The rising sun dazzled the landscape, amazingly and artfully bejeweled with Mother Nature’s frosting, outlining the natural landscape further enhanced by Sedona’s fabulous red rocks, truly an example of what money cannot buy if ever I saw one.

To think that we have a government in this unique environment who have the audacity to imagine they are capable of doing a better job than what we see before us is, indeed, an outstanding display of arrogance of power.

Having now had the questionable pleasure to read “Imagine Sedona 2020 and Beyond” in its entirety, my suggestion is for those responsible for the production is to take their three specific examples for the Community Plan revision and “stick them where the sun don’t shine.”

The City’s filing with the Arizona Auditor General regarding the Home Rule Election of March 2012 estimated the total amount of revenue received from federal, state and local sources for the current fiscal year at $32,005,977.

Yet in May 2012 the City Council approved apending $4.47 million more by adopting a budget of $36,469,809.

Then on November 30, 2012 the City Manager issued a memo stating the City is experiencing increasing demands for new and expanded programs and services. The memo said “The current forecast of ongoing revenue barely supports the ongoing operational need of the City” and claimed “other funding sources must be pursued” to address capital projects.

Some of City Hall’s $$$$ wish/want list involves: (1) Giving away more pork to non-profits and other groups begging for handouts; (2) Expanding normal City operating expenditures; (3) Spending around $8 million annually to pursue the non-prioritized projects listed on its 10-year Capital Improvement Plan.

Recall the City’s “Facts on Home Rule and City Finances” flyer. It stated: “Since 1996, the City has built savings for any adverse future economic times and other unexpected emergencies.” Not only are these savings under siege right now, but new funding sources and/or debt financing for future capital “needs” are wanted. As economists will tell you, as a city’s budget increases so will its future taxes and fees.

It seems that not all properties received the 16 page tabloid describing the THREE proposed visions for future Sedona. Of course, a combination of 1, 2, or 3 is offered as an amicable solution should that be indicated from citizen response to the questionnaire, which is also available online at http://www.SedonaAZ.gov/PlanUpdate.

However, and admittedly I’ve only read the plan emphasizing on “Environment,” the suggestions offered include spending money which makes previous city expenditures pale in comparison.

In particular, “The Sedona Land Trust” pretty much takes center stage whereby it’s suggested that such an entity “acquires” creek-side undeveloped property as well as “undeveloped properties along 179” and secure a substantial amount of undeveloped land in the vicinity of the Medical Center. Included, of course, with regards to the Old Cultural Park area, “The new Sedona Land Trust has purchased the site or facilitated a transfer of development rights to land in the growing town center.”

Growing town center? And just where will that be located?

Maybe at Coffee Pot & 89A where plans for “A new natural history museum anchors diverse uses that surround the green, and line the pedestrian ways that link this area together.” Or, possibly, from the “Y” to Oak Creek Bridge area where “a creek-side park anchors this area” whereby a “landscaped transit hub drops off residents and visitors for a stroll on one of the hiking loops” etc., etc., etc. as in so said the King of Siam in a well-known old movie.

At some point within this “tabloid” it will be interesting if recommendations for sources of funding are made available, as in taxes, taxes, and more taxes.

Mind you, I’ve not read the next two chapters dealing with “Tourism” and “Community” but, since the questionnaire isn’t due until January 31, it’s essential at least for me to take a breather and prepare for the next episode. It’s only 11:35 AM as I’m writing this and my immediate thought is “it must be 5:00 PM someplace in the world.” Oh my . . . on second thought, my head is already spinning enough. :-)

As an example, see my Sedona Eye article, “Sedona City Council Gives $28K to Mayor’s Committee.” Mayor Adumbs actually thinks wasting $28K on already failed “art” project is going to bring in money.

As another example, I just recently saw an email one of the councilor members sent to a constituent. In the email he talks about how ‘if the City can grow the economy by 5% they’ll have $600 million more in revenue.’ The key word of course is “if”…and the key point I am making is that this guy actually thinks “growing the economy” is something they are capable of doing and is part of their job description. The hubris, the ego trip displayed by such an attitude is staggering.