Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Paradise Valley public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues in taxes budget
2026 General Election Canvass
The council's vote on Resolution 2026-17 makes the November 3, 2026 general election results official for Paradise Valley. It's the final administrative step in the town's election process.
Fire Service Fund
The fire service fee hasn't been raised since 2013, but costs are up 54% and the town now subsidizes about $1.2 million a year from the general fund. A one-time 67% rate hike would fix it, but most council members oppose raising fees and want more history and options first — including an automatic inflation escalator idea.
Community services funding awards
The town budgeted $265,000 and received $202,000 in requests; Council members questioned whether past $200,000 homelessness spending ever showed results and whether the eight recommended charities have any Paradise Valley connection. The slate goes to a June 11 vote with several members openly skeptical.
Town vehicle fleet purchase and EV policy
The Council bought seven replacement vehicles but held back an electric vehicle, splitting 4-2 over whether the town should honor its General Plan sustainability goal to shift toward low- and zero-emission vehicles. Staff said charging infrastructure isn't ready and promised cost and timeline details later.
Town Hall fascia deterioration and patio safety
The 1974 Town Hall's wooden fascia is rotting from water intrusion, and the back patio canopy is detaching from the building — a safety concern. Council wants the historic look preserved while fixing it and will see new renderings before choosing an option.
FY 2026-2027 Final Budget Adoption
The proposed FY 2027 budget grows departments just 1.6% — under inflation — with no new full-time employees. Council members debated a proposal to move an administrative position from the Town Attorney's Office to the Town Manager's Office, asking for a job description, and requested a technology strategy briefing.
FY 2026/27 Tentative Budget
The town is bumping up against the state-imposed cap on how much it can spend each year, even though it has huge reserves it legally can't touch. The Council wants voters to approve raising the spending base by $15-$20 million and creating a capital projects fund — otherwise long-delayed road and stormwater projects and police staffing could stay on hold.
Town Manager Performance Review
The council went behind closed doors to review Town Manager Andrew Ching's annual performance and discuss possible changes to his employment agreement.
Police pension funding status
The town's police pension is 101.3% funded — comfortably inside the council's 95%–110% policy band — so no extra contribution is recommended this year, though the CFO flagged a possible payment next year.
Arizona Metropolitan Trust (AzMT) membership extension
Resolution 2026-03 keeps the town in the AzMT employee benefits pool — a decision Council Member Thomasson called anything but routine, praising HR Director Gina Monger's diligence.
Townwide compensation and classification study
The first full comp study since 2007 found the town about 6.5% behind market on salaries and 3% behind on total compensation. Recommendations include a 3% market adjustment costing roughly $450,000, but several council members questioned whether much-larger comparator cities are the right benchmark.
Employee healthcare coverage renewal
A feasibility study found the town is no longer a good candidate for self-insuring employee health coverage after large Q1 claims, and all nine RFP responses were worse or pricier than the current plan. The council reached consensus to vote on April 9 to renew with the Arizona Metropolitan Trust for 36 months.
HB4030 State Preemption of Municipal Fees and Taxes
A state bill would prohibit towns and counties from approving new or increased fees, taxes, surcharges, and utility rates through 2030 — including the fire service fund. The council's lobbyist urged everyone to email legislators and sign in against it; town staff will send talking points.
Investment portfolio and policy review
The town holds roughly $95 million in a single Wells Fargo cash account, which several council members want diversified. Policy updates and a redeployment plan will come back to council soon.
Capital Projects Accumulation Fund
A companion ballot measure would let the town bank excess yearly revenue for streets, sewers and other capital work outside the state spending cap. It passed council unanimously and goes to voters in November.