Carefree allocates about $2.9 million to public safety; Rural Metro and MCSO contracts are largest costs

Town staff told the council public safety will represent the single largest portion of the general fund in the draft budget, at roughly $2.9 million.

Breakdown and context - Fire and emergency medical services: approximately $1,951,000, primarily for the town’s contract with Rural Metro. Staff noted the contract covers labor and dispatch services and that a negotiated 2.5% escalator is built into the existing agreement; the contract expires in June 2027. - Law enforcement: roughly $635,000 is budgeted for the town’s share of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office contract. Staff said a recent renegotiation of the county’s public-safety pension liability temporarily reduced the town’s FY26 amount by about $60,000 but warned that annual increases tied to salary and benefit costs are expected. - Other placeholders: jail/incarceration fees were budgeted at about $15,000 (reimbursable when realized) and animal-control contract costs were listed at about $2,500.

Equipment and capital needs Staff identified nonrecurring public-safety costs in the draft budget: vehicle maintenance and fuel ($25,000), emergency equipment upgrades and portable radio replacement (about $145,000 total). Staff said some radio purchases will be pursued with grant funding.

Council and staff discussion Councilmembers asked how MCSO costs were determined; staff answered the town pays its proportional share based on level-of-service and noted the county may increase fees in future years. One councilmember expressed concern about the county’s underlying pension funding ratio; another urged the town to expect recurring increases as the sheriff’s office attempts to fill vacancies and improve retention.

Next steps Staff said contract negotiations with the new ownership of Rural Metro will be part of future council discussions, and that any changes to public-safety contracts will be returned to council for review.