Why is it the city council is so prudent to follow the letter of the law about returning a benefit to the lodging council via chamber of commerce ad contract when on the other hand they completely ignore the ”state statute” spelling out in detail the responsibility of an incorporated city or town to provide adequate drainage and roads/streets? (That “statute” was also provided as a comment on this web site.)

To think that once again, in addition to our properties that have been subjected to flooding because of poor engineering by City of Sedona in developing new subdivisions, they snub their noses at places like the nationally designated historic Hummingbird House, which I believe did file a law suit against the city. (if not I hope they do)

And just how does the City of Sedona get away with that? Any answers from City Attorney Mike Goimarac? (referencing nature of article, Az. Open Meeting Law)

My purpose in bringing this up is because during the council meeting where they were discussing priorities I believe it was Jon Thompson who brought up Smart Meters and he was soundly put in his place with really quite disrespectful remarks from fellow council members. It seems they didn’t want to hear any more about Smart Meters and were far more interested in obliging the scant 1500 people (out of a population of 10,000) that approved the Community Plan.

Just another point to ponder about the willingness of elected officials to ignore those that disagree with what is important to them.

By the way, thank you Jon Thompson for your attempt to keep the Smart Meter issue alive as well as your current participation with Smart Meter Awareness.

If Sedona’s tax base has increased substantially could the upturn in national economy have anything to do with it? How about the prices of gas dropping to the lowest in years (although it’s slightly on the rise again)? Also the amazing mild weather we’re experiencing while the northeast remains in a deep freeze?

Was it advertising by the Chamber that brought the Super Bowl to Arizona?

Of course, if the bed tax rebate allotted to the chamber of commerce for destination marketing influenced any of the above phenomenal events, then perhaps they should pack up and relocate to Washington DC, collect even a higher rebate than $1.3 million, and set the national government on the right path once and for all.

If this City Council buys the sales pitch they will be given in the near future, then maybe the Chamber could also make a profit selling new refrigerators or air conditioners to the East Coast population.

It is only city lodging businesses that collect the bed taxes to which you refer. Those lodging facilities outside city limits do not contribute and yet they benefit from Chamber referrals if they are members. Whereas city limit based lodging will not get referrals unless they are forced to be members of the Chamber. The same with other city based businesses. How fair is that?

The professional hired to speak at the council meeting about economic development, when asked about the C of C, responded as posted under another article on this web site, stressed it was C of C responsibility to represent and work with their membership and indicated “What I’m used to is the Chamber of Commerce will have members from their local businesses. . . but you might have members from Flagstaff, Cottonwood, Prescott or other places . . . and their (C of C) is to help market and benefit their (respective) members.”

In other words, Flagstaff, Cottonwood, Prescott etc. market their own businesses and do not promote regional competition or businesses in other cities or areas with taxes collected by their in-city businesses. Very different than what the previous city council set in motion here in Sedona.

Maybe with four new members now seated and based on the advice from a professional they will pay attention and correct a very bad mistake that should never have happened in the first place. If they don’t then it will have been another wasted city expense for having hired the professional to give sage advice.

As for the visitors center itself, it is not identified as a Sedona City Visitor’s Center as are the ones in Flagstaff, Prescott, and Cottonwood. And the location itself may serve the Chamber OK but judging from the traffic backup going into uptown this past weekend, it’s doubtful that people could do little else but steam, cuss, and display anger at being unable to find a place to park let alone seek out information from a specific place.

No only that but the Chamber managed to attempt to do away with all other locations with “Visitor Information” signs. Greedy, greedy, greedy. (Although I see many of the signs still remain and I say good for them.)

How much of the percentage of “new” taxes might possibly be represented by collection of back taxes? And is the breakdown from sales tax authentic? And since when in the final tally have taxes been segregated anyway? They all end up in the same coffers. Many questions, Mr. Segner, but never fear. You hang your hat on your frequently quoted phrase: “Trust us.” So guess you have it in the bag. Not to worry about or begrudge those of us for expressing concerns for inadequate accounting of return on investment for it appears our voices fall on deaf ears where it counts.

@Sedona City Business @Just Sayin’ Come on over. I have the best of both worlds. I live in the city limits but my business in the village. Come on over DJV and EJM We love everyone! Happy here!

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay
My, oh my, what a wonderful day
Plenty of sunshine headin’ my way
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay

I keep seeing ” Pay to Play” regarding the chamber, so yes if you are not a chamber member you are in fact playing with out paying. By the way the new % of the city income now come to 65% to 72% from sale and bed tax,we blew past the old 50% number everyone was using…. seem the advertising is working.
http://www.sedonaaz.gov/Sedonacms/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=25360
ss

I agree, why would any us stay????

You don’t speak for me, I happen to like Sedona just the way it is. If YOU feel the way you do, PLEASE LEAVE! and don’t let the door hit you in the butt on the way out.

BTW, you may want to consider taking DJV and EJM with you because obviously they’re not happy either.

Why would any us stay? I can go outside the city limits and get all the benefits of being in the city. Moving to where my business is appreciated.

No Secrets, chamber takes credit for everything. @mary s