SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie S. Maddock
Sedona AZ – At a Special Sedona City Council Meeting, 3:00 Wednesday afternoon on January 11, 2017, after three long years of a contentious destination marketing agreement with the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, the City will again revisit the issue. We can only hope the negotiations will prove to be less controversial, fairer, and, in turn, result in acceptable transparency which will dismiss suspicion and mistrust of City Hall dealings. That might very well have been the case had the original commitment for Requests for Proposals (RFPs) as well as certified outside audits been upheld as proposed during the initial negotiations. Ignoring both valid concerns was a disservice to everyone.
Five options will be discussed at this meeting as follows:
Option 1: Move forward with the negotiations of a new contract with the Chamber of Commerce.
Option 2: Issue an RFP for tourism promotion services.
Option 3: Create a stand-alone destination marketing organization (DMO) without ties to the Chamber of Commerce.
Option 4: Create a City Department to handle tourism promotion.
Option 5: Issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a travel industry consultancy to assess the current structure, funding relationships, etc. and provide recommendations to the city.
Pros and cons of each option will be discussed at length, such as concerns RFPs will include bids from for-profit agencies. That brings up several questions. Without an official outside audit from a qualified source, how do they know the Chamber has not been making a profit? How many employees have they hired? What has been the cost of improvement to its own facilities, etc? And what is the source of funding for those operating expenses?
And will the City acknowledge the Chamber currently offers its own RFPs for specific services, realistically reducing it to a mere middle-agency, acting on behalf of the City of Sedona?
And how do they justify the extended branding of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce that has occurred within the past three years? What has been the source of that promotional funding for the Chamber instead of the City?
By creating a stand-alone destination marketing organization, the City could avoid real or perceived conflicts between tourism promotion services and the various other functions of the Chamber of Commerce. Although they specify… it is unclear how local and regional partners would react… why should that concern the City? Should their focus at long last be redirected to the residents of incorporated Sedona? They are the people who created the City in the first place, clearly, and with the knowledge it attracted tourists.
Sure, a stand-alone destination marketing organization would result in the re-creation of an already established and successful local agency. However the extent of success of the present local agency has never been undisputedly proven. The source of increased revenue after the great recession coupled with a reduction in gasoline prices has never factually been factored into the increased tourism and resulting upswing in revenue. Nor has it been determined to what extent advertising monies have merely resulted in excessive daytripping, which the City’s infrastructure clearly cannot handle.
As for the suggestion for Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a travel industry consultancy to assess and monitor the current structure, would that be nothing more than a babysitter for the contract with the Chamber of Commerce? Should the City have been serving that function for the past three years?
It has frequently been said the City could not afford to operate their stand-alone department. And how would they know? With a Chamber of Commerce now providing funding for USFS trail maintenance, contributing money back to the City for their traffic study, and other generous but questionably frivolous expenditures, most recently to propose purchasing property on behalf of the City with what appears to be leftover funds from the bed tax rebate, how can they make that determination without a precise and reliable audit from an authentic source? They cannot. Is there any reasonable explanation why the City should not take responsibility for allocating the bed tax revenue – all of it – including over and above destination marketing?
And the perfect opportunity to establish a genuine Sedona Visitors Center has been ignored by not including such a service at the Western Gateway. How long will this City tolerate discrimination of their own legitimate licensed, tax collecting businesses within City Limits unless they are forced to be members of what clearly is a regional Chamber of Commerce? And the practice of paid referrals is common, but should the City be involved by financing the activity with public funds and further discriminating against in-city businesses?
Molly Spangler recently hired by the city of Sedona AZ as its Economic Development Director.
With the recent hiring of a professional, Molly Spangler, to serve as Economic Development Director, there is really no need to burden our busy Chamber of Commerce with more additional duties besides servicing its members, which is the purpose of its non-profit organization.
Since when was the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau deemed the “Destination Marketing & Management Organization in Sedona for 65 years?” Up until just a few years ago was it not the Oak Creek Canyon Sedona Chamber of Commerce, then changed to Sedona Chamber of Commerce, and most recently “& Tourism Bureau” was tacked on? This elaborate extension of creating yet another illusion that simply does not exist is pretty much over the top. Wouldn’t you agree? Dumb question.
There is already a campaign in motion to “Make America Great Again.” How about a local endeavor to “Make Sedona Respectable Again”? Meet and greet our visitors with an authentic Sedona Visitors Center and related advertising?
Don’t we deserve it like other places?
Flagstaff (AZ) and Park City (UT) are but two examples that offer proof they survive very well without financial support to their respective Chambers of Commerce.
Read www.SedonaEye.com for daily news and interactive views!
BRendan
Happy to answer your questions soon as you’re willing to use your full name I don’t know how you could have a discussion with somebody that won’t use a full name
Giving facts about Home Rule does not constitute trying to influence an election..
You people are crazy… you want your lies and misstatements to be the only info..
FAKE NEWS….
That how the teaparty operates….ask a question then leave before the answer…
Fake facts are important to you tea party types and the TRUTH or REAL information is deadly to you ego and lies..
Oh Brother Steve Segner. with Coconino Sales Tax & Bed Taxes are required. Plus you do have Weddings there or you used to. Do you still do weddings? Food?
Combined taxes being 13.90% It is the law.
Peanuts man, many more other businesses contribute a lot more then your tiny b&b. how many rooms do you have steve?
There is NO WAY the City Manager can make a fair presentation about Home Rule considering unlimited spending is the way of life at City Hall.
Will he suggest eliminating funding for the regional Chamber visitors venter (not the official visitor center for the City of Sedona as they erroneously claim.) How about cancelling the idiotic bed tax rebate contract with the same bogus C of C?
Will he suggest eliminating certain City Departments as the newly created Economic Development headed up by Molly Spangler? Will he suggest nixing unnecessary programs in Parks & Recreation and other potential methods of actually downsizing at City Hall?
Or will he prevail upon the usual scare tactics of denying services to Sedona? What services do they actually provide except a Police Department and over-priced dysfunctional sewer plant? Not like other municipalities who control water, garbage, and other selective provisions we cannot live without. Even roads! For Heaven’s Sake. We’ve been deprived of decent infrastructure for so long what difference will it make if City Manager hangs that one over our heads, the pitiful mere voting residents of Sedona.
No the City Manager cannot possibly make a fair and balanced presentation regarding the matter of Home Rule. Where’s the City Attorney’s advice on the matter? Or does he have the blessings of our State Reps and AZ League of Cities & Towns to go ahead and scam the residents?
Let me understand this. The Dells is to be government program town, a ow income housing project? Sedona want to put the low income earners on sewer lands? They want to bus us to town to work at menial labor jobs? In Africa where my mama come from that’s called a Shantytown or township. This city government acts like white plantation owners in disguise, a group of white racists, bullies by their white privilege to think they have a right to put us in tiny boxes that white people think are cute when they are railroad cars to camps. Camps where we can’t get to library or walk to grocery or movies or salons.
Where we can’t be seen around town. Where we have to wait on them to send a bus for us when they tell us to get on it.
Where we can’t vote on them.
My mobile home is not a blight and it’s bigger and better than overpriced box cars passing off as housing. I can walk to my stores and see my friends and have better views than rich white people down the road from me now. Get off my back white folks. Put down your white privilege and leave us be.
Yes he can… your crazy… You argue ment makes Zero sense.
Someplace on this here SedonaEye there was a mention of creating some sort of Pilgrimage Site at your Dell’s acreage. There was another more recent remark about some “little houses?” Well, folks, hear this and hear it well.
It won’t be the City of Sedona deciding what’s built out here on this property. No way! That land, thank goodness, is outside City Limits so any development must be approved by Yavapai County. Period.
And generally the County Supervisors will heed the recommendations of the Red Rock Dry Creek planners. We do NOT want your high-density development out here. The example of how you’ve been allowed to ruin Sedona makes many of us who really wanted to be included in incorporation count our blessings that the boundaries were changed.
Keep your big city plans to yourself. Create your own Sanctuary City within your limited territory. Wish it would be that simple to force you to keep all the unwanted traffic there as well. Even your overrun has ruined our lives to some degree although it’s easier for us to avoid you entirely! YIPPEE!!
Sal,
what are you afraid of, do you think the electorate shouldn’t have a facts?Do you think the electorate is so stupid they can’t listen to two opposing opinions and make a decisions.
The city manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation of Sedona he better than anybody know the ramifications of losing home rule, he will be able to outline what a budget might look like with $20 million less money. If anybody would like to speak to our group next month in opposition to home rule I’d be more than happy to have you come and speak. AZelections18 and the Sedona Lodge council will be spreading the word in support of home rule in the next few months we think it’s an important issue and we want to make sure that people have all the facts And we have no government restrictions on spreading the word. And we have no government restrictions on spreading the word .After the meeting tomorrow will be posting the entire presentation on YouTube for all to see. After the meeting tomorrow will be posting the entire presentation on YouTube for all to see
Excuse me, Mr. Segner, but should we be surprised that you and your “Sedona Lodge council” will be spreading the word in support of Home Rule during the next few months? After all, who would know better than you (except the Sedona City Manager) who will stand to lose more financially if Home Rule were miraculously voted down? Most assuredly Arizona State financial limitations on cities and towns will not diminish, as a resident I might add, the amount of tax we are charged on utility bills. As an example and admittedly this month because of dry conditions, our water doubled because of a futile attempt to minimize potential fire damage and it totaled over $10 – just for one month! Will that decrease in the event Home Rule is voted down? Of course not. And BTW – those of you outside city limits with 86336 zip codes, make certain you are NOT being billed city tax and/or franchise fees. It’s illegal and you are entitled to a refund!
The mere thought of a City Manager availing himself to speak before a special interest organization that definitely stands to sustain a big time financial decrease in city tax revenue rebate may be deemed legal but that doesn’t mean it should be morally acceptable. Many very highly qualified and good people have resigned from city employment simply because ethically they couldn’t tolerate the type of activity we are presently observing first hand.
Mr. Segner, you are not an elected official and there’s no sane reason anyone would go to you for your opinion and/or advice. So what does that say for our elected officials let alone highly paid staff personnel?
Shame on all of you. However, every time you speak up (and now in repetitive sentences) you offer more justification why we, the little people, should vote NO, NO, NO on Home Rule. Thank you for continuing to justify our position.
I proposed that we scan each document that passed to city council for tell-tale vocabulary, keeping a tally of the words “quality,” “excellence,” “leadership,” “stakeholder,” and “strategic.” The moment the total passed five, we would tear up the document and throw it away.
No on Home rule
Of course we love home rule. We get a big paycheck, spend tons of money, hire tons of staff. We even travel and go out to eat on the backs of the working Sedonans. Living well It is $edona.
We all stick together $edona. We employees don’t have to stick around we get make so much we can be out of here in less then 10. Living high on taxpayers money. The more we have the more we spend. We can make deals with special interests with home rule. Flatlanders don’t see it coming. :) :)
Thanks for bringing up utility taxes & franchise fees. Mine easily total at least $50.00 monthly and that’s a conservative estimate. That includes all sources (Fed, State, County & City). Then add to that all the other purchases we make on almost a daily basis including mail orders. Rip off.
NO on Home Rule. They punish us now it’s our turn to let them know how it feels to be taken on a (deleted by editor) ride.
“All the purchases you make on a daily?!!
Really
Lol
@Elaine and @@elaine — Better option. Don’t shop in Sedona!!
If you vote yes you ARE enabling the Special Interests to continue RUNNING your SEDONA!!
STOP, EJECT!!!!! It is your last chance to save Sedona from SPECIAL Interests control. Vote NO!!
14 people have taken out packets to run for city council (includes incumbents S. Moriarty for Mayor and Scott Jablow & Tom Lamkin, council members). That means a real chance for a clean sweep for change. Add into the equation DENIAL OF HOME RULE and then THEY (City Staff and Run Amok Council Members ) will know WE THE PEOPLE WHO SHOULD MATTER BUT OBVIOUSLY DON’T MEAN BUSINESS.
Out with Chamber control. We DO NOT NEED THEM. GOODBYE CONTROL FREAKS along with LODGING COUNCIL and kiss up City Managers that cater ONLY to those groups.
BE GONE- Take back OUR SEDONA and let them know we are serious about making REAL CHANGE.
NO TO INCUMBENTS.
NO TO HOME RULE.
Wait until you see the California poll about illegal immigration! Hispanics and African Americans economic report:
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2018/05/09/hispanics_score_under_trump_136998.html
LMAO At the end of council meetings the City Attorney customarily reviews issues being discussed by state legislators etc etc and he casually remarked about Sedona being investigated about a breach of the state law SB1487 that Sedona SHOULDN’T BE requiring business licenseS for part time vacation rentals. He seemed so damn casual. Certain he could wriggle out of the charges but guess what? HELL NO. The state ruled AGAINST the city and unless this city and council clean up their act all their funding from the state will be cut off!! Greed didn’t win. Sedona residents are finally protected from Sedona Chamber and Council and Timeshare/Hotel/Motel businesses that want to keep residents under their thumbs.
Greedy Lodging groups, greedy Council, greedy city government, poor staff legal advice, poor administration from city managers and lawyers, and Chamber working together to object to vacation rentals in the first place. Sedona residents are fighting back. Sedona is telling Chamber and Council NO.
Happy Day. KARMA LIVES! I resent that my city used my money to fight against my best interests.
NO to Incumbents.
NO to Home Rule
Best line @Doug? I resent that my city used my money to fight against my best interests.
I’ve been doing an informal poll of local voters. Sandy would be wise to claim health issues and not run to spare herself the humiliating loss she will face in the election. When I signed Tony’s nomination petition I asked to take a look at the other signers, he has nearly every non chamber influencer signed up. Sandy’s done.
Sandy won’t “be done” unless those same people signing your petitions actually get out and VOTE. Just wait. That group in charge will rally and spend tons of $$$ in the RRNews and even receive “free” editorials to defend their side. They (RRN) make lots of money from advertising during these elections. Funny cuz more people read SedonaEye. RRN only promotes the “chamber” and mostly for free. Don’t be fooled, people. This ain’t over till the fat lady sings (whatever that means). And let’s not forget how much damage the seated council can do between now and August (primary) and November (general election). OMG they are presently discussing the budget so hold onto your hats. How much to the C of C and other handouts to the bleeding hearts? Many opportunities to put bad stuff into action in the next few months. It’s happened before. (Chamber contract as only one example)
(deleted by editor) @Too funny
Holy Smokes – this article was posted January 7th, 2017 – over a year ago! And people are still making comments- closing in on 900!
Thanks to all of you, regardless of your position, for having taken time to read and contribute.
That you still take the time and continue to read what should be old news is amazing. However, perhaps the sad part of the story is just that – old news and nothing seems to have changed since prior to and after that 01/07/17 date.
Hey, Folks, an election is slated in the very near future – primary in August; general in November. Maybe – just maybe – the result of that election might be occasion for “new” news? An opportunity to put “Business As Usual” on the back burner and generate inspiration for a new article? How about “Business As Usual – NOT?”
Any predictions?
WAKE UP! On the City Council’s 2018 Priority List is “Execute Alternative Expenditure Limitation Education Campaign,” with a January 2018 to November 2018 timeframe. Staff Workload is categorized as extensive for Finance and the City Manager’s Office. Status: Staff is in the initial process of launching an ‘education’ campaign ‘to educate’ people on Home Rule and what it means if it passes or not. (10% complete in February.)
Arizona law, ARS 9–500.14 USE OF CITY OR TOWN RESOURCES OR EMPLOYEES TO INFLUENCE ELECTIONS; PROHIBITIONS; CIVIL PENALTY, does not allow a city or town to spend or use its resources, including the use of expenditure of monies, accounts, credit, facilities, vehicles postage, telecommunications, computer hardware and software, web pages, personnel, equipment, materials, buildings or any other thing of value of the city or town, for the purpose of influencing the outcomes of elections.
AZCENTRAL.COM Thursday, May 10, 2018 – 13A
“AG: Rental-property rule in Sedona illegal” – Ryan Randazzo Arizona Republic USA TODAY NETWORK
Well, well – maybe the above article is another example of all that “free” publicity Sedona receives as indicated by a frequent “Eye” comment contributor, initials of SS? Even more interesting is the whistle blower who requested an investigation into the vacation rental ordinance was Rep. Darin Mitchell, R-Goodyear, not a state legislator representing our district.
How peculiar is that although no surprise since none of our representatives would request an investigation into questionable funding of an alleged non-profit, member driven organization, receiving millions of City of Sedona tax revenue, for the purpose of promoting ONLY their members. And without viable accountability and/or factual return on that investment if, by chance, any actually exists. In addition funding for an alleged “official” City of Sedona Visitors Center (unidentified as such) that also discriminates against in-city, tax collecting businesses unless they are members of said organization, instead promoting only their members, most of whom are outside Sedona City Limits.
Maybe Rep. Darin Mitchell might be interested in expanding his request(s) for investigating even more deeply into the somewhat strange and radical policies that have such overwhelming control of Sedona’s questionably managed government of an incorporated area that really doesn’t give a hoot about following state laws.
Hey – just another opinion.
Illegal campaign funding means jail time these days.
How about giving Mitchell, District 13, dmitchell@azleg.gov, (602) 926-5894, a heads up @How Sweet It is and @FYI and all those giving a damn how this city’s being run in the ground?
Good info pops up here on SedonaEye. Like it or not.
Thx to those alert enough to pick up on these things. Seems very much like the folks running City Hall actually believe Sedona is an exception to all rules. NOT is right!!
Tell Mitchell we need help.
CORRECTION: My reference should have been @ALARMED instead of @FYI. Sorry about that.
(at least some of us have no problem admitting to mistakes! City Hall R U paying attention? O forgot that rumor is none of you read Sedona Eye. Too bad ya’ll might learn something.
Immediately after City Manager Justin Clifton’s “explanation” of Home Rule, Steve Segner took the podium and announced that the Lodging Council supports Home Rule.
According to Justin, ARS Title 42 requires cities and towns to balance budgets. Pursuant to the FY 2017-18 Annual Budget (Page 62), the City’s Fund Balance decreases by almost $10 million, that is, from $40,372,728 to $30,383,087.
CORRECTION: My comment failed to include that it was about the Lodging Council’s monthly meeting held at the Marriott Courtyard last Tuesday morning.
Response to “Alarmed” and “Alarmed (PS)”:
Thank you for the information. Most assuredly it came as no surprise for the Lodging Council to be supporting Home Rule. The only surprise is the Chamber of Commerce wasn’t also represented to extend their approval. However, most likely that will come later at yet another presentation by the City Manager to that special interest congregation?
Anyhow, the Lodging Council approval of HR alone would have swung my vote to “NO” if I hadn’t already made a decision.
Let’s face it – you losers that refuse to accept the destiny of Sedona as #1: Strictly for the tourists; #2: Residents are just a nuisance – get real!
It is what it is. Home Rule will be approved, the city/chamber contract, already good for another 7 years (one may already have flown by), and declining quality of life for those who call Sedona “home” is where we’re headed and there’s NOTHING you can do about it. Keep squabbling among yourselves – great pastime to occupy your feeble minds.
Suck it up. Home Rule WILL continue as will the liberal minded majority of city council. TA – DA!!! Business As Usual Prevails. YES!!
Let us not forget. The following is an example of probably what to expect this upcoming election. As Mayor Moriarty ran unopposed for her second term two years ago, not so as she seeks another two years, totaling SIX YEARS as Sedona’s Mayor!
As displayed in the past when “they” have opposition, big bucks for extensive ads and mailers seem to be unlimited. (or any other tricks or ruses they can come up with) Just substitute Cliff Hamilton’s name for Tony Tonsich or if, by chance, any other person who might vie for the Mayor’s seat. (or council seats, as well?)
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
So will it remain “Business As Usual” or will the tide turn and new faces surface to possibly change the direction of Sedona?? Only the voters can decide.
Yep the trolls in charge will begin their obvious ploys to spin the yarns @Remember This? And the sad part the RRN will back them to the hilt. They already wrote a dazzling-not review(editorial) on why we must vote for Home Rule. Seems to me that alone should be reason to vote NO. However the general public tends to quiver at the lame intimidation and scare tactics. Too bad. After all what’s really to lose if Home Rule is rejected? It’s only for four years til it’s voted on again. Why not give it a whirl and defy the great advice from the RRN? Huh?
“The general public tends to quiver at the lame intimidation and scare tactics”.
Yea ok JD
Maybe they just think that “your type” are ridiculous and parinoid.
That’s what I believe… Who wants to listen to a bunch of parinoid crybaby’s like yourself.
Maybe both JD & @JD are correct. Those who think “your type” are ridiculous and paranoid” are really behind the “lame intimidation” and, in fact, stand to benefit personally and financially from the ongoing “scare tactics” THEY impose?
Sure Brad…
Just because residents are not of the “parinoid complaing” consistently found here on SE…….They must be on the take if there HAPPY here..
Misery loves company Brad …. come from out of the dark negative side and enjoy your life … Sedona city government ain’t your problem it’s you dark thinking
Temper temper @brad. Practice what you are attempting to preach – can the negative comebacks and maybe you might make a valid point. Soul searching time Bro?
You bad naughty people who make comments on this here SedonaEye – ain’t never gonna get elected to Sedona City Council. That’s what it says on Face Book so it must be true.
Content removed by request of Steve Segner.
Great article !!!!!
Say what???? I am not on facebook. Who cares about Facebook? Not me!
I read the eye. Respect the eye and read each comment posted here. Adore Mrs. Maddock and her immense knowledge, fair-minded reporting and her exquisite writing.
I also pay attention to those who post fake information like Steve, read city documents -watch videos, follow the money.
YES I will vote for those that post under their real names like Tony. We need more people like him.
SedonaEye, Eddie Maddock, and Tony T have all earned (EARNED) my respect with their actions.
Vote No on home rule!
To those who continue to rant about how it’s the tourists who bring in the lion’s share of tax revenue, please answer this question.
With the ongoing city projects, most recently announced vast improvements are planned for Sunset and Posse Grounds Parks at the projected cost of one million dollars, where will the tax and spend policy reach the breaking point?
Now then, that on top of the millions proposed for Sedona in Motion (road improvements) who in this not-so-fair city will be responsible for the indebtedness when one day those in charge suddenly wake up to reality and realize Sedona has gone bankrupt? Will those same generous tourists be responsible? Or how about the dues-paying members of the Chamber of Commerce?
Of course not. It will be the lowly peon kick to the curb insignificant legitimate residents withing incorporated city who will be responsible for footing that bill.
Therefore, what better reason to cut the money trolley down to size unless you are prepared to be assessed $7,000 or $8,000 per resident to make up the frivolous waste of tax revenue. (Surely one of the financial experts who keep us up to date on city budget status can offer that exact amount.)
It’s no laughing matter. Want “business as usual” to continue and at what expense and who will be held accountable? Or, put at least a four-year stop to the nonsense by rejecting Home Rule on the ballot in August. Your vote – your decision.
Vote no on Home Rule?
Then you will force the city to propose a property tax….Why wouldnt they?
Then our so called “hated tourists and day trippers” won’t even help pay for roads and infrastructure projects.
No tax savings, no reduction of taxes….As a matter of fact any and all monies over the 1988 budget goes in a bank account held by the state, that we can’t use?
Well that’s just brilliant!…..Vote no, and cut your nose off despite your face!
Would be funny if it wasn’t so stupid!
Love your post. Guess the RR news readership is down. Funny man.
Huh? What you wrote indicates it’s from “Christopher Fox Graham, Managing Editor.”
“Managing Editor” of what?
How did you get away with that? If it’s quote from someplace, did you have permission and why didn’t this “Christoper Fox Graham” submit it to SedonaEye directly instead of under your name?
Very weird.
“Misinformation by a handful of disgruntled residents should not be a determining factor for the Sedona’s budget decisions.”
Neither should misinformation by the editor of an establishment mouthpiece that, thankfully, is declining in readership.
@West Sedona Dave: “Then you will force the city to propose a property tax….Why wouldnt they?”
For one thing, WSD, some people and especially businesses are still sizzling about the recent 1/2% increase in sales tax. Furthermore, a property tax cannot, unlike sales tax, be increased without a vote of the people. And why would people support a city property tax when they are so angry about the money the city throws at the member-driven, regional chamber of commerce, increasing the amount substantially each and every year? Suggest you might get educated prior to divulging your apparent lack of accurate knowledge.
Then there’s another situation here. Why in the world would City Council (and/or Staff) even suggest imposing a city property tax when, if Home Rule were to be voted down, the money couldn’t be spent anyhow?
Thank you, Mr. Dave, for inadvertently making additional excellent points which substantially strengthen the importance of voting NO to Home Rule.
Sorry Christopher, I sent in your article because I thought it was so well written but understand your position and I’m sure they’ll take it down .
Ha Marve , to answer your question the sedona in motion project is being funded by the half cent sales tax increase mostly paid by visitors, if things were to slow down then the project will slow down ,there will be no borrowed money sedona doesn’t need to borrow it has plenty of income hope that answers your question
This may surprise you more but the city does a budget every year based upon his income and cannot by law spend more than that and I said has put money aside in savings which sedona has done so if revenue goes down this city will back off projects that simple good management yes on the rule.
The Voters have to vote that in. Bs bro. Flat out lie.