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Safford council keeps 90/10 health-insurance split, awards park contract and approves rezones
Summary
After debate, council voted to retain the current 90/10 city/employee health-insurance premium split; council also awarded the Owens Family Park street and parking-lot construction contract to CKC Construction for $348,267.75, approved two rezones (ordinances 025-00003 and 025-00004), and gave the state a favorable recommendation on a special-event liquor license for St. Rose of Lima Parish.
On April 14 the Safford City Council took several formal actions during the regular meeting that affect personnel benefits, parks construction and land use.
Health insurance: Following staff cost estimates and an extended council debate on employer/employee premium splits, a motion to have the city pay 100% of health, dental and vision premiums failed, and an amendment to move to a 95/5 split also failed. The council ultimately voted to retain the previously approved 90/10 employer/employee cost-sharing arrangement. Staff presented estimated FY2026 costs for the options (approximate figures provided by staff): 90/10 ~ $267,500; 95/5 ~ $546,400; 100/0 ~ $705,300 (staff estimates shown in the meeting packet).
Owens Family Park contract: Council awarded the Owens Family Park street and parking-lot improvements contract (CIP PK20003) to CKC Construction & Materials LLC (Stafford, AZ) for $348,267.75, the lowest responsive bid. Council authorized the city manager to execute contract change orders not to exceed 2% of the contract value where in the city's best interest.
Rezoning approvals: Council approved two map-amendment ordinances on second reading: ordinance 025-00003 (Parnell reszone: C-MH to C3 light commercial) and ordinance 025-00004 (Webster reszone: C2 highway commercial to R2 multiple-family residential). Staff said required hearings had taken place and no additional public opposition was recorded.
Liquor-license recommendation: Council gave a favorable recommendation to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control for a special-event license for St. Rose of Lima Parish's Cinco de Mayo Festival after staff described a security plan, controlled entry, and ID-check procedures.
What’s next: The council-approved contract will proceed to construction as scheduled and staff will present additional budget and staffing cost items during coming budget sessions.
