By Kelly O’Sullivan
Twitter: @AzNewsmedia

Budget season will officially get underway in Goodyear tonight, April 19, when City Manager Julie Karins presents the city’s recommended $385.7 million budget for 2022, as well as its 2022-26 capital improvement plan, during a City Council work study session.

No action will be taken during the meeting, scheduled for 5 p.m. in Goodyear Municipal Court and Council Chambers, 14455 W. Van Buren St., B101.

Occupancy is limited to allow for social distancing, and attendees are required to wear face coverings when moving throughout the building.

To watch live, visit facebook.com/goodyearazgov or goodyearaz.gov/youtube. A copy of the agenda is available by visiting goodyear.gov and clicking the Government tab and Agendas, Minutes & Videos link.

The council is scheduled to vote May 24 on the tentative budget, with a final public hearing and vote scheduled for June 7. Adoption of the property tax levy will follow on June 21.

According to a staff report, the recommended budget retains all base budget programs and services, and adds $13 million in ongoing supplementals, including 86.75 new full-time equivalent positions.

Those positions include 38.25 FTE public safety positions resulting from the city’s growth, 13 FTE positions related to expanded Parks and Recreation programs that are comprised mostly of part-time seasonal hours, and nine FTE in water, wastewater and sanitation.

Also included in the budget are the second year of a contract with represented sworn police employees and a tentative agreement with represented fire employees.

Capital improvement program

According to the staff report, the city’s five-year capital improvement program is fully funded.

Major projects include:

• Completion of fire Station 188 serving west Goodyear;
• Expansion of the police operations building;
• Municipal operations complex for field crews;
• Design and land acquisition for the Estrella Bridge; and
• Roads projects including the Camelback Road corridor, and Yuma and Sarival roads.

Kelly O’Sullivan can be reached at kosullivan@newszap.com or 760-963-1697.