Anna Thomasson

Submitted photo/Anna Thomasson

OPINION – At the Dec. 11 meeting, your Town Council will likely approve the  2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. We should all be proud of our long tradition of fiscal conservatism for the town and the work of past councils to help shape our excellent financial position.

Town of Paradise Valley revenues of $58M were similar to last year and expenses of $36M were also similar to last year, resulting in a $22M excess which was contributed to our general fund strategic reserves.

Most of our revenues come from taxes from our resorts (about 35%), followed by  construction sales tax revenue (about 15%). We also earn just over 10% of our revenue from investment income from our strategic reserves and just under 10% from state shared revenue. The balance of our revenues comes from permitting and licensing fees, along with fines, forfeitures and other miscellaneous sources.

About 38% of our total expenses go toward public safety personnel and equipment and about 37% is spent on the balance of town staff and functions. Another 10% is spent to maintain our roads and infrastructure, and another 10% on capital additions and improvement projects - with the remaining funds allocated to miscellaneous expenses and to retire debt.

As a strong fiscal conservative, I’m proud of our current financial position, including our healthy strategic reserve balance. As we begin our budget discussions in the spring and plan for our financial future,  I will listen carefully to your opinions and continue to be a strong voice preserving our values of limited government and very judicious spending.

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