As we conclude budget approval for Fiscal Year 2024, which begins on July 1, questions arise about the city’s tax structure and how we are funded. Many are surprised to learn that transaction privilege tax (TPT, or sales tax) is the primary source of revenue for the city’s general fund, which pays for public safety and other critical city services. Property tax in Prescott accounts for less than 4% of revenue for the general fund. As growth continues in and around Prescott’s city limits, the … [Read more...] about How Prescott is Funded for City Needs
Phil Goode
Granite Creek Corridor Project Expected to Be Completed By Summer
As the city’s Granite Creek Corridor improvements are moving toward a conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to remind our citizens about this project and provide current information and an account of the history. The Granite Creek Corridor project is almost four years in the making. Back in 2019, city staff identified an opportunity to enhance one of Prescott’s great natural assets, Granite Creek and the associated trail running alongside. Over the years, the creek had fallen into … [Read more...] about Granite Creek Corridor Project Expected to Be Completed By Summer
Improving, Maintaining Streets Following an Intense Winter
Traffic, road conditions, street maintenance and construction are generally areas of great interest for our citizens. With more than 750 miles of paved surface in the city boundaries, improving and maintaining our streets in Prescott is a year-round job. Keeping traffic flowing smoothly and safely is another priority that requires constant attention and improvement. Spring is here and the city is gearing up for road construction and street maintenance projects. This past winter was very hard … [Read more...] about Improving, Maintaining Streets Following an Intense Winter
Reducing Taxes, Protecting Airport Land, Expanding Open Space in the New Year
Happy New Year! I sincerely hope that your holidays were blessed with the warmth of this wonderful season. It was great to see Arizona’s Christmas City in full swing, with all of our favorite events and a few new ones. Prescott City Council looks ahead to 2023, which will no doubt be an important year for the city. First I would like to congratulate our new Mayor Pro Tem Brandon Montoya, and thank last year’s Pro Tem Cathey Rusing for her leadership in 2022. I am pleased to share with you … [Read more...] about Reducing Taxes, Protecting Airport Land, Expanding Open Space in the New Year
Undertaking the Updated General Plan
The City of Prescott is about to undertake the update and adoption of the 2025 General Plan. The General Plan is the public document that guides the future of a city. Per Arizona Revised Statutes, a city’s land development decisions must be consistent withthe adopted General Plan. Cities under a population of 50,000 must have the following elements in their plans: Land Use, Circulation, Open Space, Growth Areas, Environmental Planning, Cost of Development, and Water Resources. General Plans … [Read more...] about Undertaking the Updated General Plan
Keeping Up with Public Safety Services as We Grow
We all know that Prescott is a highly desirable community in which to live and work. This is, in part, due to the high quality of core public services that the city provides to ensure the safety of our residents. However, community growth has impacted our ability to provide these public safety services. One of the issues we have been discussing at council is how to fund and plan for future public safety locations. I have met with Fire Chief Holger Durre and Police Chief Amy Bonney about several … [Read more...] about Keeping Up with Public Safety Services as We Grow
Focusing on Water, Aviation Education
I would like to share some important updates with you from the City of Prescott regarding the new water policy, and the SAFE project at Prescott Regional Airport. Implementing a New Water Policy Prescott City Council has adopted a new Water Management Policy. This document was several months in the making, and encompassed a number of public meetings and hundreds of public comments. This new policy can be found on the city’s website at www.prescott-az.gov, click on 2022 Water Policy. Now … [Read more...] about Focusing on Water, Aviation Education
Prescott Mayor Calls Economic Outlook ‘Strong’
Prescott Mayor Phil Goode said economic growth in the greater community seemed “…more than just solid for the coming year” when he shared his State of the City comments with hundreds of local residents. Goode was the featured speaker during the Prescott Chamber of Commerce annual meeting on March 1 at the Prescott Resort. The mayor’s remarks followed those of outgoing Chamber Board Chair Danielle Rickets, manager at Sir Speedy, and incoming 2022-23 Board Chair Mackenzie Rodgers, a local … [Read more...] about Prescott Mayor Calls Economic Outlook ‘Strong’
Preparing for Wildfire Season
Wildland fire season is just around the corner in the Prescott area. This is a good time to review the resources that are available to prevent and fight wildland fires in this area, and to remind ourselves about our roles as citizens in reducing the wildland fire threat to our community. The Forest Service’s Fire Center, Henry Y. H. Kim Aviation Facility at the Ernest A. Love airfield in Prescott, was dedicated in May 1992. The Prescott Fire Center combines a vast array of programs and expert … [Read more...] about Preparing for Wildfire Season
Mayor’s ‘State of the City’ Report: Business Climate is Robust
Recently, I was asked to provide an address on the State of the City at the Prescott Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. This provided me with an excellent opportunity to reflect on and share where we are now as a city and where we are going. As I mentioned last month, we are transitioning city leadership among our recently elected officials. I am pleased to say that with several meetings completed, the new council is working well together. The open call to the public has been successful, and … [Read more...] about Mayor’s ‘State of the City’ Report: Business Climate is Robust