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Merry Predictions for a Happy New Year

As we come to the end of this year and the birth of the next we tend to reflect on the past and ponder the future.

Looking back over 2009 Sedona endured financial challenges brought about by the economy and construction projects choking unfortunate businesses on S.R. 179.

Three resignations rocked the Sedona City Council meaning only four of the current seven members were elected.

A flood of seemingly Biblical proportions swept cars away and coated much of Sedona with red mud.

A popular resort filed for bankruptcy. Numerous small businesses failed.  ADOT made it clear they were going to put the light poles up on 89A no matter what. People stopped spending the big bucks art galleries depend on. It’s been tough.

Now 2010 awaits us. What does the future hold in store for us now? Let’s look into our crystal ball.

S.R. 179 construction will end. As it does so will the tax revenue the city was receiving from the project.

Putting up the string of lights on 89A begins, meaning there will be more construction, disruptions to the business in West Sedona. Paving by ADOT will also begin on 89A to coincide with the light pole project. The businesses in West Sedona will reap the same consequences as those along S.R. 179 have.

A new council will be elected and the possibility of a new majority is quite achievable. Should there be such a change in the political makeup of the council, Sedona will have a National Scenic Area designation. Mayors will continue to be elected rather than appointed. ADOT will have to pay for the lights themselves and for the electricity to run them.

If the present majority remains  intact, Sedona will not have a NSA designation. Mayors will be appointed. The lights go up and Sedona pays for the electricity and upkeep. An alternate route through Red Rock Crossing will be built.

If the economy does not rise revenue will continue to drop, meaning more cuts at City Hall and services. The budget for the Police Department will not be cut. There will be a rise in sewer rates. A property tax will be considered. Print media in the town will suffer or become extinct as budgets for ads are sliced.

There will also be big problems with S.R. 179 when the asphalt begins to crumble due to thawing and freezing. Bumps will appear and more work will have to be done to flatten them. Tumbleweeds will rule the route.

Feeling Merry yet? Let’s not be too negative now.

There is one bit of good news for next year though. I don’t think the new bridge is going to fall down.

Brian Johnson

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