thank you.

All right.

Um, as outlined in my town manager letter that I submitted to the council as part of my recommended budget.

Uh, the approval of the budget is one of the most significant policy documents considered by the town council.

This budget that's being proposed is balanced as required by state law, but is smart practices also.

And the budget was developed in an environment of continued inflation, tight labor markets, and supply chain concerns.

That said, the town's financial conditions continue to weather these uncertain times better than expected.

The budget total that's being recommended tonight is 840.6 million.

With that said, over 56% of the budget is dedicated to infrastructure with the largest portions assigned to transportation, public safety and our utilities, water and wastewater areas.

This budget remains consistent with the past several years as it continues to reflect the council's objectives to maintain current service levels and to come accommodate your commitment and focus on public safety in the community's infrastructure.

The commitment to infrastructure in the past, present and the future is what has drawn many of our residents to this community, families, businesses, and corporations to locate and invest within the town of Queen Creek as a preferred choice in the Southeast Valley.

Preserving and advancing this quality of life of our residents has always been at the forefront and forethought of the budget development process, and this budget is no different.

While the recommended budget reflects an increase over the prior year, it's primarily driven by two council directed capital projects.

The first is the Harkahela water purchases and associated infrastructure to get the water to the town, and second, construction of the Queen Creek Police Department headquarters.

The budget also continues to prioritize transportation improvements consistent with the adopted transportation plan.

These investments directly support council priorities outlined in the corporate strategic plan, and funding decisions are aligned with community input also from the 2025 citizen survey.

The overall increase should be viewed within the context of Arizona Arizona municipal budgeting requirements.

First, project costs for multi-year capital projects must not only take into consideration of the town's voter-approved expenditure limit, but also be fully budgeted once the first dollar is spent.

As such, the budget amounts do not reflect a single year of spending, but total project commitments.

For example, the recommended budget includes the full $96 million for the design construction of the Queen Creek Police Headquarters, despite the project which will span over a couple years.

The recommended budget also includes the full 177.5 million for the final Harkahela water payment and related infrastructure to get the water to Queen Creek.

And it also recommends approximately 70 million of continued improvement of the transportation system with most of the focus on adding lanes to the town's arterial roads.

Shielding the town on any significant reliance on Colorado River supply, which continues to remain uncertain.

It enhances public safety infrastructure and service delivery for current and future generations, and also continues to maintain and build a comprehensive transportation infrastructure for our residents and those that visit Queen Creek.

Through thoughtful planning and strategic investments, the town has earned notable recognitions, including best place to live in Arizona, second safest community in Arizona, best small city in Arizona, and best place to do business all within the last two and a half years.