Public safety infrastructure is a priority for the years ahead. 
We have a new Mayor Pro Tem, Brandon Montoya. I wish to thank Cathey Rusing for her service in this role during the past year, and I look forward to working with Mr. Montoya in this capacity. As you know, we welcomed Connie Cantelme as new councilperson, filling the vacancy left by Jessica Hall who resigned in 2022. Sadly, we also said goodbye to Councilwoman Billie Orr who passed away in January. We offer our condolences to her family and many friends.
The search is underway for a new city manager. After six years, Michael Lamar announced his resignation as of Feb. 14. Tyler Goodman was named interim city manager while the city conducts a national search for his replacement. We wish Mr. Lamar well and look forward to working with Mr. Goodman as we search for a permanent replacement.
The spirit of service is alive and well in Prescott. The city has 28 boards and commissions, of which seven have openings. The city has received 78 total applications from interested citizens. Three important commissions that will be working this year include the Water Policy Review Commission, the Charter Amendment Review Commission and the General Plan Review Commission. Each of these commissions, along with the city’s other boards and commissions, will play an important role in shaping city policy and actions in the year ahead.
The overall financial health of the city remains very strong. Taxable activity and bed tax collections continued to see year over year increases, as of the latest reports. The .75% sales tax to pay down the Public Safety Retirement System unfunded liability has done its job. After just five years, the city’s liability went down from $86 million to about $1.5 million. Therefore, we were able to end the tax on Jan. 1, bringing Prescott’s overall sale tax rate down to 8.35%, the lowest in the area.
Prescott Regional Airport continues to be a focus for the city. Prescott Regional Airport has been consistently in the Top 25 busiest airports in the nation. We will continue to work to encourage industrial and commercial uses around the airport and make sure that residential development is located in appropriate areas, well away from potential impact zones and noise contours. We are also awaiting word about the proposed runway expansion to allow more effective operations at the airport.
Public safety infrastructure is a priority for the years ahead. We are taking a data-driven approach to make sure we are placing resources in appropriate locations to meet the demands of today and tomorrow. We are also taking a proactive approach to recruitment and retention of our public safety personnel to ensure they are well staffed and ready to meet the needs of our growing city.
The city’s revised water policy has been in place since spring 2022. The revised policy is designed to appropriately manage water use and moderate impacts on our water portfolio. Council recently reaffirmed the policy for the next six months. Looking ahead, the Water Policy Review Commission will discuss the procedure for appeals when a development exceeds the allocation limit, then Council will decide how to proceed in those situations
I will close with a few exciting updates about commercial development. In late 2022, FedEx opened their 200,000-square-foot ground and express facility near the airport. In the past two years, there have been 28 commercial industrial parcels acquired, with another 15 in escrow. Espire Sports opened a sports complex, centered around pickleball, at the former Sears location at Prescott Gateway Mall. Speaking of the mall, recently, a new owner took possession of the mall. He will invest a great deal to restore and repair the facility, then will work to bring quality retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues back for our community to enjoy. QCBN
By Phil Goode, QCBN
Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.
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