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Wellton council meeting: election call, water plant WIFA application, liquor-patio recommendation and budget actions
Summary
At its Jan. 6 meeting the Wellton Town Council adopted the call of election for three council seats, authorized a WIFA application for water plant clarifier rehabilitation, recommended approval of a patio extension permit for a local business to the state liquor authority, and approved routine financial actions including first-quarter reports and a fund balance policy.
The Wellton Town Council on Jan. 6 approved a slate of administrative and policy actions, including a call of election for three council seats, authorization to seek state water-infrastructure assistance, a recommendation on a liquor-license patio extension, and several routine finance actions.
Deputy Clerk Carla Reece presented Resolution No. 2026-750 to call elections for three council seats, designating a primary for Aug. 4, 2026 and a general election on Nov. 3, 2026 if needed. Reece noted candidate packets will be released Jan. 12, 2026 and flagged that pending state legislation (HB 2022) could move the primary date to July 28, 2026; the council adopted the resolution 5–0.
Council also adopted Resolution No. 2026-751 authorizing staff to submit an application to the Arizona Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) for rehabilitation and optimization technical assistance on the town’s Water Treatment Plant clarifier project. Town Attorney Timothy Stratton told the council the authorization to apply does not obligate the town to borrow; Town Manager Richard Marsh said the project centers on rehabilitating the second clarifier so both clarifiers can operate and that Stantec would provide technical assistance. The resolution passed 5–0.
At a public hearing the council considered a permanent extension of premises/patio permit for Champanel of AZ LLC, doing business as Spot 2 Stop Live Sip & Shop (28671 Los Angeles, Wellton). Town Manager Richard Marsh summarized the request and Town Attorney Timothy Stratton clarified the council’s role is to recommend to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Controls (AZDLLC). No public comment was offered and the council voted 5–0 to forward a recommendation of approval to AZDLLC.
On financial matters, Finance Director Dennis Osuch presented the FY25–26 first-quarter reports and said the General Fund remains in good condition despite early-year expenditures that typically exceed revenues. The council approved the reports 5–0. The council also approved first-quarter accounts payable disbursements after Osuch explained that use of a National Bank card program earns rewards that benefit the town; the vote was recorded as 4–0 with Council Member Ralph Davidson abstaining. Council adopted a Fund Balance Policy as a best practice on a 5–0 vote.
During discussion, Finance staff member Shantel Quiñónez explained the town’s Fire subscription service: the annual subscription rate is $62 per calendar year; residents who do not subscribe may be billed a $400 service fee for fire responses that insurance often does not cover. She clarified Tri-Valley Ambulance response is not part of the subscription program. The council expressed appreciation for volunteer firefighters; no action was taken on the subscription program at this meeting.
The meeting included presentations from MGM Design on the town’s media platforms and proposed use of artificial intelligence for outreach, the introduction of Jessica Velazquez as the town’s new Events Coordinator, and an announcement about a Tractor Rodeo scheduled for Jan. 16–17, 2026.
Future agenda items announced included an IGA with ADOT for Williams Street, an IGA with Yuma County for a GIS system, and a zoning overlay discussion. The council recessed into executive session for legal advice and the Town Manager review and reconvened to complete business; the meeting adjourned at 9:23 p.m.
