Eddie S. Maddock, Sedona Eye columnist
Sedona AZ (February 22, 2012) – SedonaEye.com columnist, Eddie S. Maddock, asks and answers the following of Proposition 420 voters in an attempt to clarify misinformation:
WILL PEOPLE EVER CHECK FACTS PRIOR TO SPREADING RUMORS? IF HOME RULE IS REJECTED BY THE VOTERS, ANY EXCESS MONEY WILL BE HELD IN THE CITY’S RESERVES. HOW MUCH CLEARER CAN THAT BE?
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF AN E-MAIL I SENT TO SEDONA CITY MANAGER, TIM ERNSTER:
Good Morning, Mr. Ernster:
Is it true that the State of Arizona will be given an extremely large percentage of Sedona’s income to keep for use in other cities if Home Rule is voted down?
This is one of Sedona’s latest “rumors” and I would very much appreciate clarification from a person who knows the facts.
Thank you.
Eddie Maddock
MR. ERNSTER’S RESPONSE:
Hi Eddie,
That is incorrect. The excess revenues that the City could not spend under the state-imposed limit would accumulate in our reserves. We could not spend it until such time as it fit under the state-imposed limit.
I hope this answers your question.
Tim
AGAIN I ASK, WILL PEOPLE EVER CHECK FACTS PRIOR TO SPREADING RUMORS? IF HOME RULE IS REJECTED BY THE VOTERS, ANY EXCESS MONEY WILL BE HELD IN THE CITY’S RESERVES. esm
For the best in Sedona news and views, read SedonaEye.com daily! Reach 4000+ subscribers with your ads and articles! We are growing daily!
In subsequent communication with Mr. Ernster concerning my misinterpretation of his original response, I received the following reply:
Hi Eddie:
No need to apologize. I could of worded it differently. But basically, the money would stay here, but we couldn’t spend it. Thanks for asking for the clarification. Most people wouldn’t even bother asking.
Tim (Ernster, City Manager Sedona)
Thanks, Eddie, for laying to rest another crazy rumor! Well done.
Most of the people I’ve talked to would like to see city spending cut.For example, they don’t want the bird sanctuary ($2 million), they don’t want to fund the Chamber of Commerce ($600,000) and they’re mad their sewer bills went up and will continue to do so.
However, no one has come close to suggesting how we could cut $14 million in only one year! Maybe $1-$5 million, but not $14 million.
The Budget Oversight Commission last week asked Head of Public Works Charles Moseley what it would take to accelerate some paving and drainage projects. Even though the city outsources paving, writing up the engineering specs, posting an RFP, reviewing responses and hiring a contractor is about a four-month process! They don’t have enough people in Public Works to go any faster; though Mr. Moseley is looking into it.
The city budget has been so lean for so long, that we have more money than we have time to do projects. Projects get approved but not completed–not enough people.
Everyone can think of SOMETHING they wish the city had not spent money on. But it cannot “unspend” it. And if home rule doesn’t pass, how can you cut the budget another 30-40 percent (we cut it 30 percent in 2008) without losing critical services and watching infrastructure crumble?
Thanks for opening this discussion. These thoughts are my own and do not represent the Budget Oversight Commission on which I serve.
Please VOTE YES on PROP 420 is the request of the Chamber of Commerce newsletter to its members:
What your YES vote on HOME RULE means:
-Sales & bed tax collected can be used as determined by the City and citizens.
-Traffic, waste water, drainage, business district, parking and traffic and other infrastructure issues can be addressed.
-Community safety and life quality services can be maintained and enhanced: Community Pool, Film Festival, school safety officers, the Public Library, Community Center and Meals on Wheels, Chamber of Commerce, SMSP, Businesses and Arts groups.
Without your support on HOME RULE:
-City services will be reduced with layoffs, reduction in City Hall hours, cut-back on safety personnel, and deep cuts to services.
-No new projects will be possible including parking, traffic, public transit, city beautification.
-Programs and projects will be greatly cut or eliminated including:
*Drainage & street projects
*Recreation dept. & programs
*Film Festival funding
*Community Pool
*Special public events (SMPS, Chamber of Commerce, arts community)
*traffic & monitoring*Senior & youth services