[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6248153,"mediaKeyId","3212056-1c7b990fc5d99e8e4445541387badda8","parentId",3212056,"title","Scottsdale presents $2.21 billion proposed budget and $952 million capital plan; council directs staff on several items","audioSeconds",1193,"startMs",7407000,"endMs",8600000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3212056-1c7b990fc5d99e8e4445541387badda8&start=7407&end=8600","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3212056-1c7b990fc5d99e8e4445541387badda8/thumbnail_7407000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6248153/Scottsdale/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Scottsdale-presents-221-billion-proposed-budget-and-952-million-capital-plan-council-directs-staff-on-several-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248153-3bf8c33d01d0d8174ed79b9d80016bb9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440277&Signature=SDCpqz1uRuCy2Qea9T~Et2dgoio5ptVciwsDEx8FvldoHt23ciozkLx4KNj-hBVlh1vEm7-WbMhYvOGRDczKBT1c-niMzE40~Jbcy1sV3rgC6U0A5djnjBBaLHrq~1OToi5CBLCWILahtTyDnv88IGj2xPIy8HKI3qjSWj~AmsvO3W~h6dL2q43trH6XRml6mxbt~IVYscLPicmzcEHoYOhMBTI2Fo9~a6jltDqvUwZWphRa~oodGQghyCThwc-wLfX98YchPMRFYjJGYw4KJxt0oP8tizagAthcQebrdtBtMm4zvpS~3KCaCTASs3rIX3OZPGccpn30wKr8NH9Jrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Scottsdale, AZ","date","2025-05-07T04:10:05Z","article","Scottsdale city officials on May 6 presented the proposed fiscal year 2025–26 operating and capital budget: $2.2079 billion total comprised of an $885.5 million operating budget, $952 million capital program and $170.4 million in contingencies and reserves.

City Treasurer Sonia Andrews and Budget Director Scott Sealand briefed council on key elements: 98 proposed new full-time equivalents (66 in public safety), a proposed one-time $50 million payment to the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) to reduce the police pension contribution rate, and a $42.9 million allocation for street overlay after a recommendation from the Budget Review Commission.

Andrews told council the budget remains structurally balanced: about 40% of next year’s operating increase is covered by new or dedicated revenue sources (for example the 0.15% park-and-preserve tax, water/sewer/solid waste rate increases, and new ambulance revenue). The proposed PSPRS payment, she said, would lower the city’s police contribution percent of payroll (reducing future budget pressure and improving competitiveness for recruiting). Scott Sealand outlined how proposed changes would affect departmental staffing and the proposed uses of the point-15% park-and-preserve tax (estimated $25.2 million next year).

Council and members of the public also raised several items during the meeting. Vice Mayor Jan De Boscas moved to shift $392,938 allocated to Scottsdale Arts from the general enterprise fund operations into the general fund contingency pending further review and contract negotiations; the council approved that direction to staff. The move preserves the funds in the proposed budget but requires staff to return with additional information before the dollars are spent.

Council members and staff discussed pavement condition index (PCI) and a multi-year overlay plan; staff said the city’s average PCI is approximately 63 and that rebuilding Thomas Road had been re-scoped, with $15 million reallocated to pavement preservation treatments that can prevent corridors from falling into failed condition. Andrews and Sealand said staff will return with a multi-year plan and itemized lists of targeted streets and treatments.

Budget staff said the 0.15% park-and-preserve tax allocations include debt service for WestWorld drainage, $11.0 million in initial program expenditures, $4.8 million in reserves, a $5.0 million transfer to CIP, and $3.6 million unappropriated balance. Staff also highlighted capital projects underway or recently completed, including Indian Bend Wash lake and irrigation work, Shea Boulevard improvements, and upgrades to a police training facility.

City leaders said the tentative budget will return for adoption on May 20 and the final budget on June 10. Staff asked council for direction on specific items and pledged to provide requested supplemental materials — including the staffing and compensation detail council requested and a detailed explanation of Scottsdale Arts funding — before the next budget meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council | Regular Meeting and Work Study - May 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Scottsdale officials presented a $2.21 billion proposed FY 2025–26 budget May 6 that includes an $885.5 million operating budget, a $952 million capital improvement plan, 98 proposed new FTEs (66 in public safety), a proposed $50 million one-time PSPRS payment and $42.9 million for street overlay.","taxTitle","Scottsdale, Maricopa County, Arizona","taxId",2563,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6248158,"Scottsdale council authorizes outside legal review of new Axon-related state law, caps spend at $100,000",1156,6199000,7355000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3212056-1c7b990fc5d99e8e4445541387badda8&start=6199&end=7355","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3212056-1c7b990fc5d99e8e4445541387badda8/thumbnail_6199000.jpg","/articles/6248158/Scottsdale/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Scottsdale-council-authorizes-outside-legal-review-of-new-Axon-related-state-law-caps-spend-at-100000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248158-51f02d20751a1b185dd9ca445fe2a964/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440277&Signature=caAmwWOT5u6bKAlxDyeBM8Lwj0oafwbjY~nKa7RJANnBM0aPRcBcfmyXfqVoHcWPkVV3jjBzkH3l~DTJ6DqhKWFLvnMuoZgH9oajrsk5~IRacpXBKA28bY5zfZpexIP7mpYMzJoHC1-HJXY-26iWyq5lgOECQSdSmE78y29YLH79M-~rHmiiHlYPSzpj8D7Nb7oVlj9joAs0UkA9RgSiEqUBv0t0XnafsI2rIhlx7fqYSvQ4HR2M7zKtB-75LQM5~RbfNjSAhU0trbNvy1purgEKBsRbgQrPC2Z7Fot7ZItCTwoaB~NuKIEh51Mm89lRgm6LnGuKRWd-ox39sfO01g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Scottsdale City Council on May 6 authorized the city attorney to hire outside appellate counsel to evaluate legal options related to recently enacted state legislation that affects development at the former Axon parcel, directing the city to cap the initial engagement at $100,000.

City Attorney Sherry Scott told council she had interviewed several firms and recommended retaining Dominic Drey of Greenberg Traurig, a former state solicitor general with extensive appellate and constitutional litigation experience. Scott said the firm would analyze possible legal theories and prepare advice for council; the recommendation is for analysis and options, not an automatic decision to file suit.

Council members debated whether to engage counsel now or instead continue negotiating directly with Axon to preserve a working relationship. Supporters of retaining counsel said the city needs independent expert analysis of the new law’s constitutionality and the effect of the statute on city processes and referenda. Opponents urged further negotiation with Axon and cautioned against spending taxpayer money prematurely; several council members said they wanted to reserve litigation as a last resort.

After discussion a motion to adopt the resolution authorizing outside counsel was made and seconded. The mayor accepted a friendly amendment to cap the initial authorization at $100,000; city staff said an initial opinion and briefing could be prepared within that amount and the council could return for additional authorization if detailed litigation were later necessary.

The city attorney clarified the authorization does not obligate the city to file suit; it funds legal analysis and strategy development so council can make an informed decision. Council members who supported the authorization said having an expert opinion would allow them to negotiate from an informed position with Axon and to understand legal exposure. Those who opposed asked the city manager and counsel to continue dialogue with Axon while delaying any expense.

The council voted to approve the engagement with the $100,000 cap. City staff said the chosen outside firm will report to council in executive session about legal options, and any decision to commence litigation would require a separate council vote.","The Scottsdale City Council voted to retain outside counsel to evaluate legal options related to newly enacted state legislation (SB 1543) affecting the Axon site; the engagement was authorized with a cap of $100,000 to obtain an expert opinion before any decision on litigation or other action.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6248163,"Council approves one-year bar conditional use permit for Poor Decisions in Old Town with noise, parking limits",2629,2471000,5100000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3212056-1c7b990fc5d99e8e4445541387badda8&start=2471&end=5100","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3212056-1c7b990fc5d99e8e4445541387badda8/thumbnail_2471000.jpg","/articles/6248163/Scottsdale/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Council-approves-one-year-bar-conditional-use-permit-for-Poor-Decisions-in-Old-Town-with-noise-parking-limits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248163-860c8026ef603cd9028ea41d2c49c8d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440277&Signature=A8ZBwKxfjJHBe7uYvIJqzNAnAf66FJt8rNHoVHw5j8DNFoAWchX2ec8rptNTkbAiLqGMY2bN3v32wPiq0AJKq1XK12-TlpVyNrt3p-1Rin~c9y1raPGxJMFoWYbmdDQenukHeMjlFVolStinyX-6Sx0D4~F7OiAyjCR0H8119HPBZ3fqyRIS8uj2X0qFIXXoZcPJrx0-xhYcFnOnEFknQqnKXslfA6LiPgIvZMAmZ8LEXlqGWVY2yOq3BFbf-pi~1zFzmziq8y0pcEYhTP0uSCQPKINKSozAgfHUSECPHiSSonIbI7aHXn6mnRynlWgMWZ912xUR2G-OG-XHK-RQKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Scottsdale City Council on May 6 approved a conditional use permit allowing the Poor Decisions restaurant at Craftsman Court in Old Town Scottsdale to operate as a bar for one year, subject to stricter operating conditions including a 75-decibel noise limit and a recorded parking agreement.

Council emphasized the location’s history of bar uses and negotiatied stipulations intended to protect neighboring retail and restaurants while preserving the operator’s business. The council noted the use had previously existed at the site under prior operators and that the planning commission recommended approval earlier in April.

City staff told council the property is within the Downtown district with the Downtown Overlay; the proposed bar use requires a CUP and additional off-site parking because bar use has a higher parking requirement than the restaurant use it currently operates under. Applicant-provided arrangements show 26 parking spaces across the street available under a private agreement with a nearby property owner; staff said the spaces would be recorded and the zoning administrator would sign off on that document.

In floor comments, the applicant and owner said they have operated the business for two years without noise complaints and that the parking agreement owner is willing to terminate on 30 days’ notice if problems arise; that termination would in practice make meeting the parking condition difficult for a subsequent operator. Several adjacent property owners and tenants testified in support, saying the current operator has been a good neighbor. Other nearby business owners and tenants opposed the CUP, saying Craftsman Court’s character should remain oriented to specialty retail and dining rather than a bar scene.

Councilwoman Solange Whitehead moved approval of resolution 13349 adopting the CUP, adding stipulations that removed a specific street address from the parking stipulation, set a noise limit of 75 decibels when measured from the west side of Craftsman Court, and limited the CUP to one year unless amended or renewed. The one-year term was discussed as a way to give the operator an opportunity to demonstrate compliance while allowing council to revisit if problems arise.

The council discussed enforcement tools: the CUP creates enforceable conditions, the police department can respond to ordinance violations, and the private parking agreement provides an additional leverage point for neighbors. Council members who supported the motion said the one-year limit and the recorded parking agreement give the neighborhood recourse if problems develop; dissenting members and several business owners urged caution about introducing a bar into that block’s retail mix.

The council vote approved the CUP. The permit requires the parking agreement to be recorded, and staff said the city’s zoning administrator will include the recorded instrument in project files. The applicant agreed to several additional stipulations in the council motion: daily lunch service requirements, limited hours, no cover charge, the 75-decibel cap, and an initial one-year expiration tied to a review.

Council members said they will monitor compliance and expect staff and the community to report any violations; failure to meet stipulations could expose the operator to revocation or nonrenewal of the CUP and, practically, loss of the parking agreement which could prevent continued operation as a bar.","Scottsdale City Council approved a one-year conditional use permit allowing Poor Decisions to operate as a bar in Old Town Scottsdale, with stipulations including a 75-decibel limit measured from the west side of Craftsman Court, a one-year expiration, and a recorded 26-space parking agreement held by a single property owner.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6248143,"Council agrees to review DRB approval for BB Living at Cabezon after neighbors and vice mayor raise design concerns",350,5495000,5845000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3212056-1c7b990fc5d99e8e4445541387badda8&start=5495&end=5845","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3212056-1c7b990fc5d99e8e4445541387badda8/thumbnail_5495000.jpg","/articles/6248143/Scottsdale/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Council-agrees-to-review-DRB-approval-for-BB-Living-at-Cabezon-after-neighbors-and-vice-mayor-raise-design-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248143-19315fe5c609fb2c36e4a58d74e9676f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440277&Signature=DheygOtJyVI41bfZPNj3wNcV2m-wC8FWbndiL2j5Q20txNvkc6MeVDp7eFYJd5I41TCrVsQuU9kBFmjyLkjYOwIFt~QXBply9n~5eQBVmdazaBeD7pe6z3BICjg8DnU5U8FImcSie6cpgYYDl1cP5uptLHYnRxmddruKnPB9DSCelNSrYADyamYiALBORJEdWkPOrRYkjtZ2eKue1zCE9itC4bav9YGOxUMUUQjS4itlisG-w4ClJdsE9UWFHxdAgbwtY~3ugjcxMgKR-vpaXm14~CwaPi0IA1ClkONp1u9a-v20o-Lc44LC8YLBVl7W79A2C-MlfSlnZ~X5vnC5vg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Scottsdale City Council on May 6 voted to initiate a formal review of the Development Review Board’s April 17 approval for BB Living at Cabezon, a proposed townhome community, after Vice Mayor Jan De Boscas and other council members raised concerns that the approved design did not fit North Scottsdale’s character.

Vice Mayor De Boscas said the submitted elevations appeared “cookie-cutter” and more appropriate to other markets rather than North Scottsdale; she told council the applicant had since expressed willingness to revise the design to better match local architectural character and neighboring development such as Greyhawk. Councilman Barry Graham and others said the council has statutory authority to request review of DRB decisions and that using that authority on a project that may be reworked could produce a better outcome for the neighborhood.

Councilwoman Solange Whitehead said she generally prefers the DRB process be used to resolve design matters but acknowledged the applicant’s willingness to revise plans. After discussion a motion to initiate formal city council review was moved and seconded and the council approved the request to reconsider the DRB decision; staff said the item will be scheduled for a regularly scheduled council meeting at least 30 days after the motion to review the matter.

Council members said the review is intended to allow focused consideration of architecture, colors and other design elements and to encourage a final plan that better fits North Scottsdale’s character. The applicant and staff were directed to coordinate updated design materials for the council’s review.","The council voted to initiate a formal review of the Development Review Board’s April 17 approval for a 91-unit townhome community (BB Living at Cabezon), after members and the applicant agreed to explore design changes to better match North Scottsdale character.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6248148,"Council hears 2,843-signature petition for Rio Verde wildlife overpass; council directs staff to prepare response",5021,1389000,6410000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3212056-1c7b990fc5d99e8e4445541387badda8&start=1389&end=6410","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3212056-1c7b990fc5d99e8e4445541387badda8/thumbnail_1389000.jpg","/articles/6248148/Scottsdale/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Council-hears-2843-signature-petition-for-Rio-Verde-wildlife-overpass-council-directs-staff-to-prepare-response","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248148-c4fbaafa6736a38952082cff0cca9a72/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440277&Signature=W8NU03GNMak-TPYJ-jxPpnU7jvy--3S6LgpDoU0ULaR950lXqBIzNweOumiMJ2Kjq949hqA8NX2ypzA0Q47lhyl~SawdF4nsR9iL8mK8~W~~OkBobemNgVMhiH-cdc8uBq16GFfRc-AzkliSh3Sq86kWDjCG26EaOTqFaorMHf34dl44veiApIahmFW-Aycrtm3HQA0bZlnkUz9kJ0DtOTGHk-n7F7CK43NnZS4OqGp-KzIZf0lwrnU5I6qD9ZCg55B-P3qi22lcAp5Lmr4MSsHqdTt3V8RM2nQApsVHpF06N2hcnJWmidawysSjcPaDCroa1jiui0LztizRCEauQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A group of Scottsdale residents on May 6 delivered a petition with 2,843 signatures urging the City Council to include a long-planned Rio Verde wildlife overpass in the park-and-preserve program and to proceed with a feasibility study. Petitioners said signatures were collected citywide and without paid signature gatherers; they asked the city manager for a written response.

Several petition supporters, including preserve volunteers and long-time residents, told the council the overpass is part of preserve planning and would protect wildlife by connecting preserve segments across Rio Verde Drive and Dynamite Boulevard. Speakers said the crossing would allow wildlife genetic exchange with the Tonto National Forest and help preserve native species. The Budget Review Commission earlier recommended funding a feasibility study; the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission subsequently recommended a study with specific scope elements including wildlife and safety analysis, concept design alternatives, timing with future road improvements, and cost escalation considerations.

Vice Mayor Jan De Boscas moved to direct the city manager to investigate the petition and prepare a written response for council; the motion was seconded. Council members said they supported gathering feasibility data and that the study could examine project timing and options that would reduce construction cost and maximize wildlife benefits. Several residents urged preserving dedicated park-and-preserve tax revenues for projects consistent with voter intent; some speakers noted a recent charter amendment (Prop 4-20) but said it did not prohibit building trails or improvements already in preserve plans.

City staff and commission representatives said a feasibility study would analyze wildlife benefits, concept designs (including how to use natural topography and required fencing), timing with road projects and cost escalation, and return findings in time for the next budget cycle. Council directed staff to prepare a response and materials for future council review and budget deliberations.","Residents presented a 2,843-signature petition urging the city to keep the Rio Verde wildlife overpass in the park-and-preserve budget and to proceed with a feasibility study; council directed the city manager to investigate the petition and prepare a written response and to return information for council consideration.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Scottsdale presents $2.21 billion proposed budget and $952 million capital plan; council directs staff on several items

Scottsdale council authorizes outside legal review of new Axon-related state law, caps spend at $100,000

Council approves one-year bar conditional use permit for Poor Decisions in Old Town with noise, parking limits

Council agrees to review DRB approval for BB Living at Cabezon after neighbors and vice mayor raise design concerns

Council hears 2,843-signature petition for Rio Verde wildlife overpass; council directs staff to prepare response