Town Pulse
Administration & Operations AUGUST 2026 - UPDATE
In This Issue: Who wants to go rock climbing? The signs are up! New business update We’re watching you ... but NOT with Flock Cameras! GET YOUR EMPLOYEE SHOUTOUTS IN FOR THE NEXT ONE TOWN ONE TEAM SPOTLIGHT!
EXECUTIVE ANALYST HIGHLIGHTS Over the past month, efforts have focused on advancing several major grant-funded and strategic initiatives from planning into implementation. Key activities included securing significant federal funding for regional trail connectivity, completing a major recreation grant application, advancing open-space acquisition, preparing for the Fred Harvey Farm Restoration Day, and negotiating agreements affecting Town infrastructure and right-of-way.
WECOM FIBER RIGHT-OF-WAY AGREEMENT Staff from the Public Works Department, Finance Department, Town Attorney's Office, and Town Manager's Office have been working collaboratively to develop a proposed agreement related to the potential deployment of WeCOM fiber infrastructure within Town rights-of-way. WeCOM has been actively expanding fiber infrastructure throughout neighboring communities, presenting an opportunity for the Town to evaluate how similar investment could benefit Chino Valley. Staff's work has focused on developing an agreement that could facilitate expanded fiber infrastructure while establishing appropriate protections for Town assets—particularly the integrity and longevity of Town roadways. Once developed, the proposed agreement will be brought forward to Town Council for consideration.
ADOT COLLABORATION & ENCROACHMENT PERMIT The Town continues to strengthen its working relationship with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) through recurring monthly coordination meetings. These meetings provide Town and ADOT staff with a consistent forum to discuss projects, permitting, roadway concerns, utility coordination, and other issues affecting the SR 89 corridor. One recent outcome of this collaboration is the Town's pursuit of a blanket encroachment permit that would allow Town staff to remove unauthorized non-political signage from ADOT right-ofway. The issue was identified and discussed through the recurring coordination meetings, providing a pathway for the Town and ADOT to develop a more efficient approach to addressing signage along the corridor. The monthly meetings continue to provide an opportunity to address operational issues collaboratively while also maintaining regular communication regarding broader transportation and infrastructure priorities affecting Chino Valley.
AUGUST 2026 - UPDATE
PARKS, TRAILS & OPEN SPACE
UPPER SULLIVANS CANYON ACQUISITION As of September 16, 2026, the Town of Chino Valley has officially acquired approximately 10.46 acres at Upper Sullivans Canyon, marking a major step toward the long-term preservation of this important recreational and natural resource. The acquisition follows Council approval of Resolution 2026-1322 and was supported by a $200,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund award, along with partnerships with the Prescott Climbers Coalition, Trust for Public Land, and other regional stakeholders. Town ownership will help preserve public access for climbing and outdoor recreation while protecting the area's natural, cultural, and recreational value for future generations. A joint press release with Trust for Public Land announcing the Town’s official acquisition of the property is scheduled to be released on Monday, September 21.
APS FRED HARVEY FARM - RESTORATION DAY Planning efforts over the summer are now transitioning into implementation for the APS Fred Harvey Farm Restoration Day on September 24. The event will recognize APS's 140 years of service and its significant $106,310 contribution toward restoration efforts at Fred Harvey Farm. Recent work has included finalizing historical and interpretive materials, event coordination, and preparation of a Mayoral proclamation recognizing the collaboration between APS, the Town, and the community in preserving this important historic property. I've developed signage for each of the four main buildings showcasing their history and creating a space for visitors to appreciate the farm as it was, and the future that we're diligently working to envision.
AUGUST 2026 - UPDATE
GRANT FUNDING & PROJECT DEV. PEAVINE TRAIL SOUTH CONNECTION TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES AWARD The Town received a significant $2,569,072 federal Transportation Alternatives award for the Peavine Trail South Connection, with a required Town match of $155,289, for a total project cost of $2,724,361. The approximately 2.1-mile project will extend the Peavine Trail from the Road 4 South trailhead to the Town limits, crossing Granite Creek and ultimately connecting with the existing Prescott Peavine Trail system. The project represents the advancement of a regional trail connection envisioned for approximately 20 years and will help create approximately 18 miles of continuous trail connectivity between Chino Valley and Prescott. Work this month included coordination surrounding the award, project documentation, communications, and preparation for the next stages of project development.
COMMUNITY CENTER PARK - ORLP GRANT APPLICATION Significant effort has been dedicated to development of the Town's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant application for improvements at the 36.9-acre Community Center Park. The proposed project includes four dedicated pickleball courts, an improved dog park, central parking, landscaping and shade improvements, and supporting recreational amenities, with trail and landscape improvements incorporated into the broader park development plan. Recent work has included refining the project scope and budget, writing the application, taking the proposal to Council, developing the federal merit criteria, documenting environmental and conservation benefits, coordinating supporting materials, and working with community partners. Council has committed $555,000 toward Community Center Park improvements, while the Chino Valley Pickleball Association has committed an additional $50,000 in funding toward the project. Community support has also been substantial, including more than 200 petition signatures and over 19 unique letters of support demonstrating demand for expanded recreational opportunities within Chino Valley.
LOOKING AHEAD Upcoming priorities include completion and submission of the Community Center Park ORLP application, implementation of the Peavine Trail South Connection award, completion of the Fred Harvey Farm Restoration Day (September 24th), and closing of the Upper Sullivans Canyon acquisition (September 16th). This month's work reflects a continued transition from grant development and project planning into funding awards, implementation, and project delivery across several of the Town's long-term priorities.
AUGUST 2026 - UPDATE
FINANCE
TRANSACTION PRIVILEGE TAX (TPT) The transaction privilege tax (TPT) data is reported with a two-month lag, with the most recent data available for July. The July column on the chart reflects TPT activity that occurred in July and was due to ADOR in August. During August and September, the data becomes available to the Town, and the Town receives its share of the TPT revenue. Through year-to-date, FY 2026-27 TPT collections total $978,410, exceeding the budgeted amount of $856,003 by $122,407. Additionally, collections are $14,505 more than those recorded at the same point last year.
STATE-SHARED REVENUES State-shared revenue includes Urban Revenue Sharing (income tax), State-Shared Sales Tax, Vehicle License Tax, and Highway User Revenue. The year-to-date budget is $1,028,497, compared to actual revenues of $1,052,820. The budget is allocated based on the percentage of total revenues received in each month of the prior year. To date, revenues are $24,323 above budget and $44,384 more than at the same point last year.
AUGUST 2026 - UPDATE
CLERK’S OFFICE
Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Meeting. Held August 7, 2026.
AUGUST 2026 - UPDATE
HUMAN RESOURCES RECRUITMENT SUMMARY
PAYCOM COMPANY RESOURCES The Town’s Employee Handbook and Administrative Policies are now available in our cloudbased employee resource center within Paycom. This provides employees with convenient 24/7 access to these important resources. How to Access the Documents To access the Employee Handbook and Administrative Policies: 1. Log in to Paycom ESS (Employee Self-Service). 2. Click on the “Documents” ribbon. 3. Select “Company Resources.” 4. The Employee Handbook and Administrative Policies will be available for you to review. Employees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these resources and refer to them whenever you have questions regarding Town policies, procedures, workplace expectations, or employee benefits and responsibilities.
PAYCOM PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT In the coming months, the Town will be preparing to transition our Performance Management (PM) program from HelloTeam to Paycom. Our new Paycom Performance Management program is scheduled to go live on November 1, 2026.
What did I do wrong?!?
Performance Management (PM) is an ongoing process that helps employees and supervisors communicate about job expectations, goals, performance, development, and success. Performance Management is more than an annual performance evaluation. It provides a structured way for employees and supervisors to: Establish clear job expectations and goals Discuss progress and accomplishments throughout the year Provide and receive regular feedback Recognize strengths and areas for improvement Identify training and professional development opportunities Address performance concerns early and constructively Ensure individual goals are aligned with the Town’s strategic plan Document performance discussions and accomplishments The goal of Performance Management is to create a continuous conversation between employees and supervisors, rather than waiting until the end of the year to discuss performance.
AUGUST 2026 - UPDATE
Don’t let the door hit ya on the way out!
HUMAN RESOURCES WHAT WILL CHANGE? As we transition from HelloTeam to Paycom, Performance Management activities will be conducted through the Paycom Client (supervisor access) and ESS (employee access). This will provide employees and supervisors with one centralized location to manage performance-related activities and access performance information. Additional information and training will be provided as we get closer to our November 1, 2026, go-live date, including instructions on how to access the system and what employees and supervisors can expect during the transition. We appreciate everyone's cooperation as we make this transition. Our goal is to make Performance Management a useful tool for communication, employee development, accountability, and recognition throughout the year.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
CURRENT PROJECTS AUGUST 2026 Configuration of a 2nd new virtual host server in PD Datacenter preparing for Virtual Server upgrades and migrations. Installation of new Library video surveillance Network Video Recorder (NVR) and configuration of replacement surveillance cameras. Installation of the new Town Hall NVR and installation of 4 new cameras with 2 more coming soon. Reconfiguration of wireless access point and WiFi extender at Development Services working to improve connectivity for the building trim light system. Pulling new cabling and relocation of WiFi at the Senior Center to allow for improved signal for the seniors and for the facilities trim lights and irrigation systems.
FOLLOWING MONTH PLANNED
1.Complete the Installation of replacement Town Hall security surveillance system with the 2 final cameras to be installed and installation of monitoring screen for the clerks office. 2.Complete the new replacement surveillance system installation for the Library. 3.Installation of the new backup internet Starlink connection at the Police building and configuration of a new firewall for that connection.
AUGUST 2026 - UPDATE