Citizens call for budget transparency and fiscal responsibility in Prescott Valley

The Town Council of Prescott Valley, Arizona, convened on June 12, 2025, to address several pressing issues affecting the community, including public discourse, budget concerns, and the funding of the Chamber of Commerce.

The meeting began with a public comment from a resident who expressed concern over a growing negativity in local discussions, particularly regarding the potential impact of a petition related to Amazon's presence in the town. The speaker emphasized the importance of fostering a positive narrative to ensure the town's growth and prosperity. They urged the town and local organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, to present a counterargument to the negative voices in the community.

Following this, Isabel Saracides, another resident, raised significant concerns regarding the town's budget and its allocation of funds to the Chamber of Commerce. She highlighted that over $1.7 million had been paid to the Chamber in recent years, along with a monthly payment of $12,000. Saracides questioned the oversight of these funds and the lack of clarity regarding the services provided in return. She suggested that the town should reconsider its financial support for the Chamber, especially in light of recent hires for economic development that may duplicate the Chamber's efforts.

Saracides further called for a comprehensive review of the budget, advocating for a zero-based budgeting approach to ensure fiscal responsibility and better alignment with community priorities. She noted that many residents feel ignored in the budgeting process and expressed opposition to certain projects, such as a proposed park.

The discussions highlighted a clear divide in community sentiment regarding fiscal management and the role of the Chamber of Commerce, indicating a need for increased transparency and engagement with residents moving forward. The council is expected to address these concerns in future meetings, particularly as the public hearing on budget adoption approaches.