Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Flagstaff council agrees to place public safety bond and half‑cent sales tax measures on November ballot
Summary
Council voted unanimously to call special elections for a $40 million general obligation bond and a 0.5% (half‑cent) sales tax to fund public safety staffing, facilities, and equipment; staff outlined projected revenue and a public education plan ahead of the vote.
The Flagstaff City Council on June 16 voted to place two public safety measures on the November 3, 2026 ballot: a $40 million general obligation bond and a half‑cent sales tax dedicated to public safety services.
Assistant City Manager Shannon Anderson and staff summarized the citizen committee’s recommendation: a 0.5% transaction privilege (sales) tax expected to produce about $18.2 million annually and a $40 million GO bond for one‑time capital needs. Anderson said the sales tax is structured to exclude grocery‑store food and residential rent; staff noted the half‑cent would begin July 1, 2027, and run 15 years if approved.
City Clerk and communications director Stacy Salzberg reviewed ballot language and the process for preparing publicity materials and pro/con statements. Salzberg noted a small typographical correction in the draft ballot text would be fixed before submission to the county.
Multiple public speakers, including members of the citizens’ committee and first responders, urged council to advance the measures. Casey Gonzalez, a committee participant, said the committee’s work combined technical analysis with public input: “The math part of it doesn’t lie,” Gonzalez said, urging voter education and engagement.
Council members moved and adopted resolution 2026‑36 calling a special bond election and resolution 2026‑37 calling a special election on the sales tax. The motions passed with unanimous council support by roll call.
Why this matters: Council action places two revenue measures before voters to address what staff and a citizens’ panel identified as urgent staffing and capital gaps in police, fire and related emergency response services. If approved, the sales tax would be paid in part by visitors and would create ongoing revenue; the bond would provide one‑time capital for buildings and equipment.
What’s next: City staff will produce the required publicity pamphlet, open a call for pro/con statements and continue voter education through the fall.
