Wickenburg council hears public presentation of $86.45 million proposed budget; adoption scheduled at special meeting

The Wickenburg Common Council on June 1 heard a public presentation of the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget totaling $86,450,175, with council members told formal adoption will be considered at a special meeting following the regular session.

Town Manager Troy Smith and Finance Director Robert Martinez told the council the final proposal reduces the tentative budget by $75,658 and that Destination Marketing Fund (Prop 302) revenues rose by $4,342 while other adjustments produced an $80,000 increase in expenditures compared with the tentative numbers. Martinez said the General Fund estimate assumes a $500,000 reduction in local sales-tax revenue.

The proposed budget includes a capital improvement program with projects estimated up to $23,687,600, and the enterprise fund projections show about $14 million in revenues against roughly $23.6 million in expenditures, with several capital projects expected to be funded by grants.

Martinez walked the council through standard budget schedules, including estimated revenues, tax levy and rate, interfund transfers, expenditures by fund and department, and personnel costs. He also noted Schedule B lists the tax levy and tax rate and that the primary property tax rate will return for final approval at the July 6 meeting.

Mayor BG Bratcher opened and closed the public hearing at 5:41 p.m.; no members of the public spoke. The council was told Resolution 2397 (final budget) and Ordinance 1250 (purchasing policy amendment) are proposed for adoption at the special meeting that will follow this regular session.

The council did not take a final vote on the budget during the June 1 meeting; the matter was left for the scheduled special meeting. The record reflects the public hearing was held in compliance with state notice requirements.