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Wellton advances road, water and public safety projects; RFP Den review shows multi‑year deficits
Summary
The Town Manager reported that Wellton will join Yuma County on a County Road 12 crack‑sealing and striping project, applied for a FY2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (~$483,000 with a $15,501 match), submitted a CDBG regional application for water treatment improvements, and reviewed a seven‑year RFP Den analysis showing persistent operating deficits.
WELLTON, Ariz.
At the July 7 Town Council meeting, Town Manager Richard Marsh briefed the council on a package of infrastructure projects, grant applications and a seven‑year financial review of the RFP Den that together shape near‑term capital and operating priorities.
Marsh said the Town will participate with Yuma County on a crack sealing and striping project for County Road 12 between William Street and Coyote Wash Boulevard; work is expected to begin in late August and conclude by mid‑September, subject to weather and contractor schedules. The town also completed installation of a four‑way stop at Red Rock Road and Saguaro Street following an engineering review intended to improve safety at a longstanding trouble spot; Vice Mayor Barbara Biggs was recognized for her role advancing that project.
On grants, staff submitted a FY2025 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant application seeking approximately $483,000 in federal funding, with a Town cash match of about $15,501, to replace turnout gear, purchase self‑contained breathing apparatus and upgrade other firefighter safety equipment. Separately, the Town submitted a FY2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) regional application to WACOG for the Wellton Water Treatment Improvements Project; staff coordinated with project partners to prepare the application.
The council received a seven‑year financial review of the RFP Den. The analysis shows cumulative revenues of $1,449,041 against expenditures of $1,854,877 over the seven years, producing a net loss before subsidy of $405,836 and a net deficit after subsidies of $125,429. The report notes that operating expenditures exceeded revenues in most years, resulting in recurring Town subsidies and signaling a need to consider operational efficiencies or alternative management strategies.
Marsh reported the General Fund was operating with an estimated surplus of about $100,000 through May 2026, with an expected $10,000–$20,000 in additional sales tax receipts possibly increasing that surplus to roughly $110,000–$120,000; preliminary year‑end estimates project a surplus range of $95,000–$115,000 before any transfers related to the town's golf operations.
The manager also summarized recent regional economic development outreach that showcased Wellton agricultural businesses (including Naked Dates) and described ongoing work to pursue regional infrastructure funding opportunities; Grants Administrator Terri Barriga attended those meetings. The meeting also recapped community events including the Independence Day celebration at Butterfield Park and announced a Dec. 5, 2026 golf tournament fundraiser benefitting Wellton Little League.
Marsh closed by thanking Town staff and contractors for their efforts, noting recruiting and retention challenges in a small rural municipality and praising staff for collaborative problem solving.
Next steps: coordinate grant award notifications if received, continue planning for County Road 12 work, and consider potential operational adjustments for the RFP Den based on the review.
