Bullhead City Council accepts clean audit, approves equipment purchases, raises city manager pay and directs gas-line action

The Bullhead City Council met in regular session and unanimously accepted the city's audited financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, approved several municipal purchases and contracts, increased the city manager's salary and directed staff to press natural-gas companies over an abandoned pipeline crossing the Colorado River.

Auditor Brian Hemmerly, the lead audit partner with Baker Tilly, told the council the city received an unmodified ("clean") opinion on its financial statements and that the federal single-audit of tested grants also produced a clean opinion. Hemmerly highlighted that the general fund increased by about $6.7 million year-over-year, that the water fund showed an operating deficit of roughly $200,000, and the wastewater fund showed operating-related decreases (Hemmerly pointed council members to the Management's Discussion & Analysis for detailed trend information).

"You did receive an unmodified opinion on those financial statements," Hemmerly said during his presentation. Following the presentation the council voted 7-0 to accept the audit.

On infrastructure and utilities, the council moved to direct the city manager to withhold approval of any processing of abandoned gas lines in the city right-of-way and to oppose future El Paso Gas and Southwest Gas rate-case filings before the Arizona Corporation Commission until the companies reach a reasonable resolution on removal of above-ground facilities and the pipeline structure that crosses the Colorado River. City staff explained the pipeline is no longer used and that preliminary engineer estimates for full removal could run into the millions; staff also described owners' proposals to "slurry" abandoned lines and convey land back to the city.

City manager Toby Cotter characterized removal responsibility as an issue for the pipeline owners and regulators. "We think they should be held accountable to remove it," Cotter said. The motion to direct staff and register opposition at rate cases passed 7-0.

The council approved a contract amendment increasing the city manager's salary to $245,000 following a performance review. Multiple council members publicly voiced support for the manager's long tenure and performance during the discussion; that motion also passed unanimously.

On procurement, the council approved purchase of a replacement portable Caterpillar generator with trailer for $233,586.68 (staff said Caterpillar is the city standard and there is an approximately 20-week lead time) and a Kenworth pumper truck with a 4,000-gallon stainless steel collection tank, upfitted and under extended warranties, for $259,126.05 to replace a 1982 unit that has limited sewer-cleaning capability. Staff said only one bid was received for the pumper truck; extended warranties for the equipment were discussed and are available. Both purchases were approved 7-0.

The council also approved a 10-year license agreement with the Colorado River Community Condominiums Association that would allow the association to continue maintaining two small river islands (weed control, trash collection, signage and upkeep) while preserving public recreational access and charging no access fees. Staff said docks remain private and the city assumes no liability for use of the islands. That item passed on a 7-0 vote.

The meeting included public comments and announcements: residents raised neighborhood noise concerns from loud drum practice near Meander Drive and urged improved school-zone signage; community groups announced upcoming events, and local nonprofits thanked council members for past CDBG support. Several public speakers also asked questions about airport board appointments and a late utility-rate mailing; city staff said they would follow up on neighborhood complaints and availability of agenda documents online.

What's next: council members asked staff to return when related studies are complete (for example, a traffic-engineer review for Raymar Road is expected in 60—60 days), and staff will pursue funding opportunities for the public-safety radio upgrade and follow up on several resident requests. The meeting adjourned after the approved items were completed.