Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Show Low public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues in taxes budget
Financing the Show Low Sports and Event Center
The city's biggest capital project now carries a $56.4 million programming-stage estimate, up roughly $5 million, largely because the six-court gym grew to fit 12 volleyball courts for tournament play. Designers will look at trimming the oversized kitchen and squeezing the building in schematic design, and the Council indicated it wants to build it right the first time rather than cut corners.
Muder reappointment to go before City Council
Ed Muder's board term expires January 2027 and he wants to stay on. The City Council will have to approve his reappointment.
Municipal Property Corporation has no pending projects
The city's land-dealing corporation is idle right now — no property purchases or sales in the pipeline. It's been used before for the Forest Service land exchange and acquiring land behind the library.
Airport Terminal Restroom Remodel
The airport is getting busier with the new airline, so its 330-square-foot restroom gets an ADA-compliant remodel for $87,840. Council members flagged that seating and expansion may be needed as traffic grows.
Construction cost and regulatory burden concerns
Applicant Troy Lunt warned that Show Low's rules — like requiring an expensive sewer line reroute instead of a nearby tap — are pushing contractors to steer families to Snowflake and other towns. He asked the city to review these policies.
Formal performance evaluations for appointed officials
The council's yearly performance evaluations of the city manager and city attorney were on the agenda but were put off because one member was absent.
City Hall Elevator Modernization
The original 40-year-old City Hall elevator is broken and parts are nearly impossible to find. The council replaced it for about $265,732 rather than continuing piecemeal repairs.
Primary election canvass and council turnover
The council was scheduled to formally adopt the results of the July 21 primary election — the step that makes the outcome official. This affects who will hold city office going forward.
Street light district tax levy
The property tax that pays for street and park lights stays flat for FY2027 — $300,000 at $0.1401 per $100 of assessed value, about $36 a year on a $300,000 home.
FY 2026-27 Tentative Budget
The district's budget pays debt service on the infrastructure bonds that financed the Show Low Bluff development. The general obligation bond was retired in 2018; the remaining special assessment bond should be paid off around 2031 if the schedule holds.
Arizona Game and Fish Heritage Grant
The city was set to accept Heritage Grant funds from Arizona Game and Fish with related budget transfers — grant money supporting local projects at no extra cost to taxpayers.
2026 primary election moved to July 21; three council seats on ballot
A new state law moved Arizona's primary from August to July, so Show Low's election for three council seats is now July 21. Voters must register by June 22, and candidates have until March 23 to file.
Council Vacancy and Appointment of Gentry Hatch
Brent Hatch's resignation opened his seat, and after interviewing six of seven applicants the council picked Gentry Hatch to serve through December 2026. He'll be sworn in at the first February meeting.
Clean Audit and Rising Sales Tax Revenue
Show Low's fiscal 2025 audit came back spotless — no material weaknesses — and sales tax revenue rose about 6 percent, with growth spread across retail, restaurants and construction. The city's finances, including its water funds and self-funded health insurance plan, are trending healthy.