Quad Cities Business News

Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, & Dewey/Humboldt

You are here: Home / Archives for City of Prescott

City of Prescott

How Prescott is Funded for City Needs

By Leave a Comment

Property Tax is a consistent funding source, while sales tax is subject to the cycles of the economy and tourism variations.

As we conclude budget approval for Fiscal Year 2024, which begins on July 1, questions arise about the city’s tax structure and how we are funded. Many are surprised to learn that transaction privilege tax (TPT, or sales tax) is the primary source of revenue for the city’s general fund, which pays for public safety and other critical city services. Property tax in Prescott accounts for less than 4% of revenue for the general fund.

As growth continues in and around Prescott’s city limits, the low city property tax plays a minor but important role in funding our public safety and other critical services. The Prescott property tax rate is much lower than the rate in the unincorporated county areas. For this reason, growth and increased property values disproportionately benefit the county, with their higher property tax rate. However, growth in the north Prescott area, both in the city and county areas, is stretching city public safety services capability and response times.

This means that the police, fire and emergency medical services are funded from the city’s general fund with a vastly lower property tax rate. Currently, for example, a property with a $400,000 assessed value outside of the city limits located in the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority’s district, pays an additional $1,041 annually above the same valued property in the City of Prescott.

As council moves to approve the Fiscal Year ‘24 budget, for the first time since 2017, we are considering an increase in the property tax levy by the maximum allowed 2%. This increase will trigger a Truth in Taxation process, which will include public notices and public hearings. What does this increase mean for Prescott homeowners? The answer is about $13.04 a year for a similar $400,000 property. While not a significant sum, the additional revenue will help the city keep up with the need for more police and firefighters.

Property Tax is a consistent funding source, while sales tax is subject to the cycles of the economy and tourism variations. Police and fire protection is a constant need and requires a more stable funding source. Property tax and its role in funding critical city services must be considered as a way to provide a more balanced source of revenue to meet the needs of our growing community. QCBN

By Phil Goode

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.

Scenic Granite Dells Acreage Added to Open Space

By Leave a Comment

Mayor Goode praised Baynes, the Storm Family and all others involved in making the purchase possible.

After decades of negotiation, the City of Prescott closed escrow on 302 acres of the Storm Ranch property, which adds to the iconic Granite Dells area on the northeast edge of the city. The land, valued at $8,461,808, closed escrow on Oct 5.

City officials praised the purchase of the additional land. In an exclusive statement to the Quad Cities Business News, Prescott Mayor Phil Goode said, “The city’s purchase of the 300-plus acres was an important step in the city’s ongoing effort to acquire scenically significant open space. The views from the property are fantastic. They will now be enjoyed by generations to come.”

City Recreation Services Director Joe Baynes said the acquisition will provide a key link to other open space known as the Granite Dells. In an exclusive statement, Baynes said, “The acquisition was important not only for the stunning beauty and opportunity for human planned recreation but also because it is contiguous to 474 acres of the Dells acquired through annexation of the Arizona Eco Development property and 160-acre purchase from the Storm Ranch in 2018. The Peavine and the Iron King trails will provide access to the properties with a wide variety of trails – some fairly easy to some highly technical.”

Work on new trails is to begin this month. Six miles of new trails are expected to be open to the public by late March or early April 2023. Among the first to be constructed is approximately a one-mile stretch that will connect the Iron King Trail to the gap area in the Dells, with an elevation climb of about 200 to 300 feet.

Included in the agreement is a provision for the city to work with the sellers to memorialize the Storm family and its ranching history of almost 100 years. Appropriate signage will be placed on the newly acquired property.

Mayor Goode praised Baynes, the Storm Family and all others involved in making the purchase possible. He said that acquiring the last piece of Storm Ranch is a monumental accomplishment that demonstrates the city’s continuing commitment to open space preservation, a true legacy that endures over time. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Undertaking the Updated General Plan

By Leave a Comment

The voters of Prescott will have the General Plan on the ballot in the city’s primary election in August 2025.

The City of Prescott is about to undertake the update and adoption of the 2025 General Plan.  The General Plan is the public document that guides the future of a city. Per Arizona Revised Statutes, a city’s land development decisions must be consistent withthe adopted General Plan. Cities under a population of 50,000 must have the following elements in their plans: Land Use, Circulation, Open Space, Growth Areas, Environmental Planning, Cost of Development, and Water Resources.

General Plans must be thoroughly reviewed and updated every 10 years. In 2015, Prescott adopted its most recent update, which contained all five of the required elements plus two additional voluntary elements: Economic Development and Community Quality. The 2015 Prescott General Plan can be accessed by visiting the City’s website: https://www.prescott-az.gov/business-development/planning/general-plan/.

To stay in compliance with state law, Prescott must adopt an updated general plan by the end of 2025. To undertake this effort, the city has created a General Plan Project Team led by the Planning Division within the Community Development Department. This Project Team will consist of city staff from all departments and will include input from our regional partners such as the Town of Prescott Valley, the Town of Chino Valley, Yavapai County, the Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization and other local and regional organizations.

To assist the Project Team, the City Council has appointed an 11-citizen General Plan Committee. This committee will play an integral role in the extensive public outreach process planned for 2023, which will ensure that the updated General Plan represents the vision of all of Prescott residents. The members of the committee are Don Michelman, Deborah Thalasitis, Ted Gambogi, Gary Worob, Andre Carman, James McCarver, Ralph Hess, Mary Fredrickson, Jim Huffman, Rod Moyer and Terry Sapio. Council liaisons are Eric Moore and Brandon Montoya.

Following the extensive public outreach, the Project Team will utilize the input gathered from Prescott residents and develop a draft document for the General Plan Committee to review. This draft will be presented to the City’s Planning and Zoning Commission for a recommendation and then to the City Council for approval. With that approval, the General Plan must then be ratified by the residents of Prescott to become effective. The ratification follows the same process as a referendum. The voters of Prescott will have the General Plan on the ballot in the city’s primary election in August 2025. QCBN

By Phil Goode

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.

Mayor’s ‘State of the City’ Report: Business Climate is Robust

By Leave a Comment

There are several initiatives for the city in the year to come.

Recently, I was asked to provide an address on the State of the City at the Prescott Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. This provided me with an excellent opportunity to reflect on and share where we are now as a city and where we are going.

As I mentioned last month, we are transitioning city leadership among our recently elected officials. I am pleased to say that with several meetings completed, the new council is working well together. The open call to the public has been successful, and we appreciate the many comments and suggestions from our citizens.

Where We Are Now

The city’s financial health is strong.  We are on track to pay down the PSPRS unfunded liability as early as this year end, which would be several years ahead of projections. In spite of the disruptions caused by the pandemic, the city’s gross taxable activity is up from the same period last year. Also, the U.S. Supreme Court’s Wayfair Decision, which allowed local jurisdictions to collect sales tax on online purchases, have also bolstered the tax income for the city.

Prescott Regional Airport continues to thrive and grow. Last year, we officially recorded 311,342 aircraft operations, making Prescott the nation’s 18th busiest U.S. airport, and third busiest in Arizona. Plans continue for extension of the Commercial Service runway. Multiple flight training institutions are planning improved facilities and equipment for pilot instruction at the airport, as they respond to the ongoing commercial pilot shortage.

Where We Are Going

There are several initiatives for the city in the year to come. As you know, we are moving into a new City Hall building at 201 N. Montezuma. We hope to be fully moved in by early 2023. There is a request for proposal for the purchase and redevelopment of the current City Hall site. We will seek to fill key vacancies within our city leadership, including city attorney, fire chief and a few others. Public safety is a critical aspect of our government’s responsibility to its citizens. I have directed staff to review possible new locations for public safety facilities around the city to meet the demands of our growing population. We will continue with master planning of the north Prescott area and revitalization of the Granite Creek Corridor.

Some Good News

Prescott’s business climate is robust. Council recently finalized a lease agreement with Cutter Aviation, for management of the Fixed Base Operations (FBO). Cutter Aviation has an excellent track record of service around the Southwest and they we be a great addition to Prescott Regional Airport. Work has begun on a 200,000+-square-foot distribution facility near the airport. This will provide more than 80 quality jobs and the company is already considering expansion of the facility. Espire Sports is completing construction in the former Sears building at Prescott Gateway Mall. This indoor facility will feature a 100,000-square-foot facility including pickle ball courts and a number of other athletic activities.

In summary, the City of Prescott is financially strong and preparing for a number of new initiatives that will take us into the future. Local companies and investors are choosing Prescott, adding jobs and attractions that will keep our economy growing and strong. I look forward to the year ahead and I hope you do, too. QCBN

By Phil Goode, QCBN

Phil Goode is the mayor of the City of Prescott.

Looking Forward to Serving Prescott

By 2 Comments

I hope our citizens will enjoy everything that Arizona’s Christmas City has to offer this season.

Dear Citizens of Prescott: This is my first column as mayor, so I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to those who are not familiar with me. First, I would like to congratulate my new council members on the Prescott City Council, including Brandon Montoya, Eric Moore and Jessica Hall. I look forward to working with each of them, as well as our incumbent council members.

I was born and raised in Sacramento, California. After graduation from high school, I enlisted in the U.S. Army in May 1970 and served a full combat tour with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. I received the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal (for more than 50 helicopter combat assaults), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal and others.

After serving seven years of combined active and reserve duty, I was honorably discharged from the Army in 1977. During that period, I earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Sacramento State University. I then embarked on a 35-year career in the healthcare industry, reaching vice president positions with Medline Industries and Careview Communications and also holding management positions with Kinetic Concepts Inc. and Applied Medical.

I am a 31-year member of the American Legion (Post 6, Prescott) and life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (Post 541, Prescott). I was co-chairman of the Veterans Memorial Plaque Committee, which in June 2016, rededicated that memorial on the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza to the fallen Yavapai County veterans who lost their lives serving in all of the nation’s wars, beginning with World War I.

I was elected to the board of directors of the Central Yavapai Hospital District in 2016. I served as a commissioner on Prescott’s Planning and Zoning Commission and was co-chairman of Mayor Harry Oberg’s ad hoc committee on sober living rehab homes.

In 2017, I was elected to a four-year term on the Prescott City Council. My council term ended and I took the oath of office as your new mayor on Nov. 23, 2021.

I serve on the board of directors of the Yavapai Republican Men’s Forum and was recently the vice chairman of the Yavapai County Republican Committee. I have been a member of Prescott’s Sunup Rotary Club since 2015. I served on the Yavapai County Teacher of the Year panel and was a member of the Prescott BASIS School Advisory Council. I am a long-term member of the public policy committee for the Citizens Water Advocacy Group as well as the Citizens Tax Committee.

Areas of focus during my term will include managing growth, infrastructure and water use, so that our city will continue to sustain its high quality for generations to come. I appreciate the support of the voters of the City of Prescott and look forward to serving as your next mayor, working closely with my fellow council members and city staff, and listening to our citizen’s concerns as we continue to keep Prescott a city that we can all be proud of.

I hope our citizens will enjoy everything that Arizona’s Christmas City has to offer this season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! QCBN

By Mayor Phil Goode, QCBN

Phil Goode is the mayor of the City of Prescott.

Considering the Airport, Revitalization, Open Space and More

By Leave a Comment

Together, we worked to preserve the natural beauty of our open spaces that have always been important to our community.

Winston Churchill once said, “Continuous effort, not strength or intelligence, is the key to unlocking our potential.” Certainly, that describes Prescott’s evolution from a small mining town on the frontier of our country in the 1860s to the award-winning 21st century community we are today. As my term as your mayor comes to an end, I would like to reflect on what we, as a community, have accomplished during the past four years that I’ve had the privilege to serve as your mayor.

Together, we debated, campaigned and voted on an increase in sales tax to properly fund the retirement benefits of our first responders. There may have been disagreements on the best mechanism to fund this obligation, but in the end, we did it. We are a safer and more secure community because of Prop 443.

Together, we recognized the need to upgrade our airport and its air service to meet the growing demands of our community. Drawing upon expertise from the private sector, our team demonstrated to United Airlines and the FAA that Prescott could support regional jet service and was worthy of a modern air terminal. As a result, today we have a beautiful new terminal and jet service that conveniently links us to the world.

Together, we realized the need to beautify and effectively utilize our historic downtown district. Working with the private sector, the “eyesore” at Sheldon Street and Montezuma was transformed into a new Hilton Garden Inn, a remodeled Sam Hill Warehouse Event Center, and a lovely urban park for young families. This area will continue to see enhancements with the Granite Creek Corridor Master Plan, and City Hall will soon occupy the National Bank Building, located diagonally across the street.

Together, we worked to preserve the natural beauty of our open spaces that have always been important to our community. In July of this year, after a multi-year, public-private sector negotiation, nearly 500 acres of the Dells, including the iconic Point of Rocks, became the property of the City of Prescott. It is a jewel that will be cherished and enjoyed by generations to come.

Finally, together we worked to adapt throughout the COVID pandemic, balancing reasonable restrictions and cancelations against the impact on our lives and the economy. We have mourned those we lost during the pandemic and have honored those who remained at their post in the darkest of times. We will be forever indebted to those who kept our stores stocked with food, to those who provided necessary services, to our police and fire departments who answered calls during times of uncertainty, and to our medical community that worked unending hours to care for those of us stricken by the virus. The unified spirit of Prescott was ever apparent during the difficult times we’ve experienced since early 2020.

In November, the City of Prescott will swear in a new mayor and three new city council members. The torch of leadership will be passed to these individuals as it has been passed on before in our city since its founding in 1864. I wish them Godspeed as they follow Mr. Churchill’s advice of “continuous effort.” QCBN

By Greg Mengarelli, QCBN

Greg Mengarelli is the mayor of Prescott.

Food Park to be Developed in Downtown Prescott

By 1 Comment

Then people can wander about, and everyone can order their own thing.

Downtown Prescott is just a few weeks from having an outdoor food court providing a variety of options for hungry customers.

The concept originated with Shawn and Holly Reddy, owners of the bright red Gringo’s Taco Shop mobile diner that is often seen around the Quad Cities. The food truck park will be at the northwest corner of Willis and Montezuma Streets, one of the busiest intersections in the downtown area.

“We bought the property in March 2018. We have been making plans for developing it since,” Shawn said. “After having designers and engineers vet our plans, we submitted them to City of Prescott authorities. Our approvals have been granted; so now, we’ll soon begin the build for the court.”

Plans show installation of full infrastructure – water, sewer, electricity – enough to accommodate the Reddy’s Gringo Taco unit as well as six other food trucks. Seating will be arranged in a semi-circle. In addition, the site will have restrooms.

“The way we planned it,” said Holly, “a family can come down into the circle – kind of like the old ‘circle the wagons’ image famous in Westerns. Then people can wander about, and everyone can order their own thing. The only restrictions will be their appetite, imagination and billfold.”

The Reddys have years of professional experience in food service preparation and delivery. Shawn started his career as a teenager in pizza kitchens. He enrolled for a degree from the Art Institute of Los Angeles-Santa Monica and worked in the kitchen for the Splashes in the Surf and Sand Hotel in Laguna Beach.

When he completed his degree, he and his wife, Holly, visited family members in the Prescott area. They liked the community so much that for a while, Shawn commuted back and forth from California so that he could be executive chef at the Rose Hotel on Cortez. Holly remained an executive office manager and administrative assistant in California with their daughter.

“I wearied of that commute after 13 months, so I returned to Southern California and got a job with the Cheesecake Factory. I then worked for ESPN Zone in Downtown Disneyland. But then I landed the executive chef’s job at Landry’s in the Chart House of the Tower of Americas in San Antonio. All the time, the charming appeal of Prescott and Central Arizona was in the back of our minds,” Shawn said.

The two finally made the big decision and returned to Prescott, where they founded Gringo’s Taco Shop July 4, 2018.

“No other food trucks in the area were doing tacos, and we wanted to be unique. The name – because we are ‘gringos’ and tacos are among our favorite foods,” Holly said.

The menu ranges from breakfast sandwiches and burritos to huevos rancheros, tacos, tostadas, green chili burgers and quesadillas.

Morteze Deputy and Ross Alexander, Prescott residents and regular customers of Gringo’s Taco Shop, praise the food. “It’s real food, healthy, flavorful and fresh,” said Alexander. Deputy concurred. “I don’t call this fast food. Rather, it’s delicious and nutritious.”

Another customer, Joe Trudeau, recommended Gringo’s Taco Shop, saying, “It’s as good food as you can get here in Prescott.”

In the three-and-a-half years since they have been in Prescott, the Reddys have served food throughout the Quad Cities. The biggest event they catered was the Cinco de Mayo celebrations hosted by Affinity Recreational Vehicles at both its locations – one in Prescott, the other in Prescott Valley. “Hard to believe, but honest – we served more than 5,000 people during those days. We were exhausted,” Shawn said. “But we loved meeting the hundreds of hungry customers.”

Their second biggest event was the Fourth of July. “It seems we always have a line of 20 deep – until the fireworks start. By then, we are worn out,” Holly said.

They also cater private events such as wedding or birthday parties. Their biggest private event involved serving 325 people for a wedding. “I don’t think we’d do that again,” said Shawn.

The Reddys are eager to open the food court. “We just so want to help the other business owners who are just starting. We’d so love to see some that specialize, like desserts or other ethnic foods. We do hope to remodel our own food truck – add a sliding window to take orders and attach a front and back awning,” Shawn said.

The Reddys stay busy most of the year. Their busiest season is May through October. Usually, the couple tries to be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, but during special events or holidays, they meet the needs of the crowd. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

For more information, visit gringostacoshop.com.

Prescott City Offices, Library Remain Closed

By Leave a Comment

In the City’s ongoing efforts to curb the impacts of COVID-19 in our community,  by protecting our staff and the general public, City Hall and all City offices will remain closed to the public through the month of February, 2021.  Essential City services such as public safety, solid waste collection and other Public Works services will continue.

 

Below is a comprehensive list of city services and how they will change.  All changes will be in place until further notice, unless otherwise noted.

 

  1. City Hall Closure Remains In Effect through at least February

City Hall will be closed to the public.  Essential City services such as public safety, solid waste collection and water management will continue.   Appointments will be available for those in need of in-person services such as inspections.

 

  1. City Boards and Commissions Meetings Virtual Effective immediately, all Council and Board/Commission meetings will be closed to in-person attendance by members of the public and Council and Board Members. Meetings will continue to be live streamed through various channels as they have since mid-spring. Council Meetings will be aired on Channel 64, and Facebook Live. In addition, citizens will be able to attend via Zoom by registering in advance with a link provided on the meeting agenda. The Zoom platform allows the public to join the meeting as Attendees and “raise their hand” when public comment is called during particular agenda items and discussion. Upon raising their hand, attendees will then be permitted to speak for the allotted three (3) minutes regarding the specific agenda item.

In addition to participation through Zoom, members of the public may submit comments related to items on the posted agenda through the city’s website at http://www.prescott-az.gov/…/leadersh…/speaker-request-form/ and those comments will be read at the dais by the City Clerk.

A) Utility Billing Available for Payment Online or by Phone

B) The Utility billing drive up window service will be open during regular City business hours- Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except during holidays.

  1. The City is encouraging online and phone bill payment. If you have questions, or do not have access to the internet, we would be glad to assist you over the phone at 928-777-1291.
  1. Online service includes the ability to:
    1. Review your water usage
    2. Email billing@prescott-az.gov to put in service cancellations and to ask billing questions.
    3. Start service at a new address
    4. Sign up for automatic payment of your utility bill
    5. Or just pay your current bill

 

  1. Community Development/Building Permits

 

  1. The Community Development Department is using a FULLY ELECTRONIC system for permitting, plan review, fire prevention services, and planning & zoning. All permit and project applications are now submitted via our online applicant portal:

 

www.PrescottPermits.com

This website is the City of Prescott’s new online tool for customers to apply for, monitor status, re-submit revised plans, and make payments for permits and projects. Customers are also encouraged to schedule building inspections via the portal.

The applicant portal requires an established customer login. If you don’t have a login yet, please use the following link to apply for one. Your login information will be returned within 24-48 hours. (If you need immediate assistance with this process, or any other Community Development business, please dial 928.777.1371 to speak with a team member.)

https://cityofprescottaz.wispform.com/1892c1c5

The most up-to-date information for permitting, project, plan review, and inspection processes can be found at:

http://www.prescott-az.gov/permits

Most permits are issuable through our online portal, if in ready-to-issue status and upon receipt of full payment via the portal.

In-person permit issuance continues to be by appointment only. Issuance will take place at our drive-up permit locations in the one-way alley on the east side of City Hall. Look for signage and barricades identifying appropriate parking locations. You must have an appointment prior to arriving at the drive-up issuance location. Please call 928.777.1371 to confirm your appointment.

Please use any of the following emails (based on the type of request or issue) to connect with a Community Development team member regarding your project:

BuildingPermits@prescott-az.gov

PlanReview@prescott-az.gov

Inspections@prescott-az.gov

Zoning@prescott-az.gov

FirePrevention@prescott-az.gov

You may also contact the Community Development Department at 928.777.1371 for further guidance or questions.

  1. Police
    1. All critical police operations are continuing as usual. The Police lobby is closed; phone and online reporting is offered as an alternative for reporting crimes. A separate detailed press release was sent out regarding this.
  2. Fire

 

  1. All critical Fire Department operations are continuing. All fire stations are closed to the public. Increased sanitization of trucks and surfaces inside stations has commenced and will continue.
  2. The Prescott Regional Communications Center has initiated actions on all E-911 calls to provide for added questioning of caller as it relates to the current COVID-19 pandemic as suggested by the CDC.
  3. More in-depth triaging of emergency medical service call types is taking place which is using an on-duty paramedic to provide more intense screening for those calls with symptoms that are common with COVID-19 virus. This was initiated to provide for a right sized response or in some cases ensure the wellness of our first responders.
  4. All Prescott Fire Department members undergo regular COVID-19 screening and in the rare instance a need existed for which our members found it necessary to remove their barrier masks should those employees be found to have tested positive we conduct needed contact tracing.

 

  1. Prescott Public Library

    1. Prescott Public Library remains closed to the public, however the library is providing curbside service for holds and email and phone reference assistance. Normal curbside and Ask-a-Librarian service hours are: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am-6 pm. Curbside and Ask-a-Librarian service will be closed Saturday, February 13, in observance of President’s Day.  Curbside service will resume Tuesday, February 16 at 10 am.
    2. There are two ways to pick up items on hold once you have been notified that they are available:
      1. Curbside service:
        Make a reservation at http://prescottlibrary.evanced.info/signup/calendar or call 928.777.1526 to pick up your hold. Reservations are available Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
      2. Click and Collect

Use the YLN Catalog smartphone app to pick up your holds anytime.

For details about picking up holds, please visit www.prescottlibrary.info/modified-library-services or call 928.777.1526.

  1. Information assistance continues: Library staff will be available by phone (928.777.1500) or email (librarian@prescott-az.gov) during this time to answer account questions, help you select books and place holds, assist you with online resources, and to answer general reference questions.
  2. Online services 24/7:
    The library’s collection of online resources is available 24/7 at prescottlibrary.info .
  3. Additional information:
  1. When picking up holds, please wear a mask and stay in your car. If you are picking up on foot or on a bike, please wait on a bench outside the library entrance.
  2. Items on hold for you have been quarantined for 72 hours.
  3. Book drops around town are open, including a book drop in the Marina Street parking lot.
  4. Regular loan periods remain in effect and due dates for items will appear on your checkout receipt or in your online account.
  5. Once you are notified about a hold being available, you will have 10 days to pick it up.
  6. The library will not be accepting donations of books, DVDs, etc. to the Friends of the Library Book Sale at this time.
  7. Tax information is available at http://www.prescottlibrary.info/services/ask-a-librarian-services/#tax and select forms available Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Goodwin Street entrance.

 

  1. Public Works

All critical Public Works Divisions are operating as scheduled.  The Public Works Offices are closed to visitors, please call 928-777-1130 for questions and information. Outdoor socially distanced meetings will continue in the outdoor conference space.

 

  1. Trash collection will continue as normal with the exception of the upcoming Holiday’s. The Transfer Station is open normal business hours of 8:00am – 4:00pm Monday through Saturday (Holiday’s excluded).  Please see the City website for the schedule. http://www.prescott-az.gov/services-safety/trash-pickup-recycling/residential-service/holiday-schedule/
  2. All City construction projects are continuing as scheduled.

 

  1. Recreation Services/Facilities

 

  1. Playgrounds and public restrooms are open. The City is not accepting reservations for park ramadas and campgrounds.  The general public is encouraged to practice social distancing and good hygiene. General public is discouraged from gatherings of 10 or more people according to CDC guidelines. Parking fees remain in place- $3 per vehicle, with Free Wednesdays.
  2. In addition to following the CDC guidelines,   the golf course is taking extra precautionary measures, including asking people to not touch or pull the pins, no more than 6 people in the pro-shop at any time, capped the holes so people don’t have to reach in for their ball, sanitizing the carts before and after every use, and providing extra golf carts for single riders.

 

  1. City Clerk

 

  1. Notary services provided by city staff with be suspended until further notice. In our ongoing efforts to curb the impacts of COVID-19 in our community and to protect our staff and citizens, this non-essential services will be temporarily suspended.
  1. Airport

    1. Commercial flights are continuing through United Express, operated by SkyWest Airlines.  See United’s COVID information page at https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/covid-update.html
    2. Boutique Air and the City of Prescott are proud to announce flight service from Prescott to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.Flights start February 15th and feature two round-trip flights from Prescott Regional Airport (PRC) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Flights will take place Sunday through Friday.  All flight and fare information can be found on boutiqueair.com.
  2. The Airport is continuing to take extra cleaning precautions and United is deep cleaning between flights.  Masks are strongly recommended in the terminal, and required in TSA and Airline areas.
  3. See the FAA’s press release to “fly healthy” this season at https://flyprescott.com/faa-federal-guidance-to-fly-healthy-this-holiday-season/
  4. All parking cannot exceed 10 days in duration.  We encourage passengers to be dropped off at the terminal.
  5. Susie’s Skyway Restaurant remains open daily (7am – 2pm)..

 

  1. Legal Department

    1. The City of Prescott Legal Department will remain closed for all in-person business transactions. In our ongoing efforts to curb the impacts of COVID-19 in our community and to protect our staff and the general public, the City will be conducting all legal transactions electronically until further notice.  All restitution payments, proof of community service, proof of counseling, and other requirements of criminal cases that are to be turned in to this Office are also deferred until further notice.  The Legal Department will continue to provide high quality civil representation of the City and prosecution of criminal cases during this time.  Please contact the City of Prescott Legal Department if you have any questions; either by phone at 928-777-1274 or, if your matter concerns a criminal prosecution, by email at prosecutor@prescott-az.gov.

 

  1. Human Resources

 

  1. To assist in containing COVID-19, Human Resources offices will remain closed to all visitors. Human Resources staff will continue to provide day to day operations and services electronically.   Job applicants may apply for jobs on line at HR@prescott-az.gov.  Interviews and meetings will be held via Zoom.  Employees and general public, please call or email with questions:  928-777-1286 or HR@precsott-az.gov.

 

The City of Prescott is committed to the highest possible level of customer service.    For additional information regarding the City’s response to COVID-19 please visit http://www.prescott-az.gov/covid-19/.

 

For general information about City services, call 928-777-1100.

 

Christmas, New Year’s Holiday

By Leave a Comment

The City of Prescott will be closed on Friday, December 25th, in observance of the Christmas Holiday and on Friday, January 1, 2021, in observance of the New Year’s Holiday.  City offices will reopen on Monday, December 28th  and January 4th at 8 a.m.

 

 

PRESCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

Prescott Public Library’s Services will be closed on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25th. Services will resume on Saturday, December 26th at 10 a.m. Online resources, including eBooks, electronic magazines, and newspapers are always available 24/7 at www.prescottlibrary.info.

 

 

Schedule for Solid Waste Collection and Transfer Station

 

WEEK OF CHRISTMAS – December 21ST to December 26TH

Residential and Commercial trash and recycle routes for the week of Christmas will be: Monday normal collection, Tuesday normal collection, Both Wednesday and Thursday routes will be collected on Wednesday, December 23rd, Friday Routes will be collected on Thursday December 24th. There will be no collection on Friday, December 25th.

 

WEEK OF NEW YEARS – December 28TH to January 1ST   

Residential and Commercial trash and recycle routes for the week of New Years will be: Monday normal collection, Tuesday normal collection, Both Wednesday and Thursday routes will be collected on Wednesday, December 30th, Friday Routes will be collected on Thursday December 31st. There will be no collection on Friday, January 1st.

 

Please have your trash and recycling containers out by 6:00 a.m. for service on your scheduled collection day.  Operators are unable to load additional material placed outside the containers. Residents may bring excess recyclables to the City’s Recycle Convenience Center at no charge located at the Transfer Station 2800 Sundog Ranch.

 

TRANSFER STATION HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

The Transfer Station will be closed on Christmas Day, Friday December 25th and Saturday, December 26th, New Years Day, Friday January 1st and Saturday January 2nd.

 

For further information, visit www.prescott-az.gov or call the Solid Waste Division at 928-777-1116.

Community Leaders ‘Top Out’ Airport Terminal

By Leave a Comment

Prescott city and county officials and community leaders followed a centuries-old tradition when they signed wood beams that “topped out” the Prescott Regional Airport (PRC) terminal currently under construction.

The 10 a.m. ceremony on Monday, July 20 involved approximately 50 invited guests, who were welcomed by Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli.

“This ceremony marks a major milestone in construction of the new passenger terminal.  By mid-March, we’ll have the grand opening of this truly regional resource. This modern facility will serve this region for decades into the future,” he said.

Mengarelli introduced Keith Sabia, principal in charge from the Willmeng Construction Co., which is headquartered in Phoenix.  Sabia explained that the tradition of signing beams prior to their being placed began more than 700 years ago in Europe as a way of memorializing those who were directly involved. The four Douglas fir planks were signed by city, county and community elected officials and leaders and then hoisted into place atop the roof of the $15 million building.

Also present were officials from Fann Contracting in Prescott, which has handled road construction, site preparation and excavation, and other related construction activities. Almost 300 people are currently employed on the project and work for local subcontractors.

“This is an exciting day,” said Prescott City Manager Michael Lamar. “It’s an example of the progress that can be made when partners from throughout the Quad Cities work together on something which benefits all residents.”

Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Chairman Craig Brown added, “The terminal will serve the entire region for generations to come. It will help us in promoting positive economic growth and prosperity within the entire county.”

UNITED EXPRESS CONTRACT EXTENDED

SkyWest Airlines General Manager Kathy DeFreitas told QCBN that enplanements into and out of Prescott continue to increase. United Express operated by SkyWest Airlines offers daily non-stop service from Prescott to Denver or Los Angeles.

Earlier this month, the City of Prescott announced that SkyWest Airlines/United Express has been awarded a contract for three more years at PRC. That contract is for what is called Essential Air Service (EAS). It was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).

SkyWest had been awarded an earlier EAS contract in August 2018, which will expire.

Airport Manager Robin Sobotta expressed appreciation for the partnerships that will continue among the three parties – USDOT, SkyWest/United Express and the City of Prescott. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN