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Residents urge fiscal restraint at El Mirage council meeting, question defibrillator and landscaping costs
Summary
Two residents used the call-to-the-public period to criticize proposed spending in the city budget, questioning a $30,000 compensation‑study cost, roughly $94,000 landscaping item and approximately $45,000–$49,000 for defibrillators.
During the July 1 El Mirage Common Council meeting several residents raised concerns about proposed expenditures in the city budget.
Thomas George, who identified his address as 12235 West Thunderbird Road, urged the council to distribute $30,000 directly to lower‑paid staff as a one‑time bonus rather than spend the amount on a compensation study. George also questioned budgeted landscape and maintenance costs, and asked whether the city had ever used the defibrillators it plans to replace or acquire.
Another resident, Jeff Lock (12411 Westbury Lane), said he opposed much of the consent agenda and listed specific line items he wanted the council to reconsider, including a $30,000 HR item, $95,000 for landscaping (as he read the packet), and a $49,000 figure for new defibrillators. Lock asked whether turnout gear and training contracts for police would be a good use of funds and questioned a proposed multi‑year training arrangement with Glendale.
Mayor Harmacio asked the city manager to follow up on questions about the defibrillators and their useful life; staff confirmed they would provide additional information to the resident. Councilmembers and staff acknowledged public concern about municipal spending and said requested follow‑up would be provided.
Why it matters: Public comments raised transparency and stewardship questions about line items in the budget and prioritization of spending. Council directed staff to follow up with the resident about defibrillator maintenance and lifespan.
Follow-up: City manager to provide written information to resident(s) about defibrillator maintenance and lifespans and confirm contact information for follow-up.
