Safford

Council Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The Safford City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on adopting the 2026-2036 General Plan, which sets long-term growth and development policies. They will also hear a rezoning request from Stephen Cummard to change two parcels from commercial to single-family residential. Additionally, the council will discuss updating the building code, select a finalist for a library mural, and approve multiple budget amendments including police grants, a mill and overlay project on 14th Avenue, and holiday bonuses.

• Public hearing and first reading of ordinance to rezone Parcels 103-09-042 and 103-09-041 from C-2 Commercial to R1-6 Residential (Cummard Rezone)
• Vote on Resolution R26-016 adopting the 2026-2036 General Plan
• Amend FY2027 tentative budget to include additional police grants, mill and overlay project on 14th Ave N of HS to US 70, golf course carryover, and holiday bonus
• Discussion on updating Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) municipal code
• Library mural finalists: council to provide direction on preferred artist

The Safford City Council adopted the 2026-2036 General Plan and approved a first reading to rezone two parcels from commercial to single-family residential. It also approved a letter of support for the Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center's ambulance certificate of need, established a 5% accreditation manager differential for police, and designated bank signers (5-2). Several FY2027 budget amendments were passed, including for police grants, a mill and overlay project, golf course carryover (5-2), and holiday bonuses (5-2). The library mural selection was tabled (6-1).

• Adopted 2026-2036 General Plan (R26-016) – motion adopted
• Approved first reading of Ordinance O26-003 rezoning parcels 103-09-042/041 to R1-6 residential
• Approved letter of support for Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center CON for ambulance services
• Established 5% duty differential for Police Department Accreditation Manager – motion adopted
• Approved Resolution R26-020 designating bank representatives and signers (5-2)
• Amended FY2027 tentative budget for police grants and mill/overlay project on 14th Avenue – both adopted
• Amended FY2027 tentative budget for golf course carryover (5-2) and holiday bonus (5-2)
• Tabled Library Mural finalist selection (6-1)

Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee will hold a work session to discuss updates on Mayor Jason Kouts Park, the General Plan, and the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). They will also consider a park viewing/field trip and possible upgrades to the rifle range. The meeting includes a call to the public and approval of previous minutes.

• Mayor Jason Kouts Park Update
• General Plan Update
• CIP Update
• Park viewing/field trip discussion
• Discussion of possible upgrades to the rifle range

Planning and Zoning Commission Agendas

The commission will meet to approve minutes from a previous special meeting and then transition into a work session. The agenda is primarily procedural, following a June 1st meeting where the body recommended approval of the 2026-2036 General Plan and a residential rezone for Cotton Crossing.

• Approval of June 1, 2026 special meeting minutes
• Work session following the regular meeting

The Planning and Zoning Commission held a work session to discuss updating Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the city code. No votes or formal decisions were taken on the building code changes. The commission approved the minutes of the June 1, 2026 special meeting (4-0) and adjourned with no other substantive actions.

• Approved minutes of June 1, 2026 special meeting (4-0)

Council Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The council approved the FY2026-2027 tentative budget 6-1, adopted a preapproved building plan program, and authorized the submission of a CDBG grant application. The city manager contract for Eric Bejarano was approved, including a residency requirement waiver. Several contracts were renewed, including the city prosecutor and natural gas hedging agreement.

• Adopted FY2026-2027 Tentative Budget (6-1)
• Approved City Manager contract for Eric Bejarano, including residency waiver
• Adopted Resolution R26-021 preapproved building plan program
• Authorized submission of FY2026 State CDBG grant application
• Renewed City Prosecutor contract with Matt M. Clifford, P.C.
• Extended natural gas hedging contract with ARM Energy through June 2029
• Approved on-call professional design service contracts for FY2027-2031
• Approved budget amendment for golf course (6-1)