Fountain Hills council gives staff broad go‑ahead on capital projects, flags two items for follow‑up

Fountain Hills — The Town Council broadly approved staff’s proposed capital improvement program (CIP) direction Tuesday, green‑lighting most parks and public‑works projects presented and placing two items — Golden Eagle impoundment work and unspecified community‑center improvements — on a “yellow” list for more detail before final budget adoption.

The council’s work session was framed by Paul, the town’s finance lead, who outlined available funding sources and told the council that proposed projects fit within the town’s current fiscal plan. Paul said the town expects about $8.5 million in the capital projects fund at the start of fiscal 2026 and noted the town will transfer general‑fund excess reserves into that fund “as required by policy.”

Parks and community‑services projects presented by Kevin and Director Snipes included lighting for the Centennial Pavilion, shade structures and event electrical receptacles for the Avenue of the Fountains, turf and irrigation improvements at Desert Vista Park (including dog‑park work and a pump enclosure), replacement of deteriorating ramadas at Fountain Park, and playground and shade improvements at Golden Eagle Park. Director Weldy presented public‑works projects including the Palomino roadway reconstruction, a Shea Boulevard widening, McDowell Mountain Road guardrail upgrades, marked crosswalks, sidewalk infill and multi‑year dam…