[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6535049,"mediaKeyId","3429317-d0f1e17eff17373f55e62991d486cac0","parentId",3429317,"title","El Mirage Library seeks summer engagement with \"bookworm\" rock-art project","audioSeconds",375,"startMs",459000,"endMs",834000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3429317-d0f1e17eff17373f55e62991d486cac0&start=459&end=834","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3429317-d0f1e17eff17373f55e62991d486cac0/thumbnail_459000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6535049/El-Mirage/Maricopa-County/Arizona/El-Mirage-Library-seeks-summer-engagement-with-bookworm-rock-art-project","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535049-cb74c1dd200c50eb40d3178a2c390f46/orig.mp4?Expires=1775079724&Signature=maoPCRtOlSkUVrcVarmDahl~Yt7Wu7XztxTd51JZiM-GkV1EniqnQN56bdGXikmGWMmtaIOQ4DeFtOjfkB6YT-FUjAdWSYVQfPdwivdP8LKJpyHsu3nUXbdJ4GJpLH2D~okMlA03LGn0JW94u9MfSKsZokVikkkMuQmj6pdKMVZpXnF2nl0WbOsmGZC0yjaHwpIrqtN648R2NKuqPH4h60w09cGHlk~xa2Bl7AqS5S~8R0Wzs7dqbhtL50TB6kciOL1xCxFDyBwlJLtUOocuHHZDl8etyjiBGlzGuNKAJfdW8k3C~lRsWfmM7xIWPcjmAhYKH~uSsZ-3L1nR4kiDGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","El Mirage, AZ","date","2025-05-20T18:43:00Z","article","Library staff presented the \"Bookworm Rock Art Project\" to the El Mirage Common Council on May 20 as a summer-reading engagement program in which children and families decorate rocks that may be installed in landscaping at the El Mirage Library or the YMCA.

The presenter said the project was first proposed about a year earlier and provides participants with supplies supplied by the library; the city will oversee landscaping maintenance and assist promotion. Participants can decorate rocks at the library, take kits home, and indicate the title of a book they read on the rock. The program will include Saturday reading sessions at the library and aims to encourage continued reading through the summer.

The presenter said the library and YMCA will each host portions of the bookworm installation, and the program is timed to coincide with the summer reading schedule; an initial program date mentioned was June 7. Council members responded positively and welcomed the program. No formal council action or funding decision was taken during the presentation.

Organizers asked residents to watch library communications for participation details, including sessions and take-home kits. City staff said they will assist with promotion and ongoing maintenance of the installed pieces.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","El Mirage, AZ - City Council Meeting - 05/20/2025 - May 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The El Mirage Library presented a Bookworm Rock Art Project to engage summer reading participants: kids will decorate rocks with book titles and choose whether their piece is installed at the library or the YMCA; materials and promotion will be provided by the library and city.","taxTitle","El Mirage, Maricopa County, Arizona","taxId",63519,"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},6535054,"El Mirage council adopts $114.162 million fiscal 2025-26 spending limit",705,2864000,3569000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3429317-d0f1e17eff17373f55e62991d486cac0&start=2864&end=3569","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3429317-d0f1e17eff17373f55e62991d486cac0/thumbnail_2864000.jpg","/articles/6535054/El-Mirage/Maricopa-County/Arizona/El-Mirage-council-adopts-114162-million-fiscal-2025-26-spending-limit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535054-106ff96b3e74da3892fcbb8052fb99ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1775079724&Signature=aMxGN5sp~XLCC8ClIJtYQ1ef7l6BRK22bfrPvkP6vjVLbBtlMU06hIzyHiC-3OBMOhv34DR8OakU6e4Fxvr7UlqgrLt2Yf3QcY7luVoXQ4J65vmsxfWoPV8RoCPyZcCma7HQMbVnFdpWBOrCQRLKMNBkhTUuWK2x8qByZGwWydFboB5JBl~HMVVal2nt3sIXrodHhYkHmNPe~IU78Xa8Ao89dt4ZuOjI-aXFefsFZ3MyuJgzHQGVIlBnNJJ08-z6fUGpZ5tqjp0~t17zllb6h9ifDD05m5DxAiVTJqfbkFdPr-Xu6aMQr037sAhxgHBG0aFBmefx4V29EnPaqLhEtw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The El Mirage Common Council on May 20 adopted the final budget spending limitation for fiscal year 2025-26, setting the maximum expenditure limitation at $114,162,000 by approving Resolution R25-5510 during a special meeting called immediately after a public hearing on the tax levy and final budget.

City staff summarized the budget during the public hearing, noting the final budget represents about a 3% decrease from the prior year and explained fund and department changes: irrigation fund closed and rolled into water; streets fund restructured; the primary property tax rate decreased by 0.0508 with that portion restricted for public safety; the secondary rate decreased by 0.0974 and is statutorily restricted to bonded debt. Staff said residential portion of the tax composition decreased by about 4% and, on average, residents will see a property tax decrease. Staff also noted transfers required by a utility rate study and that capital and personnel services make up roughly 65% of citywide expenditures.

After closing the public hearing, the council convened into a special meeting and a motion to finally determine and adopt the FY2025-26 proposed spending limitation of $114,162,000 passed 5-2. The council will formally adopt the property tax levy on June 3 as required by notice and statute.

Macy presented the budget summary to council during the public hearing. Council members publicly thanked staff; one councilmember noted the city has reduced its tax rate for several consecutive years. The adopted spending limitation sets the maximum the city may legally expend in the fiscal year; actual expenditures will depend on subsequent appropriations and project-level council approvals.","After a public hearing, the council convened a special meeting and approved Resolution R25-5510 to finally set the fiscal year 2025-26 expenditure limitation at $114,162,000; the property tax levy will be adopted June 3 following required notice.",{"_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},6535059,"El Mirage council rejects proposal to set city offices 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; motion fails 5-2",1190,1646000,2836000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3429317-d0f1e17eff17373f55e62991d486cac0&start=1646&end=2836","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3429317-d0f1e17eff17373f55e62991d486cac0/thumbnail_1646000.jpg","/articles/6535059/El-Mirage/Maricopa-County/Arizona/El-Mirage-council-rejects-proposal-to-set-city-offices-8-am5-pm-motion-fails-5-2","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535059-2b384ac8f1b0258b13930e7f80138b01/orig.mp4?Expires=1775079724&Signature=RFA5CI4~BbK8GMYXFzYCSUbEqxim0-d6XEt6ocsM9fZU0ooaqY3tj7YxYhRtXK6HxNEdv5Qf~yx9QinBvhUAxPA7Kb5hSvdKybr-gGaRRi~4W~vZwofD8~gNouD~0PxDFMU1b777Yl53jQnLra25qV0YmKIbwGgRPx76I9odJmfyogim5zPQsPPwEDi958T7LYokXM7sECTbHyk-9FX4n3bTbIriCFJCE6AO1vSQNjnItp6PUBSFYdexf4WTE1Z2W3QMqPmkFKtjPqnbZA3hwMsfwXLENGGbm~XOrDYdknjSdrFH9zLIXNEspzlgJsoeH6MDMDCxUYW46yhMs-WtLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The El Mirage Common Council voted down a proposal on May 20 to change city office hours to Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (field operations excepted). A motion to adopt those hours failed on a roll-call vote, with five members opposing and two supporting.

Council Member Nora McDaniel moved the proposal, seconded by Council Member Gentry. McDaniel and other proponents said returning to an 8 a.m.–5 p.m. schedule would match decades of practice and be consistent with many neighboring government offices, and they suggested extending customer service hours to 6 p.m. to accommodate working residents. Gentry said residents she spoke to supported 8–5 and recommended customer service extended to 6 p.m.

Opponents, including Council Member Dorsey and Vice Mayor Parsons, argued the city manager's recommended alternative (an 8:00–4:30 schedule described in a city manager memorandum dated 02/25/2025) avoids unbudgeted overtime and preserves earlier and later access that previously allowed residents who work outside the city to be served before or after work. Dorsey said the 8 a.m.–5 p.m. schedule would close the office during the lunch hour and reduce access for constituents who work nonstandard hours.

Council Member Aldridge and others also noted the city already spent roughly $5,223 producing outreach materials announcing the new hours and cautioned additional mailings to change the message would incur further costs. After debate, the formal roll call recorded the following votes: Vice Mayor Parsons — No; Council Member Dorsey — No; Council Member Aldridge — No; Council Member Gentry — Yes; Council Member Norton McDaniel — Yes; Council Member Winston — No; Mayor Mercio — No. The motion failed.

City staff referenced the city manager's February 25 memorandum when answering questions; the memorandum recommended 8:00–4:30 as the city manager's operational proposal. Council members who voted \"no\" said that recommendation balances resident access with budget constraints and avoids overtime.","A motion to change city office hours to Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with field operations exceptions) failed after council debate about resident access, overtime costs and prior outreach; the roll-call vote was 5 nays and 2 yeas.",{"_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},6535063,"El Mirage council adopts strategic priorities after debate on transparency",621,1097000,1718000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3429317-d0f1e17eff17373f55e62991d486cac0&start=1097&end=1718","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3429317-d0f1e17eff17373f55e62991d486cac0/thumbnail_1097000.jpg","/articles/6535063/El-Mirage/Maricopa-County/Arizona/El-Mirage-council-adopts-strategic-priorities-after-debate-on-transparency","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535063-bbaab89ca91b1f72d2f379114aad754d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775079724&Signature=MttL8CcqQrwszvJdRrdxpKzF28Qpr~x~waZIz7g5tQ~0AexjZOoPV6hp0GiVqLcT8zg5LSxYRjZn4OViaSrTFjIhf-gZdzfyhfyCU-hs0zyZnC377VBw6ysxlG4cMgA8lsKujtoS0a8OIdLZXgNVd~ycfRrG9lEBHJSIvhtr1JhudjOgHuzn~jWVS7jXuQoOKiDU9v8Os0P5T5dgWkgA9IZe~02AsAiv5lUprLprhZEGXShMOb9ijZ9UbPeeLPSG9zouxpkYVrhrsrWeuzsKs8kK94YWoVRKFhY-Z8tWf2thygsnBHChmzcDVJUvKc9Oy7XltiyJZKBBcOMp1x9eTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The El Mirage Common Council on May 20 approved Resolution R25-five-eight, adopting the city's strategic priorities after a member of the council requested the item be pulled from the consent agenda for discussion.

Council Member Gentry asked that the item be moved to the regular agenda so residents could see presentations and better understand decisions that affect the community; she said items that affect residents should not be handled on consent and should receive a public presentation. Macy, a city staff presenter, told the council the document is intended as a two-year roadmap and contains high-level priorities rather than detailed implementation steps, and that specific projects would be brought back through future work sessions and council votes.

Supporters framed the resolution as a compilation of council and staff work conducted during prior work sessions and budget discussions this year. Mayor Mercio moved approval; Vice Mayor Parsons seconded. After public remarks and council discussion the motion carried 5-2.

Council members who voted \"yes\" supported adopting the priorities as a guiding document to align budgeting and capital planning, with the understanding that detailed plans and specific projects would come later for council consideration and public review. Council Member Gentry and Council Member Norton McDaniel registered the two \"nay\" votes; Gentry had argued for additional presentations so residents could better understand how particular actions would affect downtown revitalization and parks planning.

The council and staff emphasized the strategic plan's role as guidance: it sets priorities to align the capital improvement plan (CIP) and budget process, but does not itself allocate funds or approve specific projects. City staff said more detailed actions would return to council through public work sessions and future agenda items.

The council's adoption concludes the item for this meeting; staff and council members said they expect continued public discussion and additional work sessions on topics raised, including downtown revitalization.","The El Mirage Common Council approved Resolution R25-five-eight adopting strategic priorities after Council Member Gentry asked that the item be pulled from consent and raised concerns about public transparency; the measure passed 5-2.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

El Mirage Library seeks summer engagement with "bookworm" rock-art project

El Mirage council adopts $114.162 million fiscal 2025-26 spending limit

El Mirage council rejects proposal to set city offices 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; motion fails 5-2

El Mirage council adopts strategic priorities after debate on transparency