Home » City Council, Community » Eddie Maddock: City Council Deals Are Destroying Our Sedona Dream

Eddie Maddock: City Council Deals Are Destroying Our Sedona Dream

SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie S. Maddock revisits the City of Sedona Dream and why Home Rule and the City Council are destroying it.

Sedona AZ  – Whether an idiom, proverb or adage, the saying ““a watched pot never boils”” takes on a totally new meaning in Sedona, Arizona. It might more appropriately be changed to “”watched pots never STOP boiling” in this neck of the woods.”

And as election time approaches, there are so many pots a-boiling that keeping track can be a fulltime job, if not mission impossible.

Adding fuel to keep those pots active are many, many rumors, some without merit and, in particular, relate to the periodic return of the ballot measure Alternate Expenditure Limitation, a.k.a Home Rule. Much has been written elsewhere about the concept of the measure, but “alternate expenditure limitation” defines it in a nutshell.

It’ has frequently been repeated in the event voters deny continuation of Home Rule it will either eliminate or vastly decrease funding for such “city services” as, for example, the library. While such a possibility cannot be denied, let’’s first get something clear.

Our library was established prior to the incorporation of Sedona by volunteers and, to this day, although the city presently provides funding for the operation, it is not owned by “the city.” Volunteers and private contributions made it happen, including design and construction of the present beautiful facility, and the physical efforts to relocate from the former location on Jordan Road.

1958: A volunteer group, Friends of the Library, established Sedona’s first library in donated space, with three shelves of books and magazines also donated. https://www.sedonalibrary.org/history.html

The same was true for the Humane Society of Sedona. Volunteers likewise made that happen without one penny from “a city.” Why? Because it didn’t exist. Minimal funds were, however, derived from both counties and perhaps a grant here and there. Keep Sedona Beautiful has the same story to tell. And, in fact, so does the original Sedona Oak-Creek Canyon Chamber of Commerce, established over 50 years ago and survived prior to incorporation, supported by private individuals, members and volunteers.

No matter where you go in the country, an Elks Lodge is right around the corner. With more than 850,000 members and 2,000 Lodges nationwide, Elks are providing charitable services that help build stronger communities. Join today.

Fundraising galas occurred frequently up at the Elks Club and were always well-attended with proceeds dedicated to benefit one cause or another. People cared. There wasn’t a tug of war for funding as exists this day and age. Community support prevailed.

Posse Grounds was alive and well, and accommodated many local events. We had the Art Barn uptown with a stage for performances, and all did very well without city funding.

We had no boundaries. People actually got along and smiled at each other. That old-fashioned way of life has been traded in for a new trend of power and money grabbing, in what all too often appears to be a result of self-indulgence for quite possibly the wrong reasons.

And unlike other cities/town, Sedona doesn’’t provide such things as water and garbage pick-up. So no, Folks, they cannot cut service in the event Home Rule is denied by voters. YOU pay the providers and it has nothing to do with our city government. The same is true of the Sedona Oak Creek Fire District and the Sedona Oak Creek Unified School District. They are NOT part of incorporated Sedona, but function through regional districts. And unlike, for example, Cottonwood, the City of Sedona does not own the airport.

Same as the fire and school districts, the Chamber of Commerce provides a regional service, but somehow manages to reap huge financial benefits from the City of Sedona which, of course, remain highly contentious.

How many folks would be brokenhearted if eliminating “Home Rule” would force cancellation of the city/chamber contract, headed up by people who seem to be unable to give an accounting of just how many of their members are located outside Sedona City Limits and do not deserve to be promoted via incorporated city funding? That remains a mystery since a simple cursory review of the members listed in the Chamber’s publication (providing such information reveals exactly where they are located) and maybe one or two not even in Arizona?

Further, not all 86336 zip codes are located within Sedona City Limits; however, a quick physical count of the onsite location of members really shouldn’t be that difficult to ascertain those who legitimately are entitled to be promoted at the alleged “official City of Sedona Visitors Center.”

In fact, again unlike most municipalities, actual necessary services provided by Sedona government are pretty much limited to the police department, wastewater treatment plant, providing and maintaining infrastructure which even at that is also limited considering our two major routes belong and are maintained by the State of Arizona.

And, of course, perhaps the primary reason voters approved incorporation? Community development – for the purpose of issuing permits in order to control such things as high density projects and ensure tasteful architecture to blend with our special environment.

Keep that in mind as you observe approval of at least two more major resort hotels in the near future; Upper Red Rock Loop and Soldiers Pass Road/89A, formerly Biddles. Will defeating Home Rule negate anything like that?

Since the basic services provided by incorporated Sedona are essentially limited to a Police Department, Wastewater Treatment Plant, Community Development and limited activity by the Public Works Department, how badly would Sedona residents suffer if Home Rule were to be denied?

Certainly it would be unfortunate if grants to non-profits are reduced or eliminated; however, does the public in general have enough grit and determination to keep these services up and running if such a thing were to occur? After all, most were established without Sedona city funding in the first place.

For example, a very recent event was paramount in precipitating the effort to pull this information together.

Featured in “Kudos The Good Life” (May 16-22, 2018) is a recap of The Rotary Club of Sedona’s 2018 Chili Cook-off: In addition to chili-chef winners, there are impressive lists of the names of sponsors for the event. For example, a total of nine sponsored “Beverage, Parking, Shuttle and Judges’ Gifts, seven sponsored “Habanero” and two people were “Serano” sponsors. A total of thirty-two stood up for “Jalepeno and Chili Pepper” while an impressive one hundred eleven donated to the “Rotary Silent Auction.” Keep in mind those numbers, totaling one hundred sixty-one businesses and individuals willing to give of their time, effort and products to make this annual event happen, remain really quite impressive…and prove that community spirit has not taken a leave of absence and grit and desire to make things happen. It can be done with or without incorporated Sedona.

After all, prior to 1988, when boundaries didn’t officially define Sedona City Limits, that’s how folks lived, cooperatively, and in unity without beating a path to a City Hall for funding.

Each and every civic organization offered not only group unification, but brought the community together at events such as the Chili Cookoff sponsored by the Rotary Club.

For so many years Sedona lived “the Impossible Dream.” Has that purpose become so faded and distorted that it no longer exists?

IMPOSSIBLE DREAM LYRICS:

To dream the impossible dream,
To fight the unbeatable foe,
To bear with unbearable sorrow,
To run where the brave dare not go.
To right the unrightable wrong,
To love pure and chaste from afar,
To try when your arms are too weary,
To reach the unreachable star,

This is my quest,
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless,
No matter how far.

To fight for the right
Without question or pause,
To be willing to march
Into hell for a heavenly cause.
And I know if I’ll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will be peaceful and calm
When I’m laid to my rest.

And the world will be better for this,
That one man scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage.
To fight the unbeatable foe.
To reach the unreachable star.

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

 

684 Comments

  1. C Fox Graham Cracker says:

    The video has been taken down. Christopher Fox Graham must have been very proud of his work. Now if we could get all his writings removed from the Red Rock News as quickly. The world would be a better place.

    “Zombie Jesus” indeed.

  2. Former Subscribers says:

    @@former subscribers No need for us to pay for a subscription. We read SedonaEye and get the skinny. Then if we want further details we go to the public library (not owned by the City of Sedona) and read the RRNews there. Thanks – our county property taxes at work and we DON’T need double taxation from the stupid city. What is it you don’t understand about THAT?

    NO to incumbents running for City Council (Moriarty, Jablow, Williamson)

    NO on Home Rule

  3. @former subscribers says:

    Your misinformed…you don’t pay property taxes(duh).
    (deleted by editor)

  4. Jerry says:

    YES WE DO. Coconino and Yavapai have taxes. Sedona has extra layers of taxes for the same things we get from the counties. If the people who don’t vote and vote in Sedona had any sense, they’d vote NO on Home Rule. You want affordable living? Then eliminate Sedona city tax by voting NO. Your disposable income will go up an immediate 10%.

    For the record we know how the library is funded. It’s something we know because we’re involved with it. The city is a gravy train, city money is not a necessity and not a threat if the library doesn’t get city money. The city needs to spread its money around because it has too much and they don’t want to put any of it toward infrastructure to force state and federal governments to foot the bills.

    That weirdo that keeps shouting about people sucking governments tit while not paying their federal fair share? Count that weirdo as a major pig for government grants and subsidies and handouts. Whatever the government offers, that weirdo wets pants over ….. Just sayin.

  5. @Jerry says:

    Its people like you that are so uninformed where does one start?

    Your NO VOTE will NOT lower any taxes you fool…..Do you just make things up or just spread lies told to you?….Its one or the other!

    You vote NO, the state will open up a bank account where all OUR money will be held and we cant use….Hello, did you hear that?

    You will not save 10% only a fool believes it…. The state and county make up more than 50% of the taxes…..

  6. Jason says:

    @CFoxGrahamCracker You lied. The video is still up. It still sucks. It’s still so easy for Sedona stupid fools to think this is an artist creating art rather than review it as a schmuck dealing schemata to putzes.

  7. @@Jerry says:

    Same as you @Jerry #2 (it tends to get confusing) we are baffled by the original Jerry’s comment (6/26 – 10:30 AM) suggesting that denying Home Rule will immediately and magically lower our taxes????? Sounds to us like another know-it-all ace student that excels in FaceBook and spreads the word of false gospel.

  8. shobert says:

    Voice of Choice ruined 179!

  9. cowards says:

    Leave your real name, sissy.

  10. Ryan, west Sedona says:

    Watched city council meeting yesterday. I’m glad to know the true story about the Sedona Library and other Sedona services like Humane Society were alive and well before Sedona incorporated. As a businessman, it boils down to how well they’re run by management. Like the Sedona Fire District and the Sedona School District. Lousy management means lousy schools and fire departments. The employees can only do so much before lousy management breaks their spirit and effects schools and emergency services. Known fact.

    Remember how they’re run by their management including boards and administrators determines how well they do —–because both school and fire districts are taxed and supported by residents above and beyond what the city taxes. The county public library too. The humane society is state governed. No one is in need of more money. They’re in need of good management.

  11. Andrea says:

    @ Ryan You missed something.

    Clifton certainly laid out doom & gloom if Home Rule fails (no secret what drum he’s beating in the election) including EXPANSION (more employees??) and MAINTENANCE he put at the top of the list of services to be chopped. OMG city council & staff. Ask yourself, WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME SWEEPERS CAME AROUND TO YOUR SUBDIVISION?

  12. William (A) says:

    To ALL Council watchers w/thanks to @Ryan for starting it off:

    The Chamber of Commerce is actually listed as a charge under the City Manager? Big surprise.

    How about the long list of cancellations for things most of us neither know about nor care about like funding for many Verde Valley non-profits (all nice but to hell with Sedona streets). And the many functions at the Posse Grounds? Just what percentage of SEDONA residents actually benefit from them?

    It went on and on. Chicken Little with his “the sky is falling” was put to shame on the lamenting spewing from this gentleman. Now the idea of a “Plan B” was tossed about in the miraculous event Home Rule should fail. And that is called a “Permanent Base Adjustment.”

    If it were to be included on the August ballot, how in the world would people know if it’s a better deal than Home Rule? Haven’t we been swindled enough by them throwing money at well meaning but non-profit organizations that will continue to thrive without Sedona’s financial support?

    At least one thing seemed apparent – FINALLY! They appear to have grasped the concept that it is the VOTERS of Sedona who will be deciding Home Rule NOT THEM!!!!!

    My vote will still be NO as it would also be on a Permanent Base Adjustment until much, much more information is available and WE HAVE NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS and hopefully a few less people under the City Manager’s jurisdiction, beginning but not ending with the intrusive Chamber of Commerce and their stupid contract.

    Conspicuous by absence was the Chamber mouthpiece, Steve Segner, up their at the podium giving the public his version of what Sedona needs. It might have been worthwhile if he’d mentioned the Jordan Road parking lot the C of C now owns, courtesy of City of Sedona tax money. Be it bed or sales tax – it’s WRONG.

  13. Chamber needs to give back! says:

    Now the chamber needs to give back what they have taken.

    Greedy Give it Back.

  14. @cowards says:

    And will the REAL “cowards” please stand up?

    Why accuse others when you, yourself, obviously lurk about in the shadows?

  15. Sheri G. says:

    Does anyone not question why city keeps adding more employees and projects and capital projects and social projects, etc., when our population has not grown….and it’s even Very questionable and doubtful that our tourist population has grown..? And Yes – I know we do still need enough cops to handle all the tourists impacts and calls and believe we have them.

    How about we Require the City and Council to stay within the perimeter of finances that does not further the governmental well known growth pattern to sustain a “government” who’s population has not grown? Translation: no new taxes and repeal a ton of them!!!

    I’m still voting NO on HOME RULE – even though the budget will get cut in half….which I believe will bring our council back to the basis of a non-socialistic governmental form of government and cause them to meet the needs of their residents basic health, welfare and safety issues.

    Lastly – with HOME RULE IN PLACE- the council can continue to change our lives WITHOUT OUR ABILITY TO VOTE ON INCREASED TAXES/FEES, ETC.- as they continue to raise all kinds of fees, franchise fees for any and all utilities or anything they can stick it to like a pig – Anything that can bleed money into their accounts , sewer, sales taxes, bed taxes, etc., etc.

    Doesn’t anyone realize that the full press being put forward by the City and RRN is only to make their jobs secure?

    Wish RRN would realize how many papers they could sell by reporting on the failure of the Home Rule Vote by resident voters – and how fast and hard the City staff have to run in order to stay afloat. ;-)

  16. Nelle says:

    Has anyone else noticed how the RRN already started their hatchet job on the upcoming election via the Friday edition – 6/29? And to think this election doesn’t happen until August 28th! Two months away! (of course mailed ballots will be sent slightly earlier)

    At any rate, it’s incredible that for two months this back-stabbing will go on without much thought about dealing w/real issues. And what about signage? Isn’t there some sort of code prohibiting how long they can be displayed? And when council members and candidates place them out this far before an election, what kind of example are they setting?

    Of course RRN is all for the city. As has been mentioned before, they make tons of $$$$ for publishing ads and public notices. Gravy, gravy, gravy for the money grabbers.

    Be sensible folks. Sedona cannot continue in the same direction without dire consequences for which Sedona voters will be held accountable – no one else – not those in VOC or RR Loop areas. So kindly keep your suggestions for how Sedona should be governed to yourselves or else annex into in the City of Sedona – become legal – PLEASE.

    Without a huge change in leadership who will be prepared to revise many, many things including a city staff member that suggested the 7-year contract with the C of C, special member driven organization, promoting only their members (mostly outside city limits) the end result will NOT be positive for residents. City Staff and selected business and Chamber of Commerce will benefit. WE will NOT.

    VOTE NO FOR INCUMBENTS – VOTE NO ON HOME RULE.

  17. Mike H says:

    Did you know the City advertises on the Red Rock Snooze, over $30,000 per year when all notices can just be posted on the City Website? It’s just a gift to the paper. It’s wrong but the current council gives money away. Any wonder they get good write ups from the paper?

    Vote for Sam Tardio and Tony T, stop the give aways. T & T, blow the in group out !!

  18. RED ALERT says:

    More monkeyshines at City Hall? During the City Manager’s presentation at City Council meeting on 6/26 there was an overhead projection of his department’s jurisdiction which included the Chamber of Commerce. Yup – a non profit, member driven organization now a department of municipal government? Could that be a first? That being the case, then why aren’t all Chamber assets as well as membership dues turned over to the City of Sedona? Huh, how can that be? Maybe if it were the case Home Rule would sail through. Another option would be to shoot-can the Chamber and it’s accompanying contract w/the City.

    Oh – but it gets even better. How many of you chosen Sedona residents have received yet another survey in the mail allegedly originating from the inner sanctum of the Chamber offices? Well – presumably that’s another con-job that with the city’s blessing was designed so the results will conveniently reflect that we, the legitimate voting residents of incorporated Sedona, will support a CITY PROPERTY TAX! Of course, after ascertaining our annual incomes (another alleged question) they will have a better picture of how many of us can really afford to bear yet another burden of more property taxes.

    No, this writer has NOT received such a survey and apparently I am not alone. More hanky-panky (definition: unethical behavior; deceit) to achieve what they are hoping will be acquiescence to the snow-job scare tactics “they” are spewing about the pitfalls of running this City of Sedona sans Home Rule? However sometime on Monday I intend to contact the following sources to find out what the heck is going on besides more reasons to VOTE NO ON HOME RULE & KICK THE INCUMBENTS OUT!

    Kathleen Andereck, PhD https://sustainability.asu.edu/person/kathleen-andereck/ Senior Sustainability Scientist, Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability Director & Professor, School of Community Resources & Development, College of Public Service and Community Solutions Email: kandereck@asu.edu Office: 602-496-1056 Mailing Address: Kathleen Andereck, PhD School of Community Resources and Development Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix 411 N. Central Ave, Ste 550 Phoenix, AZ 85004

  19. @RED ALERT says:

    R U saying the regional Chamber of Commerce was given authority for another survey via AZ State University to conduct?

    We just had one not too long ago. Is this legal? (for a non-profit to conduct a survey on behalf of an incorporated area)

    Never heard of such a thing.

    But for sure we will contact one or more of the above references to try and find out what the heck is going on and will check w/neighbors and friends to find out if any received such a survey. Sounds like the “guerrilla gang” to me.

    City Property Taxes? Another issue for a HUGE NO vote along w/HOME RULE & NO to seated council members running for re-election. (Moriarity, Williamson, Jablow)

  20. Sedona Sam says:

    I called and was told 1,000 random surveys were sent.

    To whom? Did they send them to only those inside the city limits?
    My guess would be no.

    The questions are OUTRAGEOUS.

    “I would support the assessment of a city property tax if it means lower levels of tourism”

    The city is a game of tax and spend. With “home rule” it allows estimates of spending and no real limit. The focus is WRONG. It has made our city about money.

    Vote No on Home Rule and vote out all incumbents.

  21. Lonnie says:

    Frequently people in Sedona – residents, city council, and staff – like to compare issues and methods with how it’s done in other cities & towns. Well here’s one to chew on.

    “Glendale will lose a little of its glitter in December.” They intend to eliminate the annual “Glendale Glitters festival, citing cost concerns.” (AZ Republic 6/27/18)

    And just why doesn’t Sedona use good sense and for once actually DO something the way it’s done elsewhere instead of just occasionally picking up on selective ways to spend more money here? Let’s face it people are riled up and it will serve you high & mighty decision makers right if Home Rule fails and then you will be FORCED to cut programs. Wouldn’t it be preferred to follow no-brainer examples instead of sitting there acting brain dead?

    Sedona Voters, the ball is in your court. NO to HOME RULE. NO to reelect INCUMBENTS.

  22. James Harrington says:

    Quite possibly the most damaging thing to have occurred in Sedona for perhaps the last 4-8 years has been the increased advantage city council and staff has taken to obscure transparency. Looking back to when Mike Ward was on city council, he continuously called for transparency, transparency, transparency.

    Now a days too many decisions are made in private meetings. This convenience was made available when the Citizen’s Engagement Program was approved no thanks to Babs and Robbie.

    The recent secret survey paid for with city revenue and conducted by the ill-conceived authority given to a rogue and questionable functioning “regional” Chamber of Commerce MUST be deemed unacceptable.

    Clearly it’s way past time for new council members and if necessary staff replacements who will acknowledge their responsibility is to make appropriate recommendations to benefit the health, safety, and welfare of Sedona residents and NOT a Chamber of Commerce representing the entire Verde Valley in order to promote opportunists and exploitation by a greedy minority.

    Vote NO on Home Rule and cast votes to replace dead wood on City Council by electing those who will look out for Sedona residents which will, in turn, benefit tourism.

    Thank you.

  23. Dana Varney says:

    Under the freedom of information act we may be able to get transparency. Since the chamber scam is under the umbrella of the city manager ‘s office.

  24. Alarmed says:

    To the bloke who wants the recent survey deemed unacceptable:

    “The National Citizen Survey Trends Report 2017′ comparisons found “Four aspects of community engagement decreased since 2007, including the overall direction of the community, value of services for taxes paid, the City government welcoming citizen involvement, and attendance of local public meetings.”

    The three concerns rated highest by the highest proportion of respondents were traffic congestion, too much growth and taxes.

    From “The National Citizen Survey Livability Report 2017:” “Several ratings lagged behind the national average [5 out of 9].”

    Overall direction – 31%
    Confidence in City government – 35%
    Acting in the best interest of Sedona – 34%
    Being honest – 40%
    Treating all residents fairly – 42%

    Support for Growth Industries: For example, “Tourism (i.e., hotels, restaurants)”

    Strongly support – 18%
    Somewhat support – 25%
    Somewhat oppose -24%
    Strongly oppose – 33%

  25. Andrew Arthur says:

    Fourth of July = Independence Day.

    Liberation from clutches of Chamber of Commerce/City of Sedona choke-hold = Voting NO on Home Rule – primary election August 28th.

    Doing this NOW is imperative because delaying the ongoing manipulations most likely will be too late to ever make changes. Need proof? The result of Sedona’s incorporation that’s served primarily as fuel for Special Interests.

  26. @Alarmed says:

    The figures you give are for which survey? The one on-line last year or the most recent secretive one the city authorized the Chamber of Commerce to do in order to use up all the tax rebate they don’t need for advertising?

    And just how many people received the questions to whichever poll (survey) it is you reference? Guess it really doesn’t much matter because all they do is spin the numbers so they get the results THEY want! To hell with what residents want and their quality of life. Keep those greedy Chamber/Lodging Council fists in the city bank account to keep the control freaks and cry babies happy.

    Not so – IF residents rally and vote NO on HOME RULE & kick out the arses of the incumbents seeking reelection. It’s now or never, Citizens of Sedona (legitimate residents with City Limits).

  27. @@alarmed says:

    “Keep the crybabys Happy!?

    The only crybabys I see are you guys here on SEdona Eye..
    Over and over by the usual cast of characters.
    Lol

  28. Joyce M. says:

    @@@Alarmed.

    Speaking of whiners and since apparently you find everything about SedonaEye offensive, why do you take time to read it? My guess is your initials are JW – one of two consistently seen parked on their broad fannies at City Hall. Get a life – both of you.

  29. Norma says:

    Those a taking taxpayers money are the only ones cast of characters crybabys.

    Stupid city council making the wealthiest businesses in Sedona wealthier by giving them YOUR money TAXPAYERS.

    Home Rule = HOSPITALITY resources

    VOTE NO
    on HOME RULE &
    PROTECT HUMAN RESOURCES

  30. Oh why says:

    Oh why oh why does ESM insist on living in the past as it was 30-40 years ago!!
    Tell me what town and or city hasn’t changed in the past 30-40 years ago… why ESM do you insist on this… Change is a constant in life among all things living or not living..(deleted by editor)

  31. @joyce m says:

    Why do I read it!?

    Cause ever so occasionally there is a positive post of information..
    If the whiners would pull thier head out of the butt once in a while…

    Thier pattern of complaining and fault finding ocer nonsense just might subside..

    Lol(but I doubt it)

  32. Eddie S. Maddock aka ESM says:

    In response to the coward’s comment who obviously is ashamed to use their own name @oh Why says, kindly be more specific in identifying a specific reference to whatever it is you are insinuating and find troubling. Clearly you are ashamed for people to know who you are. Otherwise you would proudly make it public.

    And thank you for confirming what seems to be the going trend in Sedona with the implementation of Citizen Engagement Groups. Too many nameless and thus faceless people spouting off like whales but unlike the marvelous ocean giants lack the grace to pull it off proudly by stepping out of the shadows as does a whale when it surfaces to “spout off.”

    Therefore, my question to you in response to your inane question to me, kindly be specific as to the issue to which you accuse me and in turn, explain your reason to remain anonymous. At such a time in the event it actually occurs, I will be pleased to address your concerns.

    Thanks – and keep smiling – your charm is truly alluring (NOT):-( Love it that you take time to follow SedonaEye~

    CHEERS!

    Eddie Maddock

  33. SteveSegner says:

    Steve Segner
    I post some facts and use a real name:
    On August 28, 2018 we will have the opportunity to share our voices in a united effort for Sedona’s business and residential future. Sedona Home Rule (Alternative Expenditure Limitation) will be on the ballot and we need your vote. It can be a confusing topic and we’d like to answer some questions.
    What is Sedona Home Rule? The Arizona Constitution allows cities and towns to put Home Rule- the Alternative Expenditure Limitation- on the ballot so voters can determine appropriate service levels for the community.
    Why does Sedona have to vote for Home Rule? Because Sedona chose one of the three ways the state allows cities to opt out of the state-imposed limits: Home Rule, Permanent Base Adjustment or a one- time over-ride. Sedona has been operating with Home Rule for the last 22 years.
    Will my taxes be impacted? No. Taxes and fees are not affected by the Home Rule vote.
    How much will the budget be cut if I vote no? If a no vote succeeds, the state will impose a spending limit on the City of Sedona resulting in a cut of 51%. The FY20 budget is $49.5 million, with a no vote, the new limit would be $24.3 million.
    What services do I benefit from as a resident because of Home Rule? By passing Home Rule, residents can continue to benefit from many services including, but not limited to the following;
    • Parks and Recreation services and events including the splash pad, public pool, Breakfast with Santa, summer concerts, movies in the park and more
    • The city continuing to offer support to nonprofits including Sedona Public Library, Sedona Community Center, Sedona Recycles, Meals on Wheels, Verde Lynx transportation, Humane Society, and more
    • Resource Officer at the Sedona Red Rock High School for student safety
    • New transportation plans already in the works to keep Sedona moving forward
    • Artist in the Classroom program for students in Sedona
    • The benefit of living in a city with local control of its budget
    Will traffic problems improve with a yes vote on Home Rule? Yes! Because the city will retain control of its budget, the Sedona in Motion plan will continue to be funded. Some of the traffic enhancement plans include:
    • Crosswalk attendants at multiple locations in Sedona
    • Bicycle and pedestrian improvements with multiuse paths and wider paved lanes
    • SR89A and SR179 bypass lane
    • Uptown roadway improvements
    How do I register to vote? Deadline to register to vote is July 31. Visit coconino.az.gov/195/Elections if you live in Coconino County, and yavapai.us/electionsvr if you live in Yavapai County. Registering is easy, do it today!
    For more information about Sedona Home Rule, please visit http://www.sedonahomerule.com. Save the date for a public Home Rule presentation with representatives from both sides: Thursday July 26, 5:30pm- 7:30pm at Yavapai College, Sedona Campus.

  34. JJ says:

    @ Oh why Oh why remove your sunglasses and you may see things more clearly. The subject matter is, the desruction of Sedona. You have to know where you came from in order to know how far you have fallen. Get your s—t together.

  35. Tony Tonsich says:

    Who every is writing as Steve Segner, of the Sedona Lodging council always omits a few facts:

    1) The Sedona Chamber and Lodging council would not get the $2.5 million

    2) The Sedona Library district already receives over $1.2 million from your property tax.

    3)The $49.5 million budget is over 40% higher than what the City normally spends. The City’s normal spending is anything but frugal.

    4)If we stop the chamber advertising we won’t need crosswalk attendants or road improvements as by the City’s own study over half the cars driving though Sedona do not stop in Sedona.

    5) Taxes and sewer fees can be reduced.

    Vote NO on Home rule.

  36. ARIZONA LIBERTY says:

    Hey Sedona friends! Want to get your City Council back to responsible spending??? Come and meet Holly and Leslie at Sedona Walgreens from 10-5 on Friday. Two minutes of your time will ensure an AWESOME citizens’ proposition will be on Sedona’s ballot in November! This proposition is a compromise on Home Rule. C’mon see us Friday! PS don’t dally- We need 600 signatures from Sedona voters by Sunday! Let’s do this! Let’s give Sedona residents a better option than Home Rule!

  37. F.Y.I. says:

    Although ESM is not a prospect, clearly many people do not use their names because they do not want to be attacked by Steve Segner and whoever is using Steve Segner’s name (SS cannot write a literate sentence or spell).

  38. Tony Tonsich says:

    I’ve been studying the city for 5 years. One thing I ask the voters to keep in mind, the waste in the City of Sedona is immense. When I got a copy of the accounts payable and the credit card bills, I gave a copy of the statements to Jean Jenks. Jean is a detail oriented financial watchdog. Her comment was” I knew it was bad, but I did not know it was this bad.”

    I’m not expecting the voters to know the level of waste that Jean and I know. I only ask you look at the recent traffic , the deception of a budget 40% higher than last year, and ask yourself, if this is the big stuff, what other wasteful spending is the City hiding?

    Please, Vote No on Home Rule.

  39. Oh why oh why says:

    @jj

    I see perfectly clear around here in Sedona.

    Perhaps your spirit should spend some time in the sunlight… maybe you’ll open your eyes and come out from the dark dark cloud your living under.

    @esm. What’s up did I strike a nerve with you? A little to close to the truth I suspect

  40. Spence and Evelyn says:

    Thank you so much @SteveSegner for assisting us in making a voting decision on Home Rule. Because we are already assessed via property taxes to the county for the Public Library in Sedona (established prior to Sedona incorporation) we resent double taxation by the City of Sedona so have no problem if that is dropped due to elimination of Home Rule.

    And as for city financed activities accommodated by funding from Parks & Recreation, if there’s a demand for those events there’s no reason for them to be discontinued. Community efforts, not mandated, for years provided the same quality of activities (if not better) as organizers provided fund-raisers and other events to keep them afloat. That policy also applies to other non-profits that truly believe in their causes. They WILL find methods to survive without city revenue.

    Then to use your input directly, you included the following which incorporated City of Sedona has no business contributing money or in-kind services to:

    • Resource Officer at the Sedona Red Rock High School for student safety
    • Artist in the Classroom program for students in Sedona

    The Sedona High School belongs to the Sedona Oak Creek Unified School DISTRICT and is NOT under the jurisdiction of City of Sedona.

    Likewise, if voting NO on Home Rule will eliminate the overindulged regional chamber of commerce from entering into absurd contracts with incorporated Sedona, we can think of no better reason for voting NO on Home Rule. And we also resent the city paying thousands for the operation of the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center and then making false claims it is the “official” Visitors Center for City of Sedona. That, Sir, is blatant misrepresentation.

    Bottom line: We will vote NO ON HOME RULE but extend our gratitude to you for your assistance in reassuring us we made the appropriate decision.

  41. Archie Mendez says:

    The proof is in the pudding for voting NO on Home Rule. This election is filled with such passion and chaos because the gig is up. We all know those who have been in charge of the money are scrambling for YES votes, using fear tactics and much hand-wringing. But we all know that the Chamber of Commerce gets 2.5 million dollars a year, supporting businesses that are outside of city limits, and creating a boondoggle of traffic thru the years. With a YES vote, we’ll also get our very own SWAT team — and to pay for the SWAT team, Sedona police have vowed to up their ticket quota from 300 given tickets per year to 1600 tickets per year. With a YES vote, you’ll get traffic right outside the bedroom window when the “connector roads” are built in your neighborhood. With a YES vote, nothing, and I mean nothing, will be done about the abuse of tax dollars and the quality of life for residents. With a NO vote, you are standing up against the cronyism and corruption that has gone on far too long between the Chamber of Commerce, the Red Rock News, Pink Jeep, Timeshares & Hotels, and the City Hall — and turning Sedona’s tourism industry into a college class on sustainability sounds like a really really bad idea. The Chamber is betting that citizens should take sage advice from kids who eat tide pods and have had no real life experience, no management job, and no idea how to pay for the student loan they are carrying. “This is how it’s always been done,” isn’t good enough reason to keep Home Rule for citizens anymore. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Vote No. Vote for sanity. Vote all incumbents out.

  42. ESM says:

    To no-name dippsy: “What’s up did I strike a nerve with you? A little to close to the truth I suspect”

    Very funny – and wishful thinking I might add. But take heart, you aren’t the first to have failed to discourage me and may I have your permission to venture to guess you won’t be the last?

    Have a great day! Oh yes, it is Saturday, July 20, 2018, in case you might be concerned I didn’t know.

  43. JeanJ says:

    More deception from City Hall. The SPECIAL MESSAGE in the Wastewater Account Statement for 6/1/2018 to 6/30/2018 states: “The City Council rescinded the increase for FY 18-19 and rates will remain the same as last year.”

    Fact: There is NO wastewater rate increase for FY 18-19. The NOTICE OF INTENTION TO INCREASE WASTEWATER RATES OR RATE COMPONENTS, FEES OR SERVICE CHARGES adopted by a prior City Council on May 27, 2014 increased annual rates by 4% for FY 14-15, FY 15-16, FY 16-17 and FY 17-18.

    Certain City staff are insisting the Council adopted an annual 4% increase to all the City’s sewer rates through FY 20, with a 3% increase in FY 21 through FY 23. This is patently false.

    If the City wants to increase future WW rates (i.e., after FY 18-19), State Law, ARS 9-511.01, requires the Council once again adopt a NOTICE OF INTENTION TO INCREASE WASTEWATER RATES and hold a Public Hearing at least 60 days later.

  44. steve Segner says:

    Tony Tonsich says:
    July 6, 2018 at 8:05 athe deception of a budget 40% higher than last year.
    So Tony next wed. is your chance to tell the story…..Sedona XYZ Mayoral and Council Candidate Forum – Wednesday July 11 big event the Mayor and most other candidates will be there …. You big chance to wow us with your facts.

  45. Tony Tonsich says:

    I will be at the League of Women Voters debate on July 18th. Sedona Library, 6:30. I’ll wow you and anyone else who attends then.

    There is a neutral meet and greet at the Library on July 17th from 5:30 to 7:30. I’d be happy to talk to anyone who attends.

    I have too much on my plate to attend debates when asked by every group that was formed in the last month. Many of these so called “debates ” are organized by groups with either their hand presently in the taxpayers pocket or the hopes of having access to taxpayer money in the future.

    I’m sure your group, the Sedona Chamber and Lodging council will miss your cut of the $2.5 million you get from the City when Home Rule is defeated.

  46. Spence and Evelyn says:

    TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

    It’s been called to our attention the comment we posted on July 6th, 10:24AM, appears on another on-line news site. Although it’s somewhat flattering to have our opinion extended, the activity was done without our knowledge or permission and our concern goes a bit farther.

    We have from time to time made other comments on SedonaEye and as the comments have been submitted there’s been a notice of confirmation indicating “comment is awaiting moderation”. Such a notification did NOT appear when we submitted our comment to SE on July 6th so we are wondering if, by chance, comments being made to SedonaEye are no longer exclusive to that web site?

    We will appreciate a response from the Editor of SE to our concern.

    Thank you,

    Spence & Evelyn

    (Reply from SedonaEye.com editor: SE never shares posted comments with other sites. Any reposts of SE site comments are done without our knowledge.)

  47. @esm says:

    Ok keep up the good work…. I do enjoy reading about you living in the past.. I reckon if you have a picture of yourself from 30 years ago you’ve changed a bit as well… But Sedona should remain as it was 30 years ago!(Deleted by editor)

  48. Larry W says:

    @@esm Did it ever occur to you that it might not be so much “living in the past” that has so many of us concerned (besides ESM) but that we are extremely unhappy with the current trend and the direction Sedona is headed? Too much catering to special interests, wasting of city revenue, increased building density and way too many things incorporation of Sedona was to have prevented. Sedona has already exceeded capacity for sustainability (traffic & roads one example). The proof (one way or another) of whether or not my message is valid will be reflected at the polls in August and November beginning but hopefully not ending with terminating “Home Rule” at least for the time being. Maybe if such drastic action occurs it will stuff a muffler in the likes of the coward @esm who refrains from using a real name. And yes both myself and my wife are registered Sedona voters and will be voting NO on Home Rule and will NOT vote for a council candidate who supports HR. So far Tony Tonsich and maybe Sam Tardio after a bit more research on Tardio. But mostly NO on Home Rule is our main concern.

  49. Eric says:

    I’m not voting for anybody that doesn’t give Their details here. I want it in black and white and hold them to it. I don’t have time for Facebook and comments here work for most of us around here. I came to Sedona for its beauty and peace or would’ve stayed where I was. Thanks.

  50. Jerry, Legitimate Sedona Voter says:

    It’s easy enough to figure out where the big bucks are, driving the results to cater to special interests (Chamber of Commerce; Lodging Council & the puppets they manage to get elected to city council). Check out all the “vote yes on Home Rule” signs plastered all over Sedona. Yep, big money – big time politics in Sedona now days.

    Sick of it? Then vote NO to HOME RULE & NO to incumbents. (Moriarty, Williamson, Jablow) Recent rain has cleansed Sedona’s air quality. Let’s also refresh City Hall with new faces, beginning but not ending with dead wood on the city council. Change and then maybe check out city staff and reassess those who presently work for the same “gang” as the city council.

Leave a Reply

Copyright © 2008-2017 · Sedona Eye · All Rights Reserved · Posts · Comments · Facebook · Twitter ·