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phoenix central news 85012 85013.
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Showing posts with label
phoenix central news 85012 85013.
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Residents living in the Phoenix Union High School District boundaries will have an extra week to use an online mapping system so that they have a chance to redraw the maps of its five single-member governing board districts or wards using an online mapping program through February 27. The deadline for drawing and submitting maps online was extended an extra week to gather additional community input into the redistricting process. It is available on the District’s website at http://www.phoenixunion.org/redistricting.
The online mapping tool allows individuals to draw and submit proposed maps that adhere to the key principles of redistricting--equal distribution of population and preserving minority voting representation-- in each of the five wards. Users can move precincts and neighborhoods from existing wards to create new ward boundaries, while the mapping program simultaneously updates the demographics of each ward.
The Phoenix Union Governing Board will review a set of alternative maps, based on community input, at the Thursday, March 1 Governing Board meeting. That meeting is at 6:30 p.m. at the District office at 4502 N. Central Avenue.
Another community meeting will be held Monday, March 5 at 6 p.m. at the District Offices to gather public input on the drafted maps. Additional community input will be considered through March 22.
To complete the process by the required April 1 deadline, the Governing Board will adopt one final map at a special board meeting, Tuesday, March 27 at 6 p.m. The selected map will be submitted in a pre-clearance application to the Department of Justice.
Based on 2010 census data, each ward should have an “ideal” total population size of 130,518. Currently Ward 1 in southwest Phoenix and Laveen, which experienced rapid growth in the last ten years, has 30 percent more residents than the targeted population, while three wards in the north and east of the school district have up to 13 percent less than the 130,000 mark. The new wards should also be geographically compact and connected.
The reapportioned wards will not be in effect until 2014, when the five single-district governing board terms end. The two at-large governing board seats will be determined in the 2012 election.
Source: Phoenix Union High School District
Thank you for your interest in the City's redistricting process. We wanted to remind you that March 12, 2012 is the deadline to submit your proposed map, comments and suggestions about the process or your community (or communities) of interest. This information must be received by the deadline to enable the consultant to consider your proposals and include them in the draft maps that will be developed and presented to the public for comment in April.
All maps that have been submitted can be seen on our Website by clicking here. If you have submitted a map and do not see it on the Web page, please contact us immediately at 602-256-4357 or at redistricting@phoenix.gov.
As a reminder, your proposed map or comments may be submitted online through phoenix.gov/redistricting, emailed to redistricting@phoenix.gov, or mailed to the City Clerk Department, 200 W. Washington St., 15th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85003. You may call the redistricting information line at 602-256-4357 with any comments, suggestions, or questions.
The second round of public meetings to obtain feedback on the proposed redistricting plans will begin on April 23, 2012. A list of those locations, dates and times will be sent to you prior to the first meeting and will be available on the website by early April.
Source: City of Phoenix
As required by the Federal and State Constitutions, and consistent with federal law regarding apportionment, the City Code requires the City Council to revise council district boundaries to equalize population distribution at least once every 10 years based on the decennial census. The current council district boundaries became effective in January 2003 following the 2000 decennial census. District population, based on the 2010 census, varies from the smallest at 150,919 (District 4) to the largest at 261,458 (District 7). To equalize district population, the ideal population size for each is 180,704. To achieve this, most districts will need to gain population, with a few losing population, while maintaining minority voting strength.
The City’s public process will begin with public meetings conducted in each Council District between January 31 and February 17, 2012 to provide residents with information about the redistricting process, to distribute redistricting materials, and to obtain input from residents regarding communities of interest. Additionally, the City’s redistricting website will contain all materials provided in the public meetings and an online mapping program to allow residents to draw proposed boundary lines, see statistical data on the proposed boundaries, and submit proposed district maps for review and analysis. The City encourages you to participate in the public meetings and also make use of the redistricting website and online mapping tool located at http://www.phoenix.gov/redistricting.
Based on input received from the public and the mapping consultant team will compile several draft maps for consideration by the Mayor and Council. A second round of public meetings will occur for public feedback on these draft maps. This second round of meetings is planned for late April and early May. Based on the public feedback, the maps will be refined and the Mayor and Council will vote on a final map that will be submitted to the Department of Justice for preclearance.
Please share this information with your friends and neighbors. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the City’s redistricting hotline at (602) 256-4357 or by e-mail at redistricting@phoenix.gov.
Redistricting meeting schedule - first round (locations closest to the Phoenix Central Neighborhood boundaries):
6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave. (Technical Workshop)
6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, Sunnyslope Community Center, 802 E. Vogel Ave.
1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, Burton Barr Central Library Auditorium, 1221 N. Central Ave.
Source: Cris Meyer, City Clerk
Waiting and Watching Washington
Passage by Congress of the Budget Control Act last week has state and local governments watching carefully. The Act calls for two phases of federal deficit reduction -- the first phase reduces just under $1.0 trillion in spending over the next decade; the second phase creates a special committee of Congress to recommend additional deficit reduction measures of up to $1.5 trillion. Members of the special committee, including Arizona Senator Jon Kyl, must agree before Thanksgiving on a legislative package that meets that goal; then the full House and Senate must vote on the package by December 23.
Phoenix receives significant funding from the federal government for programs that benefit Phoenix residents, so staff is watching closely so that the city is prepared for any changes to those programs. Short term impacts are minimal. We all will know more as the special committee completes its work.
Superior Court Decision Upholds Health Care Cuts
On Wednesday, the Maricopa County Superior Court upheld the State's decision in its fiscal 2012 budget to cut up to $500 million from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) through changes in eligibility criteria. The ruling stemmed from a claim that the legislative act violates Proposition 204, an initiative approved by voters in 2000, that expanded AHCCCS coverage eligibility. Barring a successful appeal, the state budget is estimated to be on track to finish only $32 million in the red by the end of the fiscal year.
Source: P.L.A.N.
Independent Redistricting Commission Works on New Legislative District Boundaries
Arizona's Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) is currently working to adjust the State's federal and state legislative districts in time for the 2012 election cycle.
Following each U.S. Census decennial census, states use the new population data to redraw their legislative lines. Since the last census in 2000, population has shifted as people moved within and between states. "Redistricting" adjusts boundaries to account for those shifts, with the goal of ensuring that each district continues to have as equal a number of residents as possible. In Arizona, voters approved Proposition 106 in the 2000 General Election, giving the responsibility of drawing these lines to the IRC, a five-member board consisting of 2 Democrats, 2 Republicans, and 1 Independent.
To follow the IRC's work, follow this link for meeting and mapping information: http://www.azredistricting.org/default.asp. Your input is needed!
Source: P.L.A.N.
Vote-by-mail ballots will be mailed to voters citywide in less than two weeks and Peggy needs your immediate help. We need to contact these voters to let them know Peggy’s plan to create jobs for Phoenix and reform the way city government is working.
For every $1.00 you donate we can contact two voters who will be receiving their ballots the first of August!
Source: Peggy Neely for Phoenix Mayor
Last year, Peggy Neely opposed the food tax and voted against the budget because of the lack of transparency. Today, Neely pledged to repeal the food tax – a move supported by former Arizona Republican Party Chairman and former candidate for Phoenix Mayor, Randy Pullen.
"Peggy Neely is the best candidate to promote fiscal reform," said Pullen, "Employee pay raises have been given in a time of national and local austerity while city services have been cut. It is time for someone to shine a light on the budget process and make sure that City Hall is serving the taxpayers instead of themselves. Peggy is the right person to get the job done."
"The food tax was proposed on a Monday and voted on a Tuesday," said Neely, "Revenue was found to fill the budget hole before other alternatives were even offered. It is time to repeal the food tax and give Phoenix citizens an honest budget that protects the services that are important to our residents and lives within our means."
Peggy Neely has proposed extensive budget reforms in her comprehensive policy plan titled "The Phoenix We Want," which includes zero-based budgeting, finding efficiencies within all departments, regionalization of public services, and other cost savings.
Source: Peggy Neely For Phoenix Mayor
Councilmember Sal DiCiccio joined the growing chorus of supporters for Peggy Neely and “The Phoenix We Want.”
“I am so pleased to have my former colleague Councilmember DiCiccio join Councilmember Johnson in support of my bid for mayor,” said Peggy Neely, “I am proud that the people who have worked with me in the trenches to support our quality city and begin the process of reform are giving me their vote of confidence to help preserve what is best about Phoenix. I am looking forward to working with them to build a coalition dedicated to improving our city.”
Councilmember Sal DiCiccio, representing District 6, stated, “Peggy Neely has a strong track record standing up for the taxpayers of Phoenix - not the unions and city hall special interests. I fully endorse Peggy. She is the right person who will make reforms that put taxpayers first and create more transparency; and Peggy will repeal the food tax – the same tax used for pay raises and bonuses to government employees. Phoenix gave huge pay raises and cut services to kids and seniors and we both believe that is wrong. Peggy and I don't see eye to eye on every issue, but we both care about the people of Phoenix and believe we can be much better."
“As Mayor, you must build a solid governing coalition based on working well with your fellow councilmembers,” concluded former Mayor Skip Rimsza, “Peggy Neely is proving she can bring people together to find solutions. She is building a strong coalition for the City of Phoenix dedicated to serving the taxpayers.”
Source: Peggy Neely For Phoenix Mayor
Look for the Union Label
Union ties to Stanton, Mattox, and Gullett put special interests before taxpayers.
Tax increases. Pay raises. Boycotts. The taxpayers of Phoenix are under fire from organized labor union bosses. From the food tax increase to the boycott of the Major League Baseball All-star Game, union leaders have been hurting Phoenix while looking out for their own self interests. In this watershed race for Phoenix Mayor, voters have a choice between a candidate who will serve the taxpayers and those who will serve the special interests.
The Neely for Mayor Campaign launched a new video today titled, “Look for the Union Label.”
“We are at a crossroads. Voters can choose between someone who will represent their interests and someone who will serve the system,” said Peggy Neely, “Phoenix has a long track record of hiring skilled staff and offering quality services to the taxpayers. We have come to expect great things from the City of Phoenix and earned a respectable reputation. However, when the taxpayers start seeing actions such as cutting services while granting pay raises, it is clear that the system is serving itself. We need to make sure that union interests are not being put ahead of public services.”
Greg Stanton
Opposes SB1070
Endorsed by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union – who helped lead the Arizona boycott
Endorsed by Maricopa Area Labor Federation – Affiliated with AFL-CIO which condemned SB1070
Would have voted for pay increases (Arizona Republic, June 8, 2011)
Claude Mattox
Supported by the largest public employee union in the City of Phoenix
Voted for the food tax increase
Supported this year’s budget and pay increases (Arizona Republic, June 8, 2011)
Lobbyist Wes Gullett
Worked for Service Employees International Union (SEIU) to organize medical workers to unionize at Maricopa County Hospital
SEIU helped lead the Arizona Boycott
SEIU lead the effort to move Major League Baseball All-Star Game
Source: Peggy Neely for Phoenix Mayor
The City of Phoenix has long been the envy of the nation. Back when I served as Mayor, we were named the “Best Run City in the World” and regularly received awards for being financially sound, well managed with a talented and dedicated employee base whose sole mission was to serve its “customers,” – the taxpayers of Phoenix.
Because the taxpayers knew that the City would operate in an open, transparent and fiscally prudent manner with the limited resources, the voters were actively engaged. Together, we could accomplish many great things like building the freeway system, expanding Sky Harbor Airport and the list goes on. Phoenicians came to expect great things of this City – and they deserve nothing short of – “The Best!”
We must always strive to be the best; however, it is also something that is difficult to maintain. And lately, the City of Phoenix is beginning to slip.
When we see actions like cutting services while granting pay raises, it is clear that the system is starting to serve itself. When we see a budget process that completes 15 public hearings without a mention of the pay raises – we can see that something is wrong.
Let me be clear, the City of Phoenix has some of the best employees in the country. Most of them work tirelessly to serve their customers and we should be grateful for their dedicated service. However, the Union Bosses, who feed off their union dues have become out of control because they are out to serve their best interest – not the taxpayers of Phoenix! And the current leadership has not stood up to these Union Bosses, so the City has become out of balance.
We are now facing a watershed election, where the voters decide who City Hall will serve. Will we elect a Mayor who represents the citizens of Phoenix or someone who stands for the union bosses and their own interests? Will we have a government serving its own selfish interests or a government that represents the people?
It is my belief that City Hall must be reminded that it serves the taxpayers – not the other way around. Emergency tax hikes without public input is simply wrong.
Who is really serious about managing the budget? Who will serve the taxpayers and who will serve themselves? Several candidates in this race have a track record serving the Union Bosses.
Mr. Mattox is supported by the largest public employee union in the city and stood with them by voting to support the food tax increase and the pay raises.
Mr. Gullett was a lobbyist for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which is largest public employee union in the country. Nationally, they pushed for the boycott of Arizona – locally, Mr. Gullett tried to get County government to bargain with his union supporters.
Mr. Stanton was an ardent opponent of SB1070 and is supported by several labor and union groups such as United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union, the AFL-CIO affiliate Maricopa Area Labor Federation who have stood against Arizona and supported boycotting the state.
The voters do have a choice of someone who will stand up for the taxpayers: Peggy Neely. She voted against the food tax increase and last year’s budget. Time and again, she has pushed for transparency, not only in the budget process, but throughout city hall.
The Phoenix I want represents the interest of the Citizens of Phoenix, not the union interests.
What kind of Phoenix do you want? One guided by special interests or one driven by a leader who has a track record attracting jobs, serving the citizens and making the hard choices? Peggy Neely is the only candidate with a track record of asking hard questions, supporting fiscal responsibility and bringing people together, which has always been the culture of Phoenix leadership.
Source: Former Mayor Skip Rimsza
Peggy Neely is no stranger to attracting businesses to Phoenix. During her time on the city council, Neely was a strong leader in job creation, attracting regional and national headquarters to Phoenix including companies such as Republic Services, Mayo Clinic Hospital, W.L. Gore and Associates, American Express, Axway, APL, Ryan Companies, and Penske Automotive Group/Chauncey Ranch Auto Boutique. These businesses have created thousands of jobs in Phoenix.
“Peggy Neely is the ‘jobs candidate.’ When it comes to breadth and depth of experience in attracting jobs or boosting economic recovery, Peggy is the best candidate on the ballot,” said Daniel W. “Buzz” Gosnell, President, Woodbine Southwest Corporation. “Her track record proves that she has what it takes to bring businesses to Phoenix, restore local jobs and position our city for economic prosperity.”
During her time on council, Neely reached out to business owners on a regular basis making sure that the city is a help – not a hindrance to doing business. In addition to successes in attracting new businesses, she also helped existing and small businesses expand.
“Peggy is a competitive and caring person. When we were looking to relocate our corporate office and national customer service center, Peggy was front and center in advocating for Phoenix. In the end, she was instrumental in making certain that we landed in Phoenix,” said Tod Holmes, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Republic Services, Inc. “She understands the importance of expanding the job base here in Phoenix and importantly, she knows what it takes to create jobs and the role of city government to work with businesses. Equally important, she continues to be an advocate for the business community as we continue to work to add more jobs in the Phoenix market.”
Neely launched a comprehensive jobs plan as part of her vision of the “Phoenix We Want.” She explained, “Phoenix should no longer accept a back seat in the area of public policy. It must lead. It must lead in quality economic development focused on high income jobs that are as diverse as our city. The most critical need is a plan to diversify our jobs base. We can’t rely on construction alone to fuel our future. Instead, we must help existing businesses expand and then work with them to leverage new relationships with companies looking to relocate.”
Neely’s Jobs Plan
Build a Business Reputation – We should build a world reputation in one or more business sectors. In addition, we should cluster economic development efforts on growing areas such as biomedical, healthcare, solar, and other industries to diversify our economy.
Attract high-wage employers – Develop policy and tools to attract high-wage employers to invest in Arizona. Efforts such as a uniform sales tax could benefit businesses and reduce bureaucracy that limits their ability to expand.
Develop each area to its full potential – I believe in growth with a purpose, but not growth for growth’s sake. Just as the village concept serves our diverse planning needs, we must create a similar approach for business development that clearly outlines the businesses and opportunities we agree would best fit each area of the city.
Expand our tourism opportunities – While downtown is still an important destination, we must also promote the rest of Phoenix as a tourism attraction rich in recreation amenities like golf, hiking, biking, parks, soccer, world-class resorts, and breathtaking open space.
Protect key revenue generators – We must continue to support our key sources of revenue such as Sky Harbor Airport. In addition, we cannot stand idly by as other states seek to lure our spring training baseball teams from Phoenix. They generate much-needed annual revenue that cannot easily be replaced.
Transform Phoenix into a major industrial and shipping hub – Phoenix should spearhead a regional taskforce to foster a Mexican deep water port alternative to Los Angeles allowing goods to be shipped to Phoenix for distribution across the country. Mexico is Arizona’s number one trading partner – efforts such as this and others should be implemented to strengthen that relationship.
Make Phoenix business friendly – All City of Phoenix departments should be customer oriented to help citizens and businesses alike. A Jobs Task Force could meet quarterly with business and development leaders to hear their concerns and ideas about how to make Phoenix more business friendly.
Emphasize shopping in Phoenix – I will work with business owners and the leaders of the “shop local” efforts to ensure that residents understand the added value of spending their money in the city.
Attract venture capital and foreign investment to Phoenix – I want to develop a plan to encourage business beyond the incubation stage by finding innovative ways to lure more venture capital to our community.
Source: Peggy Neely for Phoenix Mayor
Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters touts Neely’s leadership and
ability to make hard choices.
During her time on the Phoenix City Council and in her service in the community, Peggy Neely has gained a reputation of being woman of her word – a strong leader who is willing to make the hard decisions. She is dedicated to doing the right thing even when it has meant doing the hard thing.
In this watershed race for Mayor, leadership will make the difference on where Phoenix will go and type of city it will become. Former United States Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters is supporting Peggy Neely and encourages Phoenix voters to learn more about her strong leadership.
Mary Peters, a fourth generation Arizonan, served as the United States Secretary of Transportation under President George W. Bush from 2006 to 2009. Prior to her appointment, Peters served as Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration from 2001 to 2005. She also headed the Arizona Department of Transportation from 1998 to 2001, where she started her career as an administrative assistant 16 years earlier. Throughout her career, Peters, has been a champion for more responsive and smaller government focused on delivering maximum value for taxpayers.
“I appreciate the kind words from Secretary Peters,” concluded Neely, “I am inspired by her hard work and dedication to doing the right thing. As I have said before, it is time for leaders to listen – to work with the citizens of our great city to chart a course for a prosperous future.”
Source: Peggy Neely for Phoenix Mayor
As we celebrate Flag Day, we not only honor the flag, but we also honor what the flag stands for. The integrity of our American freedoms, including the right to vote, must be protected.
Last October, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court ruled against Prop 200 – Arizona's law requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote and provide ID at the polls. Their ruling was based on the fact that the National Voter Registration Act doesn’t require proof of citizenship to register to vote!
Just last week, the Federal Government through the Department of Justice has joined in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals case against Arizona. Once again, the State of Arizona is under attack from the Federal Government for taking a stand against illegal immigration and doing the job that the Federal Government refuses to do.
These voter requirements were passed overwhelmingly by the Arizona voters in 2004 – and ensure the integrity of our voting system. Requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote and providing voter ID at the polls are part of protecting our freedoms – just as is the demand that our borders be secure. The Federal inaction is bad enough – their interference in the state’s actions is even worse.
Phoenix should be using its influence as a leader in the southwest to do more to demand border security and enforce our immigration laws. As Mayor, I would work with the Governor, Attorney General, Mayors and others to demand that the Federal government do its job to ensure that our border is secure and protect the integrity of our right to vote.
The August Election marks the first election cycle where Phoenix will be utilizing “Voting Centers” to cast ballots for the Mayor and City Council races. In addition to voting by early ballot, Phoenix has consolidated 128 traditional precincts into 26 voting centers that can be used by any registered voter in Phoenix – voter ID requirements are still in place. Click here to see a map.
Source: Peggy Neely For Phoenix Mayor
Unemployment Insurance Extension Under Consideration
The Governor has called the legislature into its third special session today to consider a 20-week extension of the state's unemployment benefits. Because Arizona's unemployment rate has fallen below a level that is established in state law, the formula would need adjustment if the state is to provide another 20 weeks of this benefit. A supermajority of support from each legislative chamber is needed to enact an emergency clause in order to secure the funds immediately. Although action is needed by Saturday, June 10 in order to avoid disruption, the U.S. Department of Labor has stated that it could immediately provide retroactive payments when the state takes action. Both chambers convened today but adjourned until Monday without taking action.
State Budget Deficit Continues To Shrink
The Joint Legislative Budget Committee, a legislative agency that provides budgetary support to the state legislature, released information earlier this week indicating that state tax revenues continue to grow. In May, year-to-date tax collections were $251.9 million above budgeted forecasts. If this trend continues, the fiscal year could result in an $80 million shortfall instead of the $332 million gap that was previously calculated. June could provide more answers since it is a key month in which corporate and individual income taxes are collected.
Source: P.L.A.N.
Community Budget Informational Sessions
The City of Phoenix is in the final stages of budget preparation for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. The next step is a series of Community Budget Information Sessions, where departments will provide information on the availability of budgetary and financial records, budget process, city property tax, employee pay and an Innovation and Efficiency update. Here is the information:
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
11:30 a.m.
Burton Barr Auditorium
1221 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Source: Councilman Tom Simplot, Councilman, City of Phoenix District 4
End of Session Wrap Up
As previously reported, the 100-day state legislative session came to a close at 5:25 a.m. on April 20. Phoenix staff tracked a number of bills and amendments throughout the process. Attached is the end of session report that was provided to the Mayor and Council this week. The report contains descriptions of bills that are relevant to City operations as well as a budget recap, special session summary, and an outlook for 2012. Check it out!
Source: P.L.A.N.
As part of her announcement, Phoenix City Councilwoman Peggy Neely laid out her plan for an administration focused on creating jobs, trimming the City budget and making City Hall business more transparent to residents. Click to watch the video below.
Source: Peggy Neely for Phoenix Mayor
Library operations . . . Outsourced.
Planning and zoning . . . Outsourced.
Domestic violence services. . . Outsourced.
Neighborhood code enforcement . . . Outsourced.
* * * * * * * * *
Over the last several weeks, we've been informing P.L.A.N. subscribers about Senate Bill 1322: Managed Competition; City Services, a measure introduced by Tucson Senator Frank Antenori that dictates how City of Phoenix services are procured.
Recent amendments mandate Phoenix to spend taxpayer dollars to undertake an outsourcing, bidding process for municipal services that cost more than $500,000 (sworn Police/Fire personnel, City attorneys/prosecutors, City judges, and the City manager and clerk's offices are exempt).
The City strives to operate every program and service with an eye towards fiscal discipline and accountability. We also recognize that the private sector can and should play a role. This is why Phoenix currently outsources $432 million over 350 service areas. Senate Bill 1322 ignores this fact and instead has the state legislature overriding the Phoenix Council, Manager and voter-approved Charter which governs the City. Your elected Mayor and Council would have no say in the matter.
Programs and services that would be up for bid include:
Domestic violence services
Library operations
Planning and zoning administration
Neighborhood code enforcement
Graffiti busters
Civilian components of the City's Homeland Security Operation
Unsworn personnel in the Police crime lab
Water and wastewater treatment facilities
Certain operations at Sky Harbor International, Goodyear and Deer Valley Airports
Emergency utility assistance
Homeless shelters and prevention programs
Senior center services
Budget management
Small business development program
Equal opportunity functions
Human resources and employee discipline
The bill is so sweeping that the City would even have to bid out the procurement office that would then implement the mandatory procurement functions for the rest of the City's services.
The Phoenix City Council voted to oppose this measure, yet it is now just one step away from the Governor's Office. Please contact the following Phoenix State Senators and the Governor's Office and ask them to please oppose this costly preemption of local control.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
The Honorable Jan Brewer
Governor of Arizona
1700 West Washington
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
602-542-4331
E-mail
Senators Representing the Phoenix Central Neighborhood
Kyrsten Sinema
Legislative District 15
Email: ksinema@azleg.gov
(P) 602-926-5058
Source: P.L.A.N.
Legislature Agreed on 2011-2012 State Budget
Last week a state budget for FY 2011-2012 (with adjustments to FY 2010-2011) was unveiled, debated, approved, and sent to Governor Brewer for her signature. The House started by deliberating and passing the Senate's budget bills with minor modifications in order to address Arizona's $1.7 billion deficit. Most reductions in the bills focus on K-12 education ($183 million), universities ($198 million), and AHCCCS ($510 million). House members worked through the night and sent the budget package to the Senate on Friday morning, where senators debated and passed the package and transmitted it to the Governor that day.
While this state budget will impact the City, revenue sharing (voter-approved dollars that pay for about 30 percent of Phoenix's general fund) was held harmless. The State will have Phoenicians pay $2 million in new fees to fund its Department of Water Resources. In addition, the budget plan sweeps about $12 million in Highway User Revenue Funds from the City that otherwise would help pay for street construction and maintenance projects.
Phoenix Budget Condition
Also last week, the Phoenix City Council approved a proposed Trial Budget for the City, which will be discussed in 15 community budget hearings this month. Because the city budget is developed with input from the Mayor and City Council, residents, city employees, city management and all city departments, the result is a budget that closely reflects the community's highest priorities.
Residents can provide input on the 2011-2012 City budget, as well as on the draft Phoenix Strategic Plan, by attending any of the community budget hearings beginning April 7.
What can you do?
Attend your community hearing to tell your City Council member and city management what programs and services are most important to you.
Contact your State Senator and State Representatives to thank them for protecting Shared Revenues for cities and towns. Click on "Link to the P.L.A.N." below to go to your "My PLAN" page to find your legislators' contact information.
Source: P.L.A.N.
SB 1322 -- A Very Bad Deal for Phoenix Taxpayers Senate Bill 1322: Cities;Towns; Managed Competition (Sen. Frank Antenori, R-Tucson) would mandate that the cities of Phoenix and Tucson put out most city services for competitive bidding, and award contracts to the lowest bidder who can do the work, even if they're out of state or out of the United States. What would be the cost to the City of Phoenix to comply with the mandated competitive bidding requirements of SB 1322? The city's Finance Department estimates that the average cost for a typical, simple procurement is somewhere between $22,000 and $42,000. A complex procurement, such as Phoenix already conducts for services like solid waste, towing, and banking, costs considerably more -- in the $100,000 to $150,000 range -- because consultants with expertise are needed to help structure the scope of work, monitoring requirements, etc. The most complex procurements, like a water treatment plant or airport, would cost the city millions of dollars because of the very detailed contract provisions requiring input from engineers and other specialists in these highly regulated operations. How many of these procurements would the City would be required to do should SB 1322 be enacted? It is safe to say that it would be in the thousands. Phoenix's total operating budget in fiscal year 2010-2011 including enterprises such as Aviation and Water Services was over $3.5 billion -- $432 million of that is already outsourced to private sector firms. To bid out and manage contracts for the other $3.1 billion in operations would cost Phoenix taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. For the upcoming fiscal year 2011-2012, Phoenix projects an estimated General Fund deficit of about $59 million. Clearly Phoenix does not have the money or other resources needed to comply with the unfunded mandates of SB 1322. Please call or email your legislator today -- why is the State even considering this? Source: P.L.A.N.
