SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie Maddock
Sedona AZ (May 8, 2015) – It’s that time of year for budget review and planning. Work sessions are presently taking place.
In two years, the Capital Improvement Fund will be depleted. Just last week a “professional service contract” was signed by the City to pay out over $2,000 a month ($25,000 annually) to Red Earth Theater for it to provide performing arts. Of course Sedona has been promoted as an art center, but since when haven’t artists been able to promote themselves? Where is the pride and confidence in their ability if they are unable to do so? Since when was that a financial responsibility of public tax funds? Why wasn’t that facility, the Teen Center, leased out for profit to the City instead of the other way around?
How much more will be “given” to non-profits? All worthy causes, but again not the responsibility of a municipality when creature comforts become neglected and there’s no funding in sight to make things right.
The primary responsibility of our elected officials is to provide for the Health, Safety, & Welfare of those living within the confines of the designated area – City Limits. They were not elected to continually over-use the words “I think” and base their decisions on their own wants, needs, personal agendas, and opinions that don’t reflect the will of the general population, those that elected them for the purpose of representing them and not themselves.
And, of course, in Sedona the same considerations must be extended to our visiting tourists since, yes, they are huge contributors to the tax base and also deserve, among other creature conveniences, decent roads and adequate parking while spending time in Sedona.
Spending millions to encourage more traffic when Sedona cannot accommodate what is already here is nonsense.
Giving away money to the line-up of many who should be self sufficient is out of control. What about the Sedona Film Festival? Has anyone bothered to request an audit in order to determine just how badly that very popular offering to Sedona is in need of enhanced funding?
Enough has already been reported on the absurdity of the outrageous and unaccountable amount of money allocated to the “regional” Chamber of Commerce to advertise themselves, increase their own membership, enhance their own web site, and operate a City financed Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center to promote only their members as they continue to shun in-city businesses that do not acquiesce to their demands: Be a Chamber member or else you do not get referrals from the Visitors Center. And at the same time they promote members that do not contribute to the City tax base!
As a Chamber of Commerce that is its responsibility – to serve its members. It is not the responsibility of the City of Sedona to use tax revenue to advertise the Chamber and their members – period.
Priorities appear to be skewed, and unless they are intensely reviewed and scrutinized current sources of revenue will dry up and, of course, then comes the question: What will be the “new” source(s) of money?
We all know what proposals have been on the drawing board and it’s highly unlikely they will be favorably received by the voting citizens of Sedona as long as the frivolous spending continues.
Heads-up! The process is under way – so now more than ever is the time to pay attention.
How many residents are in the position of grasping “new” sources of funds when we feel it’s a good idea? That notion, of course, is very unlikely as we must realistically alter our wish list to accommodate living within our budgets.
Why does the City of Sedona feel that rule doesn’t apply to them? Isn’t it time we insist they do?
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City should not be paying for your private business via marketing regional memberships. The members should pay their own expense.
Simple you want 1.5 million dollars to market your group charge your members equally $1,500 and you done it fairly. Pennies on the dollars.
A town the size of 10,000 shouldn’t pay for private associations via taxpayers money. 2.5 million of giveaways this year! Smells……. ugly.
You are taking.
How interesting is it the city of Sedona once again is losing a valued employee – Tabatha Miller?
On the city web site find EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES – Director of Finance, full time, $89,477-$122,252 (posted 8/10/2015l – deadline to apply 9/7/2015)
Isn’t this the second key city employee to recently leave their city staff positions? (the first being Kevin Snyder, Director of Community Development, who resigned in less than one year of employment with the city)
What’s going on? When a professional such as Tabatha Miller, qualified attorney at law, must report “directly to Assistant City Manager” (included in job description) could it be the direction from that source didn’t meet with Ms. Miller’s standards?
As staff liaison with the regional chamber of commerce and overseer of the questionable and expensive city contract with the chamber for Destination Marketing, could it be that Asst. City Manager Karen Daines quite possibly preferred to ignore appropriate procedures such as city auditing of alleged return on investment of the advertising funded by the city? If by chance improprieties, real or perceived, led to the reason for Ms. Miller’s resignation it is indeed a loss for Sedona but certainly a credit to her integrity if she prefers to move on instead of acquiescing to less than honorable methods which should be unacceptable but are not. Just asking.
Norma,
First of all the marketing monies come from the bed tax, not locals.
Before the change the marketing and support monies came from the city general fund.
This new program saves Sedona over $200,000 a year,
the chamber no longer comes to the city every year for funds, the funding now come from a % of bed tax paid by hotel guests.
Norma, this new policy freed up monies for other city projects this (Great idea) came from John Martinez, and unlike the sales tax the bed tax cannot be used to fund to every day expenses.
Norma,
Please show us all how you came up with the $2.5 million number this year?
I checked with the city, did you?
The fund is working and the city of Sedona is up over 2014 on bed tax by 25%+ sales tax 16% OMG.
Norma,
just think about all the millions of extra retails dollars now circulation around Sedona and yes the Verde valley.
Norma.
All business pay there own expenses, the marketing is to put heads in beds so the city of Sedona has more tax revenue and customer for all the local business. Norma,
remember over 8000 people make there living either directly or indirectly from tourism.
Steve
Everyone check out this link.
http://www.sedonaaz.gov/Sedonacms/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=26641
Steve your full of BS. Everyone knows it. Your stealing money. Napoleon syndrome. Please go count your millions and leave the flatlanders alone. No one believes you. You can’t prove any ROI. Full of BS, littleman. In city business es pay and you steal. Blah blah
WOW Tabatha is leaving. Strange they would have her report to K Daines. Karen is part of the”get them” “they need to pay more” group.
@Norma right on! GO go go girl! Please run for council.
The chamber is not part of the city. They are a 501 c 6 inures to the benefit of any PRIVATE shareholder or individual.
The Statute, Regulations, and Analytical Framework of IRC
501(c)(6)
The Statute IRC 501(c)(6) provides for exemption of business leagues, chambers of
commerce, real estate boards, boards of trade, and professional football
leagues (whether or not administering a pension fund for football players),
which are not organized for profit and no part of the net earnings of which
inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.
The chamber is not part of the city. They are a 501 c 6 inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.
I believe this is the third valued key City employee to leave their City staff position in fairly recent years. So much for progress at City Hall.
Before soon-to-depart Tabatha Miller, Director of Finance, and Kevin Snyder, the former Community Development Director who split in less than one year, there was City Clerk Randy Reed. Mr. Reed stayed with the City for one year and four months.
In the case of Tabatha Miller, an attorney, didn’t Karen Daines, Asst. City ‘Manager’ whom she reports to, stand in the way of the changes Ms. Miller felt necessary?
Steve Segner writes: ” Norma, this new policy freed up monies for other city projects this (Great idea) came from John Martinez, and unlike the sales tax the bed tax cannot be used to fund to every day expenses. ”
Do you mean this “Great Idea” was from the John Martinez who is a member of the city council? And it was done as a negotiation? In other words, it was a “done deal” from the get-go – before any public meetings or anything?
Is that even legal? How many other council “deals” are made in the shade? Sounds a good possibility that all non-profit funding is consummated in private meetings?
I understand a discriminatory tax requires a certain amount must by law be returned to benefit those collecting. However as long as the agreed % was returned for the designated purpose, in this case “destination marketing,” what in that law specifies it was appropriate to exclusively promise it to a regional chamber of commerce that only promotes their members? This city council should rightfully have insisted the contract go out for competitive bids, to professional advertising firms, and not the Mickey-mouse nonsense this turned into.
The one thing for sure you have going for you are your famous words spoken at one or more council meetings: “Trust us.” (trust me?) That they did and it created a furor almost like none other. It’s shocking that John Martinez, of all the council members, would be party to such shady dealings when he was probably the only one that relied on his pledge for “fiscal responsibility” to get him elected. A great legacy, Councilor Martinez. Shame, shame.
Well say what, over 8 public meetings, and passed by two city councils.
Wake up and go to some meetings,
Ss
By your own admission @Steve Segner the deal was made with John Martinez prior to the public meetings, which were just a formality.
The pity is that neither you, Jennifer Wesselhoff, nor John Martinez have any consideration of tax producing businesses (sales and/or bed) unless they are members of the chamber of commerce or lodging council (chamber affinity group.)
Martinez and the rest of the council were supposedly elected to represent ALL the people and not just conveniently members of special interest groups. That is NOT how it works in Sedona! The in-city lodging services unaffiliated with the lodging council had no say in that decision to increase the bed taxes, and yet they must collect them without acknowledgment or benefit.
Wham Bam thank you Ma’am is the way the game is played in Sedona. And that’s just the way it is.
Chalk up another lie. Steve Segner writes “unlike the sales tax the bed tax cannot be used to fund everyday expenses.”
Most of Sedona’s bed tax does not fall under the 1990 AZ law mandating it be spent on tourism promotion. It’s the .5% bed tax increase effective January 1, 2014 that “cannot be used to fund everyday expenses.”
The AZ Revised Statutes state how the City can use the proceeds from the .5% bed tax increase. Spending them (less than half the $1.4 Million the Chamber gets this year) by contracting with a nonprofit organization or association to promote tourism is but one.
Thank you, Eddie, for the earful that “In two years, the Capital Improvement Fund will be depleted.”
Estimated Revenues for this year are $40,108,511 while Budgeted Expenditures are $52,558,785–up from $38,385,154 last year. Motion to adopt the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Final Budget: John Martinez, Second, Jon Thompson.
Found highlighted in YELLOW on the City’s “Revenues and Expenditures Summary by Fund” official document: “$12.5 Million Net use of Excess Capital Reserves.”
How can the City Council be running out of funds for non-WW Capital Improvement projects (streets, drainage, etc.) and, at the same time, anoint as EXCESS the $12.5 Million in net reserves it estimates for expenditures during the current fiscal year? Is this irredeemably dim-witted? Scandalously dishonest? Screwed up priorities? Or ???
And thank you, JeanJ, for pointing out questionable discrepancies in the process. Maybe the new city manager, Justin Clifton, can assist with a comprehensive explanation in addition to defending just why the city doesn’t demand for the Chamber of Commerce to provide an accurate accounting of the “return on investment” from the city funding for destination marketing. My hunch is that maybe – just maybe – Tabatha Miller in her heart of hearts knows the truth but that is just my opinion. She, quite possibly, will take the answer with her when she leaves her job the end of the month.
Some day the piper must be paid and just what will be the source of that funding?
But you don’t understand @JeanJ. the city must have funding for “their” priorities, which do not necessarily include basic needs for health, safety, welfare. (But that “welfare” becomes the fuzzy fly in the ointment as community focus areas seem to be high on the list of contributing to the “welfare” portion of responsibilities.)
The $150,000 set aside to kick off improvements to the Brewer property must be burning a hole in their pockets. And just wait until they start entering into “public/private” partnerships like they plan for Tennyson and the Cultural Park property. They don’t get it. Developers care about one thing – profit for themselves. And lots of it.
And so, the beat goes on. The traffic situation continues to get pushed to the back burner as higher density projects are approved, adding to the problem. Drainage Master Plan? What’s that? Nonsense “service contracts” like the one with Red Earth Theater Group become included as part of the key to justifying the all important need for betterment of “welfare.” It just doesn’t change.
Yes, one would think with that amazing excessive amount in reserves there would be no need for the predicted two year time frame for the capital improvement well to run dry or the constant discussions about sources of new money. Hah!
Thank you for the article. JeanJ thanks for that reminder.
“Pennies on the dollar” was used by Jennifer Wesselholf of the regional chamber when she and Steve Segner pitched the scam of bed tax increase. It was of course only a way to take public money to fund their private special interest group. The city lost more money off that deal. While the city runs out of money the city spends it and continue to have giveaways for more special interest groups. Now they give away Posse Grounds to a theater group. We PAY the theater group to pay there. What’s wrong with the city staff would facilitated this one? The whole pack of them are just using the city to take as much public funding as they can as they are NOT held accountable. Like Linda Goldenstien the chamber board said “we want the right customer” Well you done it. Sedona has completely lost its charm. A sanctuary city in the making.
The city of Sedona is in NO position to fund any of this special interest groups.
In my opinion, Anonymous’s statement that “‘Karen [Daines] is part of the ‘get them, they need to pay more’ group” is a reasonable explanation for the City’s screw-up priorities and spending addiction.
Someone mentioned the planned community focus areas. Well, that Western Gateway might be even more screwed up than the north and south “gates.”
The land has literally been gutted where that new Marriot Hotel is being built. Some “gateway” – the exquisite natural views and landscaping are gone.
And by the time they develop on the other Cultural Park corner with the dense proposals, watch out! More gridlock and destruction of the true beauty which there isn’t an artist alive able to truly capture the natural scenery.
My brother-in-law once visited Sedona years ago and went crazy nuts because he said by the time he had the correct shade of color the entire landscape had changed! Yep, he should be around to see it now. But why would he or any other artist enjoy painting commercial buildings that have obliterated some of Sedona’s most magnificent views?
The signs should be changed from Welcome to Sedona to Welcome to Zooland (to benefit the welfare of the local inmates).
I believe you are right JeanJ. Mrs. Daines had the same problem when she worked for the fire department.
I believe the city has put everyone at risk by putting Mrs. Daines in charge. Story behind the Team Center is she created the $60,000 a year giveaway.We pay them to have a business at the team center!
Hello all. I’m now catching up with all the above posts and wishing I was back on vacation!
New question and concept: Is it possible that the city Staff (namely Karen Daines) does what ever it takes on all levels of financial issues to promote or continue to give life to her/their job(s) rather than what’s best for Sedona’s financial long term benefit?
Steve segner; Isn’t it the responsibility of all Sedona lodging to market their own business’s rather then getting the 3.5% you and the regional chamber have gotten the city to direct to the chamber and marketing?
Let’s remember that when the State dropped the 1% Sales Tax s segner and the lodging council and council decided to purport that if our State wasn’t charging us 1% than the visitors, aka lodging community, could somehow feel comfortable and could afford an additional .5% bed tax and it was to be dedicated to destination marketing. That action, in reality, meant that the City LOST monies from the day to day management of our City! Is that such a hard concept to understand?
Segner says that the City saved $200,000.00. That’s a pure shell game of words and revenue numbers. Seems to me that City just lost that much more money to manage daily operations of Health, Safety and Welfare very important issues.
Segner: Opps! You put it out correctly by saying ” Norma, this new policy freed up monies for other city projects this (Great idea) came from John Martinez, and unlike the sales tax the bed tax cannot be used to fund to every day expenses.” Thanks Segner for finally telling the truth.
Chambers IRS: Please keeping giving out correct information and sure hope people will understand what you a saying.
Alarmed: Please keep on with your thoughts!
Very refreshing to see so many comments from folks who understand.
Wish I was still on vacation – yet this is my town too and needed to re-engage.
Tabatha Miller, with her amazing background and even a law degree, is leaving her Sedona job after such a short time? Another credit to her professionalism if the reason has anything to do with spinning and cooking books in order to prove profits from bogus sources. Of course that’s just an opinion. Good for you, Ms. Miller. Whatever your reason for terminating your employment with Sedona City is another mark of intelligence, credibility, and high standards. Best of luck to you. It’s Sedona’s loss that that wrong person is leaving.
OK, let’s review: The Cultural Park land exchange agreement says that NO for-profit development be made on that property. Tennyson has two choices: he can lease the land back to the Cultural Park or he can gift it back to the USFS. Of course there’s a third choice – grease the right palms and do what ever the hell you want and make millions doing it.
Kick the USFS out of the Chamber of Sedona’s visitor center. Since City of Sedona tax dollars pay for the welcome center, ALL city business paying into the system are welcomed to display their ads and brochures. Have ONE WALL of “featured” businesses who are also members of the Chamber.
Since the Sweat Lodge deaths, metaphysical business in Sedona has suffered. The Chamber leaders of this group (who hold on to the one and only permit for solo/self-employed tour operators must go thru this group to legally take clients into the forest. The two leaders are also owners of Angel Valley where the deaths occurred and they have not relinquished their positions since the murder of 3 people on their land. The sweat lodge was built with their knowledge and permission. The year before the deaths, the same sweat lodge was built and people ALMOST died, which means they knew very well there was a good chance something could happen – and they did nothing because the money was just too good. These are NOT metaphysical people and many in the community want nothing to do with them and so they do not join the chamber in protest. I mention this because this is the type of corruption pervasive in the Chamber of Sedona.
The Marriot hotel is indeed ugly and it is sad to see so many ancient trees uprooted, the ground tore up and the area destroyed. Just the other day as the high school parking lot emptied, I witnessed a large truck almost hitting 3 cars with teenage drivers due to the large arcing turn he made into the construction area. This is not good. This is just a small incident, but twice a day everyday, hundreds of cars will be turning into the hotel in front of the high school, in the same (suicide) lane used by young drivers exiting the parking lot. In addition, this brings more than 250 rooms to Sedona. If Airbnb would be allowed, that hotel would not be needed. Let’s not forget that Airbnb has more money, and is now a larger company than the Marriot. The difference is, of course, that Sedonians would have another way to make a few bucks, bed taxes could be collected, and the money would stay in Sedona, rather than to be sent to Marriot’s headquarters on wall street.
I tried to join the Sedona involvement group. They wouldn’t have me. Anytime I tried to post at https://engagesedona.mysidewalk.com/ my posts would be deleted. Now I can’t even sign on to the webpage. They don’t want citizens to engage, they want minions.
it is indeed unfortunate that the city of Sedona keeps giving to their “friends,” and the flatlanders be damned!
@Larry
You were making some great points about the loss of Ms Miller until you got to the part that said the word IF then you lost all credibility.
Rambling on about what COULD be the reason makes no sense. I think that the real reason is MONEY pure and simple. Sedona can’t afford to pay it’s top talent a competitive wage.
Is it just me or does anyone else understand the reason city staff and now two city councils insist on giving the key to the city to a regional chamber of commerce? It’s well documented they only function to serve their members and leave legitimate tax-collecting businesses shunned and ignored. What pleasure or benefits does city staff and/or city council members derive from this obvious favoritism to a regional special interest group? And am I the only one to observe that with maybe few exceptions council agenda items are prefaced with the need to get chamber’s input and/or opinion on deciding issues. Little wonder most people believe this regional member-driven special interest club is actually an official department of incorporated Sedona.
Of course adding insult to injury the last council when deciding on awarding the destination marketing contract conveniently used lack of time for obtaining requests for competitive bids. However, they said they would do so the following year. Ha! That did not happen and the ordinance written supporting the contract indicates it will be extended in perpetuity with little or no valid consideration of performance, return on investment, or seeking other bids based on professional skills instead of favoritism and biased reasons.
Why is this? What’s behind this really bazaar and blatant discrimination and perceived violation of State law requiring municipalities to represent only a specified area of the incorporated city or town?
@judystein. What is to get after YOU speculate its Money? OY! Money can’t buy YOU credibility. Ask Maddock to call and ask Miller. I heard it was lack of a social life and living in wheel chair valley.
Are you in a fog @Judy Stein? SEDONA city employees are the HIGHEST in Northern Arizona. For a town of 10,000 they are extremely overpaid. Have you looked at the jobs they can’t fill? CC lets them do “whatever” as they are afraid they can’t find a replacement. You have to sell your soul to work there. Look it up, google it and see for yourself.
@Judy Stein – “Compensation & Benefits” being offered on the City web site for a replacement of Tabatha Miller, Finance Director, is $89,477-$122,512. A Competitive Benefit Package list is also included. You might check it out before you pass judgment on whether or not Sedona pays low salaries to its employees.
My comment was made as an opinion. Having never met Ms. Miller the most I know about her are the high qualifications that landed her the job, which was made public at the time she was hired, paying somewhere within the range advertised in the current ad. That someone of Ms. Miller’s caliber must report to the Assistant City Manager certainly opens the door to ask: “Why?” in addition to speculating about the reasons for her leaving.
Because of the ongoing discrepancies about the Capital Improvement Fund being depleted in two years and on the other hand City’s “Revenues and Expenditures Summary by Fund” official document: “$12.5 Million Net use of Excess Capital Reserves.” @Jean J. something isn’t adding up (no pun intended).
The city’s apparent determination to avoid an official audit for return on investment of the contract with Chamber of Commerce for destination marketing in addition to the slovenly manner in which the city financed Visitors Center is managed remain a mystery as does the reasoning, or lack thereof, for the ongoing financing to non-profits, especially the idiotic “service contract” to Red Earth Theaters. Either the money is there or it isn’t.
By the way, do live within Sedona City Limits? Do you operate a business here? Are you a member of the regional Chamber of Commerce?
@Larry
Thank you for the information. To answer your parting questions, I do live within the city limits. I am retired and have no need to be a member of any CoC. But, if I did have a business, I would be proud to be a member of the “regional” CoC because I think that they do a job that no one else can for a tiny town in the middle of no where.
Miller is probally leaving cause the town is full of cry baby’s, complainers, and conspiracy theorists…..
Your right @ West Sedona Resident. First time ever I agree with you!
Our city is filled with cry babies, whiners and takers starting with city management. It starts with management- City managers and department heads. Then they get 7 unprofessional councilors. Then City managers manipulate them to get their agenda in, distract CC on things that have nothing to do with Health, Welfare, and Safety.
CC are the biggest whiners. They don’t like the retirees or businesses. No one pays enough! Staff enables and endorses it. Then they create ways to feed EGO. They throw money around to pay for likes. Artists, Film fest, coalitions, regional chambers. The biggest whiner goes to Jennifer Wesselholf. She has her acting skills down. But that is reflective of the 1.45 million the city gifts her. No return on investments. The biggest cry babies gets the most MONEY. Meanwhile the city kills the main reason for incorporation.
Who wants to work with a bunch of lazy people giving away city taxpayers money, playing games, and who are completely unproffessional? This is how it’s done in Sedona, backwards. Miller is to good for Sedona.
You are right @West Sedona Resident and you fit in perfect with the whiners and cry babies.
@patrick when did Mrs Maddock become your servant? Call yourself. She doen’t anwser to YOU!
@West Sedona Resident – (the one with W, S, & R in CAPS) — Sir or Madam, you said a mouthful “Miller is probally leaving cause the town is full of cry baby’s, complainers, and conspiracy theorists…..”(sic)
After catching a few of the performances at City Council (and not the new Moment-oF-ART at the beginning of the first Tuesday monthly council meetings) = but by Jennifer Wesselhoff = whining because “it’s too difficult to count the number of c of c members outside city limits that have 86336 codes” – how much of that could a brilliant mind like Tabatha Miller stand? Then to be challenged by anyone less capable then she is? Most assuredly not by the majority of residents who foolishly thought Sedona would be a lovely place to live. Watch even one city council meeting and the true story falls into place. Whine, whine, whine from the chamber of commerce because that’s the way it is if they don’t have their way. They are the ones in control – not Sedona residents if that’s what you’re implying.
Arizona Revised Statute 9-500.06., “Hospitality Industry: discrimination prohibited; use of tax proceeds;” etc., provides that
“D. …expenditures by a city or town for the promotion of tourism include:
1. Direct expenditures by the city or town to promote tourism, including but not limited to sporting events or cultural exhibits.
2. Contracts between the city or town and nonprofit organizations or associations for the promotion of tourism by the nonprofit organization or association.
3. Expenditures by the city or town to develop, improve or operate tourism related attractions or facilities or to assist in the planning and promotion of such attractions and facilities.”
Since the City is doling out $1,451,000 to the regional Chamber of Commerce this year, can the so-called Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center LEGALLY discriminate against local Sedona businesses that are non-members? What about the legality of the Chamber’s use of this M.O. in the past?
By the way, most of Sedona’s bed tax collections do not fall under the 1990 AZ law mandating bed taxes be used on tourism promotion. Only the .5% bed tax increase effective January 2014 must be spent in this manner.
Have you ever seen that crying kid in the store? The one that gets the toy after screaming and crying for an hour?
Looks like Jessifer Wesselholf, City Employees and City Council The louder you cry the more you get @West Sedona Resident. Your one of them. Only you contribute, no one else does. Anyone that disagrees go ahead and bully them, call them names. They don’t matter anyway.
Sedona doesn’t deserve to be a city. Trailor trash from the management, trickle down effect -IMO
Did you watch the soft city porn? Dancing CC and management letting it hang out. They have something to sell and it is not how professional they behave.
What? The CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, Jennifer Wesselhoff, recipient of over one million dollars annually to promote “Incorporated Sedona” (since that’s the source of funds for the Destination Marketing Contract), cannot even give an accounting of where her members are physically located? And worse yet, the city council and/or city staff, especially, don’t demand it? Purely irresponsible is what it is. This is definitely a case where you do NOT get what you pay for.
Maybe if Ms. Wesselhoff would avail herself of one of the J & H Publishing maps (if they are still available at the Visitors Center and the subject of another Sedona Eye article, “Sedona City Limits 101”) she could educate herself and at the same time share her wisdom with the Assistant City Manager, Karen Daines, since it appears she’s the “Go-To Gal” for everything. But no more for Tabatha Miller. She’s obviously the “Smartest Gall” of the lot. It’s amazing she didn’t resign even sooner.
“Just trust us.” Really? Pathetic, really, really pathetic if not hopeless. Those responsible for putting this dog and pony show in action should really stand up and take a bow. Maybe they will be asked for a Command Performance at the Red Earth Theater. After all, they are paying for it but NOT with their OWN money. No Siree, even they wouldn’t be that stupid. Or would they?
I read in the SRRN where the City has an Ordinance in the works that’s supposed “to prohibit discrimination based on certain characteristics.” I hope this will mean the taxpayer-funded Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center–receiving $323,500 this year before the City is assessed maintenance costs–soon will no longer be able to discriminate against non-member businesses within Sedona City Limits.
Since non-member City businesses are ‘persona non grata’ at the Visitor Center, aren’t they an unrespected group whose status is being treated unfairly?
@Say no More
Come on DJV won’t you ever change that record?
Spot on @JeanJ. The City of Sedona has been discriminating against its business forever! They even discriminate against the retirees, the majority of residents.
This law is highly amusing as the federal law is already in place and that the city is the one discriminating!
@Oh Come On – Do not understand the message you wrote. DJV? What is that? If you are implying I’ve some connection with radio announcing, as in “DJ”‘ – you are mistaken. Honest, there’s no connection here. Wrong charge.
@Oh Come On~~~~ not me. Thanks for the compliment .
Good luck trying to fiqure out who that is. NOT me. Have a great day!
Norma
Please enlighten us.
list the discriminating.
I know actually facts are really used on this blog but give it a try
thanks ss
@Oh Come On. And just what do you find so objectionable about the comment made by “Say No More?” What is there to dispute about it? Or is it some people just don’t like it when ugly facts are clearly stated that really cannot be denied.
Want more proof how the “chamber clan” runs things? Just on the issue of Sedona and the recently approved “human rights law” it was reported by the RRN the city’s first three contacts during their “research process” were Sedona Chamber of Commerce, Sedona Lodging Council, and Sedona Main Street Project. This is just another example of the blatant and ongoing discriminating practices coming directly from City Hall, proven by the demand to be a member of the chamber of commerce in order to be recognized at the city financed but “official” Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center.
Definitely a case of do as we say but not as we do.
So, if you object to seeing in writing the way things really are, then look in the mirror and admire yourself. You must be among those on the take.
At Tom O’Halleran’s initial presentation to the city council of KSB’s proposal to pursue a National Monument designation, once again the first outreach contact mentioned for feedback was the Chamber of Commerce. Makes one wonder if these people need to go potty during the night do they call Jennifer W. or Steve S. to ask permission?
Attention citizens:“Sometimes people don’t want to hear the truth because they don’t want their illusions destroyed.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche
Good work @Eddie and all the others speaking the truth. Very engaging please keep it coming
@ Steve Suckner this is a perfect statement for YOU! You bully, spin the truth and tell lies. We all know it. You and your group ARE stealing money from city effecting the citizens – tourists QUALITY of life. You are a TAKER. “Sometimes people don’t want to hear the truth because they don’t want their illusions destroyed.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche
Don’t let the Napoleon – Hilter – Suckner of the town dictate what you say! Don’t “trust me” him with millions of your dollars while he greases his greedy palms and feeds income to his friends outside the city limits. Kick backs!
@steve Segner I’ll be happy to enlighten you with a very very very long list. I’ll do that when you let each and every business have their own voice/vote. Then the businesses can review the performance of the chamber and report the return on investment. Step one ss.
It fits right in with this article Sedona Budget Review and Planning.
Norma , sedona city council does just that , and they are our elected officials
You just say thing that are just not true so please list each and I will be happy to reply. Bed tax us up almost 25% and we said the numbers will show if the marketing is working. No other city in Arizona is up that much
Any business can put a bro sure in the chambers up town office for $300
Just remember the city only pays a small part of operations of the office.
Here’s the result of the “Great Idea” from “John Martinez” @steve Segner – 8/14 – 2:16 PM:
http://www.sedonaaz.gov/sedonacms/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=21169
ORDINANCE NO. 2013-07 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEDONA, ARIZONA,
RELATING TO THE TAX ON TRANSIENT LODGING ( BED TAX); AMENDING SECTON
8- 447 OF THE TAX CODE OF THE CITY OF SEDONA BY INCREASING SAID TAX
FROM 3% TO 3. 5%; DESIGNATING THE USE OF SAID INCREASED TAX PROCEEDS
FOR DESTINATION MARKETING AND THE PROMOTION OF TOURISM; ESTABLISHING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING PENALTIES
FOR VIOLATIONS. WHEREAS, tourism and the revenue generated thereby are
essential financial components for maintaining and enhancing Sedona’s
economy and for generating necessary funding for public services and
amenities; and WHEREAS, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce and the Sedona
Lodging Council have recommended that the City devote more financial
resources to the promotion of tourism and destination marketing in
order to increase public awareness of the unique qualities of the City
of Sedona as a visitor destination; and WHEREAS, these entities are
also in support of increasing the Transient Lodging ( Bed) Tax from
the current rate of 3% to 3.5% and for using the additional revenues
generated from this increase to fund greater efforts to attract
visitors and tourists to Sedona; and WHEREAS, it is proposed that the
City of Sedona dedicate a minimum of 55% of the Bed Taxes generated
from the new 3. 5% tax rate to destination marketing and the promotion
of tourism; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the City of
Sedona to devote an increased level of revenues to the promotion of
tourism and destination marketing in order to attract greater numbers
of visitors and tourists and thereby generate increase sales and bed
tax revenues, thus adding to the strength and economic vitality of the
City and its citizens. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEDONA, ARIZONA AS FOLLOWS: Section 1:
Amendment of Section 8- 447 of the City of Sedona Tax Code Increasing
the Tax Upon Transient Lodging from 3% to 3. 5%. Section 8- 447 of the
City of Sedona Tax Code is hereby amended to read as follows: In
addition to the taxes levied as provided in Section 8- 444, there is
hereby levied and shall be collected an additional tax in an amount
equal to ( 3. 5%) of the gross income from the business activity of
any hotel engaging or continuing with the City in the business of
charging for lodging space furnished by any transient. 1 Section 2:
Application of Increase in Bed Tax Proceeds to Destination Marketing
and the Promotion of Tourism. The City Council of the City of Sedona
hereby adopts a policy that a minimum of 55% of all revenue generated
from the new 3. 5% bed tax rate shall be devoted to the promotion of
tourism and allocated to a contracted destination marketing
organization. Future changes to this policy may be made by a simple
majority vote of the Council without a need for further amendments to
this ordinance. Section 2: Effective Date The provisions of Section 1
of this ordinance shall be effective from and after January 1, 2014
and per A.R. S. § 9- 500.06, the proceeds resulting from the 0.5%
increase in the bed tax shall be devoted to the promotion of tourism.
After July 2, 2014, the provisions of Section 2 of this ordinance
shall be effective and 55% of all revenue generated from the new 3.5%
bed tax rate shall be devoted to the promotion of tourism. Section 3:
Enforcement Any person found guilty of violating any provision of
these amendments to the tax code shall be guilty of a class one
misdemeanor. Each day that a violation continues shall be a separate
offense punishable as herein above described. Section 4: Repeal If any
section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this
ordinance or any part of these amendments to the tax code adopted
herein by reference is for any reason held to be invalid or
unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent
jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portions thereof. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and
Council of the City of Sedona, Arizona, this 8th day of October, 2013.
lo ert l\ Adams, Mayor ATTEST: Susan L. Irvine, City Clerk APPROVED TO
FORM: Mike Goimarac, City Attorney
This is PROOF the former city council NEVER had intentions to seek “Requests For Proposals” from the get-go. This ordinance was written to assure the Destination Marketing Contract would go to the Chamber of Commerce forever without even investigating whether or not professional advertising agencies would offer better and more prosperous financial returns to the city. And, of course, when the last council locked in a three-year contract, after promising RFP’s would be offered after the first year of the contract, was further proof of the original sneaky intentions.
The only hope is that somehow, somewhere, someday evidence will surface to implement the penalty provisions contained within this preconceived activity.
Grasping at lies you are @Steve Segner.
What a great point and proof @Check it Out.
Woozers! Hoping for penalties. Payback will be a ________. Come on Karma.
Thanks for posting this.
Let’s face it. If this city council (and staff) played fairly, when “they” decided the need for a “Service Contract for Performing Arts” then why didn’t “they” seek RFP’s for that contract?
Simple answer. The same as the bogus deal made with the Chamber of Commerce, Red Earth Theater negotiated with “someone” at city hall and completely bypassed other endeavors such as Suzie Shoemaker’s previous “Sedona Studio Live” that was forced to close because of neighborhood disturbance during outdoor performances.
I remember going to a performance there and hearing Chris Spheeris who recently appeared at the new show-time monthly council meetings. His political sniping and watching the council and staff stand stupidly, supposed to be swaying with the music or something, was another example of just how this current administration is sinking and ignoring the real purpose for their existence. Which, thinking back, wasn’t it to concentrate on Health, Safety, and Welfare?
Apparently no one from the street department has recently checked out city right-of-way areas in subdivisions, totally overgrown and clogging drainage. Oh, but flooded streets and properties don’t amuse people enough to qualify for betterment of welfare?
Why wasn’t Studio Live and other interested groups offered to “bid” on the generous city-financed contract for the Teen Center? Just another example of biased favoritism.
Oh, and very generous that non-members of the Chamber have the opportunity to display their promotional material at the tune of $300 @Steve segner. What a rip-off. And BTW, isn’t the “chamber” visitor center at least 70% financed by city taxes, collected by even those businesses that prefer to not be Chamber members?
Anyone in the VOC that thinks they would have been better off had they incorporated better think twice!
Norma , Sedona city council does just that , and they are our elected officials
your printing the ORDINANCE NO. 2013-07 did not answer the question ,I said the city councel review the performance of the chamber , twice now, and the numbers are the same bed tax up 25%. Seems the councils picked a winner with the chamber.
16%
Sales Tax increase for budget to date
11%
Sales Tax increase from actual prior year to date
25%
Bed Tax increase for budget to date
27%
Bed Tax increase from actual prior year to date

ss
How is it you take credit for every single business in the city limits?
ATTENTION RESIDENTS: Steve Segner, Goldenstien, Wesselholf and other businesses are taking 1.5 million dollars from the city to market his exclusive club. Then he takes credit for others work who he slams and talks bad about cause they won’t join the chamber to give him more money to spend on his private club.
Boycott ALL of them! Do not send any business their way until they learn to play fair. Jeep companies, Hotels, Galleries do not recommend them if they partake in this.