Concerning the Fountain Hills budget, what are our actual priorities?

At the recent budget meeting, the majority of town council members indicated that they intend to treat themselves better than the rest of the town.    

The town finance director started the discussion about cost-of-living increases for our town staff by presenting a history of those increases, including a detailed market analysis. The council members bantered about the numbers: a few wanted to do the best for our staff, but the consensus hovered at the low end of the range. In spite of all the data which suggested that a 3% increase was indicated (consumer price index, private sector comparison, Social Security data, other AZ municipalities, etc.), Councilwoman Toth quipped, “I think the 2.5% is perfectly reasonable.”

But later in that meeting, newly-elected Councilwoman Earle started a discussion to increase the stipends for all councilmembers from $400 per month to $700 per month, a 75% increase! For the mayor, Earle requested an increase from $600 to $1,100 per month, an 83% increase! Seriously, a disproportionately large increase for themselves, but a “perfectly reasonable” increase for the staff?

A third financial decision to consider was a request from our fire department’s Captain Ott. He wants to upgrade three command personnel as part of the Regional Automatic Aid system, an important layer of safety for our community, well worth the $222,000 cost. The council questioned Ott’s need to do this and decided to put it off for six months. Wait! What?

 What is your top priority? Reliable assistance during big emergencies this summer? Retaining the experienced and knowledgeable people who work for the town? Or allowing the council a huge and untimely stipend increase?  

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