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City of Sedona seeks residents for Expenditure Limitation Options group

Sedona AZ city view 2015

Sedona AZThe city of Sedona invites interested residents to apply to participate in a work group to explore the city’s expenditure limitation options in advance of the November 2020 election.

As background, every Arizona city or town has a state-imposed expenditure limitation, or a cap on spending, unless voters approve a separate expenditure limitation. The most common options elected are Home Rule or a Permanent Base Adjustment (PBA).

Most recently in 2018, Home Rule, which allows cities to set their annual adopted budget as the spending limit, was approved by Sedona voters. Home Rule authority is limited to four years each time it is approved by voters. However, voters in some cities in Arizona opt to pass a PBA, which establishes a new base and, therefore, a new cap on spending. This can reduce and potentially eliminate the need to seek voter approval for Home Rule every four years. Because a PBA replaces the state-imposed limit, it can also serve as a fallback option in the event Home Rule is pursued, but not approved, by voters.

Sedona city view 2012

The Sedona City Council identified exploring expenditure limitation options as a priority and directed staff to analyze if a PBA is a worthwhile option. To respond to this directive, Financial Services Director Cherie Wright will lead a work group of seven or so citizens with diverse backgrounds and views on spending to evaluate the different expenditure limitation options. This evaluation will be brought to city council for feedback in January 2020.

“It has been a few years since the expenditure limitation options that are avhailable to the city have been evaluated. It is important to periodically review these options and determine the best approach for meeting the desires of the community as they change over time,” says Wright.

Notice submitted by City of Sedona AZ

It’s expected the work group will meet every 4 to 6 weeks starting in June 2019, for up to three hours at each meeting. Topics that will be explored include:

· Evaluation of expenditure limitation options and a potential PBA
· The city’s budget and accounting
· Arizona expenditure limitation rules
· Discussions with representatives from other cities with PBAs
· A review of historical financial information
· A review of future potential financial decisions.

The city invites anyone who is interested to apply before May 23 by filling out the application located on the web page https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/4987687/ELO-Application.

For more information, contact Citizen Engagement Coordinator Lauren Browne at city hall.

Read www.SedonaEye.com for daily news and interactive views!

49 Comments

  1. Only city supporters need apply says:

    If you don’t now or in the past have worked for government, and are not a strong supporter of bigger government, there is no need for you to apply. In the recent past we have had such independent residents as Kirs Kazian, Sedona Fire Chief and various Chamber affiliates on the budget committees .

    If you are for less government, you don’t stand a chance of getting on the committee.

  2. Jackie says:

    Right on @Only city supporters need apply.
    That is how the city is run by cronies.

    The city manager’s PICK & CHOOSES who can play.
    RESIDENTS need not APPLY.

    Chamber cronies rule. Steve Segner LIVES outside the city heavily INVOLVED with groups. Show up and speak at city hall and you’ll be out unless you go ALONG with Chamber agenda.

    Why doesn’t the city FOLLOW the normal rules? A one year full time residency requirement. Cronies rule that’s why!!!!

  3. John Daniels W Sedona says:

    Hi Jackie:

    what “normal” one-year full-time rule are you talking about, the one that you’re making up??? No such “rule” exists.

    I think that the people that I voted for, oh yeah, the ones that overwhelmingly won the last election, figure out the right way to do this complicated process.

    Somehow people on this site think that residents in the city should vote for every darn thing done by the city council.

    I look at it this way, I voted for some good people on the city council. Those people hired a very qualified person for a city manager. If Clifton picks qualified residents to be on that committee, it works for me.

    You all should go back to living your lives, go back to hiking, biking or (deleted by editor)

  4. @John Daniels W Sedona says:

    @John Daniels W Sedona aka Karen Daines, Oburn

    Go to any city look it up. Sedona is the only city that ALLOWS you to pick and choose. IMO City Manager is a car salesman working for the chamber
    Boards & Commissions | City of Flagstaff Official Website
    https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/994/Boards-Commissions
    All City board and commission members must be residents of Flagstaff at the time of their appointment and for the full duration of their term.

  5. Don T. says:

    Unfortunately the city manager is not that qualified and is in over his head. He came from a tiny town in CO and has made a lot of rookie mistakes since he arrived here and is not respected by most of the city staff members. The 7 year contract with the chamber of commerce is one big example and he also sticks his foot in his mouth almost every time he opens it including in neighborhood meetings where he cant control his temper. The city council members are not bad but they do not question the mistakes the manager makes and they do not question the chamber contract or they cave in when face to face with members of the lodging council.

    At the last city council meeting Jenn (“that money is mine”) of the chamber refused to tell the council how she spends advertising money by saying that she did not want her “competitors” to know. WHAT? WHO are the competitors, the chamber has a sole contract. And even if it didn’t this is not the private sector and WHO are you competing with to advertise Sedona? That is rididculous. How would you be hurt by “revealing” how you spend PUBLIC TAX MONEY on advertising? That is the most ridiculous thing I ever heard and no one on the city council uttered a word when they heard that completely ridiculous statement.

  6. John Daniels W Sedona says:

    Jackie:

    If that is the rule you’re writing about than I stand corrected, appointees need to be residents of the city. I’m sure that the city manager will follow all the rules.

    What you fail to absorb is that Steve Segner’s legal voting address is El Portal well within the city. Don’t believe me, give him a call like I just did.

    You may not like it because Steve actually does productive projects in town (deleted by editor).

  7. @John Daniels W Sedona says:

    “What you fail to absorb is that Steve Segner’s legal voting address is El Portal well within the city.”

    That being the case, then why in the world doesn’t Steve Segner run for City Council? Better yet Mayor! With his avid support as indicated by the results of the last election wouldn’t he be a shoe in for victory?

  8. Steve segner says:

    No need for me to run, we have good people in place, I don’t agree with all of them but I think they work hard and look at the facts ton make good decisions. I like the mayor and our city manager, but rest assured We will raise all the money necessary to make sure good people get in the office not tea party anti-government type.

  9. Same old game Segner says:

    Things never change… Senger uses the same old xxxx.

    2014
    Attached Message
    From: Steve Segner
    To: Al Comello
    Cc: SANDY MORIARTY
    Subject: lets meet please do not pass around
    Date: Sun, 27 Jul 2014 10:39:26 -0700
    Al
    We need to do something that puts Sand on the map, the hill top people are Hamilton’s they hang together butt they are few…. we need the flatlanders….

    I see cliff as a life long autocrat… we need to tell that story “Sandy gets her hands dirty…. Cliff talks and talks down.

    Can you get me his background? I am thinking about a large rental truck parked around town with sides with Sands posters… remember all Sedona residents go to two locations each week, Bash’s and Safeway,

    Lets be smart, lets run a gorilla marketing campaign

    I think Cliff will try to paint the chamber in a bad light so he can come in and fix things ,lets keep the chamber out of this, and talk about and Cliff and his imperil management stile.
    I think using the “T” party as a comment would be good.

    Steve

  10. John Daniels W Sedona says:

    @Jackie (deleted by editor)

    If you have so many questions about Steve Segner why not call and ask him. He’s way more transparent than many on this site.

    Many people in Sedona have more than one residence. Some live out of state 50% of the time and 50% in Sedona the rest of the time. As long as they are registered to vote in one of their addresses it doesn’t matter which. Except to you, I guess.

  11. Steve segner says:

    I stand by my Cliff Hamilton email he lost and it was good for Sedona

  12. @John Daniels W Sedona says:

    Rationalization to justify cronyism isn’t a logical approach for city management.

    By using these games only shows us amateurish and emotional reactions. Can’t you do your job with logic and fairness?

    No city gifts the taxpayer’s money away. No city disenfranchises their residents and in-city businesses except Sedona. We have rights and deserve to be treated equal. (deleted by editor) please stop posting such nonsense, it is very alarming to see you behave like this. You’ll get a hell of a lot more support from the legitimate residents & in-city businesses if you did.

  13. John Daniels W Sedona says:

    @ Jackie

    While the editor of this site (deleted by editor)obviously deletes some type of reference to a person it’s also obvious that you think that just because people have stopped taking your BS on this site and respond back to you with facts, you make accusations that they are related to the CoC or city. Quite honestly, that’s not really a bad thing.

    You think “legitimate residents” aren’t in support of what the city and CoC are doing???? It’s obvious that you have been inhaling baking fumes because you continue to forget the way this past election went.

    You forgot that one person in this city paid people from PHX to come to Sedona to do your bidding and you still lost by over 50%.

    I would like to give you back your own comments: Please stop posting such nonsense!!! Just grow up and accept that the people of Sedona have spoken in the last election and you don’t agree with them.

  14. Get Real says:

    Oh, really, John? All the members of the Chamber of Commerce and its partners, as well as the Lodging Council and the 20-plus groups that the City Council gives money away to, have spoken during elections. Other states don’t allow this kind of stupid (deleted by editor) to go on.

  15. Steve segner says:

    Get real please show us one incident in the last five years that the Chamber of Commerce or the city gave any money to the hotel association are advertised any particular hotel, step up and show is .The fact of the matter is visitor marketing and the uptown visitor center was paid for with tax dollars when the bed tax was raised in allowed the city to stop and saved almost a half $1 million and the burden was then switched over to the new bed tax and that’s a fact . All this hate of the Chamber of Commerce goes back because one person (deleted by editor) didn’t want to pay membership for the Chamber of Commerce but still wanted to put the rack card at the visitor center it’s that simple it’s that childish. Let’s also remember that the city has approved only 185 new hotel rooms in 10 years but Governor Ducey and 1350 we now have over 900 new locations that ran out by the night and that’s a fact

  16. Jackie says:

    @John Daniels W Sedona I have no idea what you’re talking about.

  17. Donna Joy Varney says:

    I quit my chamber memberships because I DO NOT support the city funding any private membership club or organization city taxes. It is not a chamber entitlement.

    Sedona Businesses Withdraw from Chamber
    SEDONA TIMES / FEBRUARY 11, 2014
    https://sedonaeye.com/sedona-businesses-withdraw-from-chamber/

  18. John Daniels W Sedona says:

    Get Real, Jackie or whatever name you chose to use. First of all, what you are saying is that there something illegal about community members speaking up for candidates that they favor during an election?????

    You are factually wrong that any state doesn’t allow that to happen.

    Maybe you’re believing the website (Deleted by Editor) that is void of facts in an attempt to make the city and CoC look bad.

    If you are so angry at the direction that this city headed, you (Deleted by Editor) have several options available; Work with some of the elected officials, Run for office yourself or just relocate (Deleted by Editor).

  19. Spending money says:

    Get real please show us one incident in the last five years that the Chamber of Commerce or the city gave any money to the hotel association are advertised any particular hotel, step up and show is .

    This is how and it doesn’t happen for free. The chamber spends lots of money to do this for a chosen few hotels.

    Hilton
    Courtyard Marriot

    https://visitsedona.com/meetings-events/meeting-hotels-facilities/

    Submit RFP
    We are here to help you receive maximum responses ensuring you find the perfect venue for your meeting, incentive, conference or event.

    https://visitsedona.com/meetings-events/meeting-hotels-facilities/

  20. @Steve segner says:

    Whether or not city tax money is spent advertising specific businesses the FACT that ONLY members of the regional Chamber of Commerce receive referrals from the City funded but official Sedona Chamber of Commerce is grossly inequitable.

    That money, no matter how much spinning is done, is spent to promote the C of C and NOT specifically incorporated Sedona and legitimate tax contributing businesses unless they are members of the C of C. And why isn’t that deemed coercion? And why not too long ago the addition of being some sort of bureau of tourism(?) was tacked on and remains a question. One might wonder if it has something to do with a legal technicality?? Or cover up to justify the “city” sponsoring only Chamber members? Hmmmm. . .

    How would you like it if a bed and breakfast or lodging business outside Sedona, not contributing to city taxes were to get preferential referrals from the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center and your business was slighted in the process? Doubt that would set too well with you, Mr. Segner. But then the amount of time you must spend at City Hall as reflected by your comments, it probably won’t happen because you won’t let it! Just an opinion, mind you.

  21. Get Real says:

    The Sedona Lodging Council sends big $$$$ billings to the Chamber of Commerce, The Chamber pays the Lodging Council from the approximately $2 million it receives annually from the City of Sedona, My opinion.

  22. steve segner says:

    get real You’re funny you stayed a fact and then you say it’s an opinion and you won’t use your name. Is it a fact, or your opinion? If it’s a fact Lay it out , out if it’s your opinion then use your name. I think it’s also funny that when people use my name it’s never blocked out when I use the name of a local woman (deleted by editor) it’s blocked out as in the above post , it seems the game is you can make any outrageous untrue statement you like as long as you stated the end in my opinion .
    I asked a question one more time show us any incident where the chamber has given the lodging council Monet or any incident with the chamber has advertised a hotel, or any incident where chamber has advertised it self with cbed tax money I want to see it I think we all do

  23. Vote for Sedona City Handouts says:

    The Greater Sedona Chamber of Commerce
    The Sedona Red Rock Fake news Soyboys
    Mayor Sandy’s Wine Fest
    Recipients of the City small grants program
    Democrats of the Red Rocks, but I repeat myself

    All have their hands in taxpayer pockets and fight fiercely to get their IMO undeserved handouts. They (deleted by editor) to win elections IMO.

  24. @Steve segner says:

    @Steve segner

    Your statement that the Chamber doesn’t advertise hotels is BS galore.

    For but one example, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau’s “2018-2019 Destination Event Planner” advertises Canyon Villa B&B Inn, the Hilton (located in the VOC, not Sedona), Orchards Inn, and Poco Diablo Resort.

    Claiming that “The City has approved only 185 new hotel rooms in 10 years” is ignorant crap. Within the last 4 years the City approved 36 new hotel rooms at the Sedona Rouge, 120 at the Marriott Courtyard, 88 for the Marriott Residence Inn, and a 40-unit expansion at Sky Ranch Lodge.

  25. Steve segner says:

    For but one example, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau’s “2018-2019 Destination Event Planner” advertises Canyon Villa B&B Inn, the Hilton (located in the VOC, not Sedona), Orchards Inn, and Poco Diablo Resort.

    Thanks for bringing this up if you noticed there’s just a few hotels and businesses listed it’s because you have to pay for the ad a lot of us don’t advertise in it ,hope that helps by the way Skyranch never got the final approval for their rooms . More hotel rooms will come but only where the zoning has already been approved 30 years ago . Remember zoning laws dictate what people can build . It’s funny I don’t see you ranting about state SB 1350 allowed almost 800 new units you just went to attack the chamber . Still waiting for the proof that the bed tax money advertised local hotels and gave money to the lodging counter

  26. Jim Poole says:

    What about all those chamber members like Steve that have added onto their inventory housing units converted into HOTEL inventory. Connie place.

    Then they b**** about housing and airBnB when they are contributing to the problem.Using affordable housing to add on to their hotel inventory of rooms, such BS IMO.

  27. @SS says:

    (deleted by editor) The biggest fear SS has is that when the Chamber loses their windfall giveaway contract SS will become irrelevant. Only then we will see someone else sitting at the helm for the Sedona Lodging Council. Only when the AG charges them criminally will we be able to follow the money.

  28. John Daniels W Sedona says:

    @SS how much creditability do you think that you have when you won’t post your real name???? DJV and DV.

    If you think that Steve Segner will become irrelevant, you have no idea what you are saying.

    Not to worry about those AG charges. Keep this in the forefront of your brain, one would think that because that complaint was pushed through by Bobby Thrope it has any real merit, it would have been fast-tracked and been done months ago. Here we are still waiting for almost 7 months and not one word. So, don’t hold your breath! There’s a web site for the AZ AG and that case hasn’t moved from the very bottom since the very beginning.

    I’d be more worried about all of those short term rentals in your Kachina neighborhood lowering your property values. Unless you’re going to start selling cakes to all of your transient neighbors, your home base bake shop won’t be worth all that much.

  29. @John Daniels W Sedona says:

    I do not know these people you are referring to K.D. However (deleted by editor) Criminal investigations take longer than any other type of investigation. You should know that (deleted by editor).

  30. steve Segner says:

    Jim Says What about all those chamber members like Steve that have added onto their inventory housing units converted into HOTEL inventory. Connie place.

    Jim , sorry you are wrong one more time ,I bought 3 motel units on commercial property the units have no kitchens and can not be used for housing ever! i will soon start to build a one employee housing unit on the back of the lot for one of my employees…. and yes the rent will be free…. and no no city money.
    Jim Says :Using affordable housing to add on to their hotel inventory of rooms, such BS IMO. so you see jim you are wrong…..

  31. John Daniels W Sedona says:

    @John Daniels

    I think that it’s interesting that you continue to spout your opinions and expect people to believe you vs. real facts.

    As I posted above if you’re really that angry at Steve Segner, the CoC or the City, obviously your rants and even your own locked FB pages or fake websites made to look like city facts, didn’t do well for you in the past election and I don’t expect that to change moving forward. Perhaps you should consider relocating to a community that is more aligned with your views. I don’t see much changing that can make you happy.

  32. Jane Lanning Sedona Artist says:

    (SedonaEye.com Editor: A Chamber of Commerce paid advertisement link was included in this comment. We, like the linked website, would require payment to provide a viewing of this advertisement. The Chamber of Commerce is welcome to submit it and any paid to view advertisements.)

  33. Anonymous says:

    What’s scary is in the post of May 17, 2019 at 11:54 am segner claims he is building employee housing with free rent. It’s illegal to offer below market rent, and don’t believe for a minute it does not come in lieu of other compensation. Sounds more like slave quarters.

    Now the really scary part, segner and his ideas are in apparent control of the city of Sedona. Inmates running the asylum .

  34. @Anonymous says:

    You have an issue with Segner when he say’s “It’s illegal to offer below market rent” What world do you live in????

    AZ is a property rights state if Segner wants to be generous to his employees and not charge for housing, it’s his rights.

    When you say “don’t believe for a minute it does not come in lieu of other compensation” that is your business, HOW?????

  35. Jane Lanning Sedona Artist says:

    To the Editor of SE, I apologize.

    I didn’t realize that issue that appears to be a conflict by my posting that web link.

    I am just so pleased that SOMEONE or ORGANIZATION is trying to help our “starving” artists with tourism dollars.

  36. Segner "free housing" says:

    Employee Housing: Deductible to Your Business?
    If you pay for housing for employees, this expense is usually considered to be tax deductible to you as an employer as a business expense. That is, you can include these costs on your business tax return if you can show they are directly related.

    Employee Housing: Taxable to Your Employees?
    Employee benefits are almost always taxable to the employee because they are a part of the employee’s income.

    Free? NOPE

  37. steve Segner says:

    You people are so funny, you will fight over anything, yes rent will be free I need a good ast. manager my Gardner lives in a 3 bed home I rent to him for 800.00 and full wages…… I have had the same staff for 14 years….. You take care of people they take care of you . Hotels and business are buying homes for employees, some cities supply housing to city staff because of high housing costs.

  38. MarcoPoloLives says:

    Thx Steve 4 clarifying subsidizing rent by employers is the way too go!

    Cuz you don’t supply it free but rather than cash wages.

    Isn’t this so your employees qualify for government assistance by not showing income? Isn’t this keeping illegal aliens flying under the radar of paying taxes & Social Security? You will provide your tax returns for public transparency and your employees returns for cash vs benefits won’t you if asked by city council I’m sure?

  39. Gregg says:

    hey man if he pisses you off does he get kicked out I’ve lost a couple jobs here an having the boss man take my roof well just sayin man that’s scary (deleted by editor)

  40. Debbie @steve Segner says:

    Would you be so kind to list ALL the cities the size of Sedona, in a tourist town, that provide housing for their employees? While your at it could you list their incomes?

  41. Pottersville says:

    Remember the movie ” It’s a wonderful life” ? segner and the chamber will transform the once beautiful and upscale Sedona to a low rent Pottersville, complete with employee bungalows and low rent housing. The council will subsidize mass transit so the tourist employers don’t even have to pay enough for an employee to afford a car.

    Why not pay a living wage steve? You own multiple houses including an estate on Oak Creek, outside city limits of course. Your employees can live in employee housing and ride the bus or a bike. Karma steve, the bill comes due.

    Council, you should be ashamed. Karma will give you yours also.

  42. steve Segner says:

    Debbie if my employees were not happy with what i pay they would quit as they should, one of my people has been with me 37 years all the others 15 .
    fyi Town of Vail Employee Housing Opportunities
    HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR TOWN GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

    The Town of Vail as an employer began developing its own employee housing program in 1998 as a component in the recruitment and retention of employees. The properties range from studios to a three-bedroom condominium and are mainly allocated to seasonal employees and “critical” year-round employees such as police officers, dispatchers, plow operators and mechanics. Every winter season, over 60 employees live in the town’s housing and receive the benefit of affordable rents.

    The Town of Vail provides an Employee Home Ownership Program (EHOP) to assist our full-time employees in purchasing a primary residence.

    The Town of Vail also provides interest free loans for our full-time employees entering the local rental housing market. Under the rental advance program, the town provides a qualifying full-time employee with a loan of up to $2,000 towards move-in expenses. The loan must be repaid through payroll deductions interest free within six months.

  43. Debbie @steve Segner says:

    Thank you Steve. Unfortunately it is not Apples to Apples. The city controls the private portion with deed restrictions along with a lottery type of control for employees. Employees must qualify. Builders are controlled. A zero loss policy and much included. It is not apples to apples. https://www.vailgov.com/Portals/0/docs/community%20development/Housing/2018-30%20TC.pdf

    I found this interesting Steve. 117 Pending deed-restricted units, including nearly 100 at a Marriott Residence Inn. Since the Loggers don’t want to partake in a deed restricted self housing your back to zero. Employers need to step up. IMO

    I did find that Vail only has a 1.4% Lodging Tax. That the(commision) of in-city Vail Local Marketing District Advisory Council has only in-city in it.

  44. @steve Segner says:

    So you’re so enraptured with a town called Vail then why aren’t you there instead of Sedona?

  45. Debbie @steve Segner says:

    The Town of Vail has their own town (government) run Welcome Centers.

    I am confused why did you selected Vail to do this comparison? They are not even close to Sedona. The upscale hotels properties are amazing. They are seasonal with a swelling during the skiing times. Room rates easily jump 15-20% during ski season.

    They also have two Chambers.
    Vail Community Chamber GROSS RECEIPTS $185,151
    Greater Vail Chamber of Commerce GROSS RECEIPTS $105,270

    Steve can you please provide a list of ALL the cities the size of Sedona, in a tourist town similar to Sedona, that provide housing for their employees? The inventory of Hotels, Hotel Brands, quality of the stay, quality of visitors for Vail vs Sedona is not even warm.

  46. steve Segner says:

    Debbie @steve Segner says: sure Debbie when you use you real name and address , you seem to have time on your hands look it up . The point is cities help in housing all over America and it is good Sedona is looking at making it easier for work force housing. You think this is wrong ? then tell it to the city.

  47. Sedona is finished says:

    Liberals and Democrats are great at helping others, just look at the poop on any sidewalk in San Francisco or Seattle. Sedona needs more high rise low income housing, if you want to make a slum, thats a guaranteed way to do it.

    Take a look a this video “Seattle is Dying”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpAi70WWBlw

  48. Rick Wilson says:

    Is Sedona dying? Substitute Sedona for Seattle and the Seattle Clown Council for Sedona’s? How many police chiefs have come and gone in a decade and at what cost and Why – when each said it was their dream come true? Perspective. Enlightenment. Questions.

  49. Red Rock Fever died says:

    It used to be perhaps 15 years ago, people would do anything to live in Sedona. Now,even if public “servants” are paid six figure salaries either they, their wives or both don’t want to live here.

    Sedona went from a beautiful town with tourists to a tourist town. Tourist trap with bumper to bumper traffic is actually more correct. With no change in sight, I’m moving.

    Voters bought the lies and fear tactics for a few dollars to their favorite charity. There is always a price for taking something that is not yours.

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