Barely two months into his role, Prescott Mayor Harry Oberg is quite open in describing and defining challenges, issues and opportunities that he and the six-member City Council and city staff face.
After taking office Nov. 24, Oberg said he is committed to do whatever it takes to create solutions.
A priority is resolving of the accumulating debt problem in the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS), he noted.
“One of the first needs we have in Prescott and various communities throughout the state is to reform the retirement system. I already am in discussion with local legislators and with high level state officials about how we can bring about change,” he said.
He explained that currently, the city owes $72 million. That amount could increase, depending upon results from two pending public personnel court cases.
The mayor explained that Arizona legislators are negotiating with police and fire unions to create some adjustments in the existing system and to develop a new retirement plan for the future. He noted that if everything proceeds as expected, a ballot measure may be brought before voters this coming spring.
Oberg said he will continue working to seek reform to safeguard public safety retirement benefits while at the same time to provide relief for Prescott taxpayers.
Jim Lamerson, an experienced 12-year councilman reelected in August and mayor pro-tem, agreed with Oberg. “We are, in my judgment, obligated to do all we can to initiate reform in the PSPRS.”
Defining Other Economic Challenges
During his campaign, Oberg had three objectives he wanted to meet if elected, which he
said are still priorities.
- Expansion of commercial air services and businesses at the Prescott Regional Airport.
“I’ve had several conversations with our Congressmen. They are totally supportive of our expanding the airport and its facilities. In fact, we have visions of beginning a commercial air transport system here, one that will bring big business opportunities to Prescott. Of course, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a valuable partner in such efforts.”
Lamerson concurred. “We must do everything we can in working the state and federal officials to improve and expand our airport and its services.”
- Establish a forest product industry such as a biomass power plant.
Oberg said Congressman Paul Gosar is helping create an entry to working with the federal government to get contracts for forest fuel reduction and to use that biomass for energy creation.
- Build a downtown convention-conference center and hotel.
Oberg explained, “I think it will further appeal to downtown visitors and organizations to have facilities here that can accommodate conferences and conventions. We also want to further our image as a town where genuine western heritage and culture are yet alive. We’ve had some inquiries from the Cowboy Hall of Fame, too, because of our ‘True West’ environment.”
“I think the city can help the community’s economy by making Prescott even more of destination where people want to spend more time. Complacency will be the death of downtown Prescott,” Lamerson added.
Budget Cuts Were Necessary at Many Levels
Oberg said one of the toughest challenges was cutting the city budget.
“The total reduction to the General Fund is approximately $1,040,000 annually. As of Jan. 1, personnel and other cuts approved by the City Council were implemented, totaling $1,008,623. Beyond that, $32,700 in cost recovery to the General Fund from the Streets and Water funds, as identified in Council action, have been implemented,” he said.
He explained that 12 city positions were eliminated or frozen and cannot be filled without further authorization. “At present, we have no money available for anyone.”
Departments affected by budget cuts included Police, Fire, Library, Recreation Services, Economic Initiatives, General Government and Human Resources.
Plans to recover some of those dollars likely will include fee increases for buildings, recreation services fees and library fees for use of meeting rooms and the computer labs. Those library fees become effective July 1.
Also under consideration to enhance revenue is the sale or leasing of city-owned properties. That proposal is still under consideration.
A major concern for the city (and surrounding communities) is that of water resources sufficient to support reasonable growth. Oberg said he has talked to Rep. Gosar and Sen. John McCain to see how they can help. He said he believed the current estimate of $250 million to build a pipeline to the Big Chino aquifer may likely be diminished substantially.
Lamerson affirmed that the city has an obligation to deliver water to residents. He serves as chair for the city’s Water Issues Committee. (See Related Story—Water—on p. X).
Oberg’s Lifestyle Has Changed
Unlike some who serve on the City Council, Oberg has ties to Prescott that go back to growing up and attending school in the community. “I remember 1964, when Prescott celebrated its 100th birthday.”
More than 50 years ago, trains were running through downtown Prescott during Oberg’s youth. The community population was approaching 13,000 (currently, the population is around 41,000).
Oberg graduated from Prescott High School in 1965. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Northern Arizona University in 1968 and later received a master’s degree in international relations from Salve Regina University.
Following a distinguished military career, in which he served as a helicopter pilot and officer in Vietnam from 1968 to 1971, Oberg held five military command positions and ultimately retired as a colonel in U.S. Army and as a brigadier general in the Iowa National Guard. While in the National Guard, he served in six states: Arizona, Alaska, Nevada, California, Illinois and Iowa.
“All that time, I knew I wanted to return home to Prescott when I retired,” he said.
Why, after such a long and successful career, did he decide to run for mayor – the first time he had run for a public office?
At first thoughtful, with his brow furrowed, he said, “My wife Jeanna wanted me to get out of the house – honest.”
He then grinned. “Seriously, after having up grown here, I wanted to come back to my hometown, which I love so much. So, when some people began asking if I would run for Council, I talked to Jeanna and decided ‘Why not.’ Then others, including just retired mayor Marlin Kuykendall, persuaded me to file for mayor.”
“It may sound hokey, but believe me: during my term as mayor, I pledge to do all I can for a town that has done so much for me.” QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
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