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The city of Goodyear is looking to increase its police presence and prioritizing capital improvement projects for its 2024 fiscal year budget.
According to a Monday budget review and work session, Goodyear is looking to add 10 sworn officers to the police department, along with two support personnel. More manning authorizations could be in the works, pending a study by the city on police manning.
Mayor Joe Pizzillo said they set aside reserves if more help is needed.
“Enough money has been set aside whether it's for police to rehire or if for some reason we have a future discussion outside this budget that says, you know what, the load for is too high,” he said. “We need some support there.”
In total, police department positions will increase by 12, but the investigation division will add no positions. In 2021, the aggravated assault case closure rate was less than half of the total cases received.
The city also will add five fire professionals, including one investigator and one public information officer. In total, 408 public safety positions will be active in 2024, which accounts for 43% of the city's total staff.
The parks division accounts for the next biggest segment at 17%.
For capital improvement projects, there will be $159.4 million in spending. Projects will include the Rainbow Valley Water Reclamation Facility Plant design and expansion. The project focuses on expanding capacity from 750,000 gallons daily to 1.5 million.
Additionally, projects will include a fire station renovation, an Estrella Bridge expansion, the development of a municipal operations complex, a second parking garage at GSQ, and an agreement to extend Goodyear Way and Monte Vista Road.
The bridge expansion will include scence art sculputres, overhangs and installations by Barbara Grygutis, which will cost upwards of $590,000 to install.
The fire station (fire station 182) also will see an artistic installation with a mosaic costing around $69,000.
The recommended budget for fiscal year 2024 is $581.9 million, excluding carryovers.
The proposed budget includes no tax increases, maintains existing service levels despite facing significant pressures to contain inflation, and expands for critical services.
It also includes inflation-adjusted wage modifications for existing staff.
