The City of Prescott Tourism Office, also known as Experience Prescott, is celebrating National Travel & Tourism this week.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 21st, Experience Prescott will host an Open House from 1-4 PM at the Prescott Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. Come learn more about Experience Prescott and meet many of the tourism stakeholders and businesses from the community.
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This week is also Emergency Medical Services week, and also National Public Works Week.
You may not realize that the City of Prescott is in the business of providing Emergency Medical Services, but our first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, firefighters and police officers are often called upon at a moment’s notice to provide lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The services they provide are vital to our community. I want to personally express my appreciation for all they do to make an incredibly valuable difference in our City.
During our Council meeting last week, we recognized National Public Works Week, and saw a short video highlighting many of the activities from our Public Works Department.
Did you know that the Public Works Department is the largest department in the City? One of the points made in the Public Works Video was that everything they do matters to everyone’s quality of life here in our community.
I want to take this opportunity to recognize the contributions which our Public Works professionals make every day to our health, safety, comfort and daily experiences in the City of Prescott. Thank you for all you do.
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Speaking of Public Works, they are the ones who oversee the City’s road maintenance and repair projects. Have you ever wondered what methods of asphalt repair are used? Do you know the difference between a Crack Seal and a Fog Seal? Or what a Utility Cut Repair is? Our City website has an excellent resource that explains all about it.
In the meantime, we do currently have several road projects underway, notably work continues on Willow Creek Road and also work at Prescott Lakes Parkway and Sundog Ranch Road. Please be aware and alert when you are driving through any road projects you may encounter and drive safely. Be sure to plan for extra time to reach your destination if you are on these roadways.
Once complete, the improvements will extend pavement life and significantly improve the road quality for Prescott area motorists.
We always appreciate your continued cooperation, patience, and understanding.
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At last Tuesday’s Council Study Session, we had a presentation and discussion regarding Utility and Non-Utility Development Impact Fees, Land Use Assumptions, and the Infrastructure Improvement Plan. This included proposed increase in development fees for Streets, Fire and Police, and Utility infrastructure.
We also discussed the proposed new and increased water and wastewater rates and fees.
The next Public Hearing on the matter is scheduled for May 28, 2024, at the regularly scheduled 3 pm City Council meeting located in the City Council Chambers at Prescott City Hall.
The earliest the City Council can take formal action on adopting any new and increased water and wastewater rates and fees will be immediately after the May 28, 2024 Public Hearing.
The increased Water and Wastewater Rates will become effective at the earliest thirty days after the adoption of the increases by our Prescott City Council.
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On Thursday, May 16th, we had our second Budget Workshop for Fiscal Year 2025.
If you would like to review the Powerpoint Slides from either of the Budget Workshops, go HERE, with the documents listed in the right hand column.
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At last week’s Council Meeting, we approved the ballot language for Prop 478, the Dedicated Transaction Privilege Tax of ninety-five hundredths of one percent (0.95%). If approved by the voters, the tax will be used solely to fund new fire and police stations including staffing, equipment, and vehicles.
The tax will reduce to seventy-five hundredths of one percent (0.75%) by December 31, 2035 once the new stations have been built.
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The Forest Service is proposing to change recreation fees at certain sites in the Prescott National Forest. If the proposal is approved, fee changes would be implemented in the Spring of 2025.
Locally affected fee increases include the White Spar Trailhead and the Bean Peaks Trailhead. The Proposed Day Fee would be $5 per vehicle. Currently, there is no charge at these locations. Other fee increases across the eastern areas of the Prescott National Forest are also being proposed. American the Beautiful and Forest passes will still be honored and visitors with these passes will not be required to pay the $5 day-use fee.
With the 2004 Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, at least 80% of fees collected at recreation sites must be used locally to operate, maintain and improve these sites. Fee increases translate directly to improved facilities across the forest.
Public Comments will be accepted through July 2, 2024. .
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Next Weekend is Memorial Day Weekend. On Monday, May 27th, City offices and the Prescott Public Library will be closed. Solid waste trash collection will be operating on their normal schedule, although the Transfer Station will also be closed.
2 thoughts on “Prescott Mayor Phil Goode’s Weekly Update for May 20, 2024”
As a resident of Prescott Valley and a good friend of Phil Goode, I dare make a comparison with Mayor Kel Palguta of Prescott Valley. Mayor Kel does publish a letter in with the monthly water bill, it is more general and upbeat rather than specific on the towns practical of-interest accomplishments and plans.
In regard to serving the citizens there is a reluctance to survey all residents as to how we feel about how the town is doing or what are our concerns.
Elections have consequences and we in Prescott Valley have the opportunity to elect four (4) new council members that promise to listen to the people. That is not the case with this council.
Keep up the good work Phil; you and the council listen to the people.
Dear Mr Mayor – thank you for standing up for the concerns of the residents of Prescott Canyon Estates (and future generations, and the water shed, and the animals of this recognized wildlife corridor) regarding the ill-conceived idea to place a toxic hazard in our front yard (Quik Trip gas station & mini market).
We feel this is being rammed down our throats and no one else is listening to us!
Almost any other type of 9-5 business (excepting “adult stores” etc) would be better than an UNNECESSARY, noisy, smelly, over-lit, 24/7, traffic-increasing crime magnet with the potential to pollute not only our creek but Watson Lake and the water table.
Many of us residents are on limited incomes and do not have the ability to move.
We feel this is a David vs Goliath situation, but all our rocks will need to be blasted with dynamite before anyone will hear us….
Quik Trip does NOT “need” this location, but WE DO.
Once again, your thoughtful consideration of our serious concerns was a breath of fresh air! Thank You!
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