Bisbee council adopts FY2026-27 final budget, moves property tax levy item to June 16 and approves several contracts and purchases

The Bisbee Mayor and Council adopted Resolution R-26-15 to approve the city’s final FY2026-27 budget and alternative expenditure limitation. Finance Director Keri Bagley described the budget as about $15 million in total fiscal impact, with roughly $10 million in the general fund and a substantial portion tied to anticipated grants. Bagley noted the property-tax rate per $100 of assessed value is decreasing by about four cents, but increased assessed valuations would raise an additional $28,000 (about a 2% increase), triggering a required public hearing and roll-call consideration.

Councilmember Mel Sowid moved and Councilmember Anna Cline seconded a motion to consider increasing the primary property tax levy at the June 16 council meeting, changing the rate from $3.0061 to $2.9697 per $100 of assessed value; the motion passed on a roll-call vote with AYES from Councilmembers Karen Schumacher, Pete Skinner, Trish Damon, Mel Sowid, Anna Cline and Mayor Ken Budge (6-0). Bagley and staff clarified that the city will still need a roll-call vote at the next meeting to finalize any levy change.

On routine fiscal and procurement matters, the council unanimously approved accounts payable totaling $466,986.88 and approved the consent agenda to adopt the May 19 minutes.

Liquor license: The council opened a public hearing on a liquor license application for the Stock Exchange Saloon at 15 Brewery Avenue. Applicant Mark Alexander Gray said the brewery building dates to 1905 and noted the historic “brewery” cast bronze signage above the door; Gray and several residents (Tammy Birch, Sean Hicks) spoke in support. Mayor Budge asked for opponents and for written correspondence; none were offered. Councilmember Karen Schumacher and others congratulated the applicant; Councilmember Schumacher and others did not oppose, and the council unanimously approved the liquor license.

Public safety equipment: Fire Chief Jim Richardson told the council that the department had secured a congressionally directed USDA grant of $620,000 to purchase a 2027 Spartan S180 model 2107 pumper truck, with a local match of about $209,000. Mayor Budge said that while the city had initially hoped for a more expensive ladder truck, budget and grant limits required pivoting to a pumper. Richardson said the truck will retire a 1990 engine and that leftover grant funds (about $25,000) would be used to buy hoses and equipment. The council voted unanimously to approve the truck purchase.

Procurement and contracts: Interim City Manager Ashlee Coronado explained that the city’s existing document management vendor raised prices beyond budget; Revver, Inc. proposed migration and annual pricing that fit the city’s budget ($4,495 initial migration year, $4,000 in subsequent years). Councilmember Anna Cline moved to approve the SaaS agreement with Revver; the council approved the contract unanimously. The council also approved Change Order #15 with Durazo Construction for $5,093 to remediate ceiling joists at the Camp Naco rehabilitation project; project staff confirmed contingency and grant balances cover the work.

Executive session: Mayor Budge moved the council into executive session under A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(1) and (3) for consultation on legal advice and discussion of employment/appointment of the Interim City Manager and the vacant City Manager position; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Council reconvened with no further action recorded.

Next steps: staff will present final levy paperwork at the June 16 meeting if the council pursues a levy rate change; project teams will return with contingency use reports as needed.