Payson council reallocates $81,600 in water-enterprise watershed funds to Cordelia mastication project

The Payson Common Council unanimously authorized staff on May 28 to reallocate $81,600 in unspent Town of Payson water enterprise funds from the Baker thinning project to the Cordelia mastication project.

Tanner Henry, the town27s water director, told the council the town had paid $81,600 in 2022 toward SRP27s Baker thinning work; SRP later secured outside funding that covered that work and the funds are being held by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM). Henry asked whether the town would permit DFFM to apply the existing funds to the Cordelia mastication phase, a 4,300-acre project north of town that officials said would improve watershed health and increase groundwater recharge in areas upstream of Payson27s water infrastructure.

Henry said the work is similar in purpose to the Baker project and that SRP27s larger plan includes multiple treatment areas near Payson. Council discussion noted the Cordelia project27s potential groundwater benefits; a staff hydrogeologist flagged that Cordelia would likely provide more aquifer benefit than a southwest-phase thinning nearer to town.

Councilmember motioned to authorize the reallocation; the motion passed 7–0.

Council comments following the vote emphasized wildfire mitigation and watershed health. Staff noted the move repurposes existing funds held by DFFM rather than creating a new appropriation.

No additional town-matching funds were authorized at the meeting; staff will notify DFFM and SRP of the council27s decision for use on the Cordelia phase.