13 minute read
City News
CITY NEWS BOARD OF SUPERVISORS APPROVES TENTATIVE FY 2020 BUDGET TAX RATE REMAINS FLAT; COUNTY INVESTS IN PEOPLE, PETS, AND PARKS
WITH A NEW DECADE ON THE HORIZON, THE NATION’S FASTEST-GROWING COUNTY IS MAKING SMART INVESTMENTS TO FURTHER POSITION ITSELF AS AN ATTRACTIVE, LONGTERM HOME FOR FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES. The Board of Supervisors approved a tentative $2.57 billion budget for fiscal year 2020.
“This fiscally responsible and sustainable budget keeps the tax rate steady for our residents while investing in the kinds of technology and infrastructure that works to serve citizens better,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates, District 3. “These investments include strengthening public safety, improving the voter experience, preserving and enhancing our open space, and utilizing technology and process improvement to save money and make our county government more efficient while providing better service. I am grateful to my colleagues on the Board and to all departments for budgeting in a way that plans for, and protects, the future.”
With the 2020 elections fast approaching, the budget reserves funding for updated elections equipment that is expected to increase the speed with which votes can be counted. Improved technology is one piece of a larger discussion about the future of elections in Maricopa County. “Making our elections the best they can be is a priority of every person on this Board,” said Vice Chairman Clint Hickman, District 4. “Modern, reliable equipment is essential for a county of our size so we can efficiently handle the potential record number of voters participating in our democracy in the 2020 elections and beyond.”
Recent numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau show Maricopa County added 81,244 people between July 2017 and July 2018, the most of any county in the nation. The FY 2020 budget allocates $296.9 million for capital improvement projects which will modernize the infrastructure needed to support that growing population. Those projects include multi-milliondollar investments in county parks; a new East Valley animal shelter; and a new substation for the Sheriff’s Office in Avondale. The budget also provides continued funding for the new jail intake facility, Southeast Regional Justice Center, Central Court building, and 225 Madison renovation project, which will turn an old jail into modern, usable office space.
“I am proud to be part of the team that continues to pass budgets that protect our taxpayers while serving the needs of our ever-growing county population,” said Supervisor Jack Sellers, District 1. “This budget will assure the protection and well-being of our citizens. I’m pleased the tax rate won’t change nor is the county required that has resulted in a 95% save rate. to take on debt to fund operations.” At • $100,000 to update unincorporated a time when many other counties are area plans for the next generation. taxing as much as they are allowed by • Three new positions for the state law, Maricopa County’s tax levy County’s Innovation Studio, focused is $140.5 million below the maximum. on process improvement that in 2018 saved an estimated $1.5 million “We live in the most dynamic county dollars. in the United States where people tend • Full-time, permanent homeless to have a lower cost of living and pay coordinator to support regional less for government services than they solutions to homelessness through do in other large metropolitan areas, Human Services Department.
“Recent numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau show Maricopa County added 81,244 people between July 2017 and July 2018, the most of any county in the nation. The FY 2020 budget allocates $296.9 million for capital improvement projects which will modernize the infrastructure needed to support that while also having access to diverse job and recreational opportunities,” said Supervisor Steve Chucri, District growing population. “Investments in county staff directly benefit the people of Maricopa County by ensuring the best and ” 2. “This budget supports the Maricopa brightest work here, and not County of the future by building somewhere else,” said Supervisor on a great foundation of innovative Steve Gallardo, District 5. “Having planning and fiscal intelligence to a permanent homeless coordinator at move us forward.” a time when the region’s homeless OTHER BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS alarming rate is one example of how INCLUDE: the county is prioritizing spending to • $1.5 million to continue the current make a real difference on issues that model of animal shelter operations matter.” population continues to grow at an • $1.5 million for process and The public will be able to comment on technology improvements that support the tentative budget between now and the strategic goal of becoming an all- the final vote which is scheduled for digital county by 2022. June 24.
DISCOUNTSCOUPONSEVENTS& MORE!
VIP AIRSOFT
NEXT LEVEL SMOKE SHOP HOSTING DONATION EVENT BENEFITTING LOCAL VETERANS’ CHARITY
NEXT LEVEL SMOKE SHOP IS PROUD TO HOST A DONATION EVENT DURING THE MONTHS OF JUNE AND JULY TO BENEFIT LOCAL VETERANS’ CHARITY PROJECT VETERANS PRIDE – THE JAMES WALTON HOME. Now through July 31, bring in any of the following eligible items and you will receive 20 percent off your entire purchase in store: five canned goods, 1 case of bottled water, or a bag of gently used clothing items. TO BENEFIT LOCAL FOOD BANKS WILL BE ACCEPTED JUNE 7-14 AT ABRAZO SCOTTSDALE CAMPUS, 3929 E. BELL RD. Abrazo Health is leading a community effort to provide area children and adults struggling with hunger with a healthy breakfast during the summer. Abrazo’s Healthy Over Hungry® cereal drive will benefit the St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance. Whole-grain cereal, when part of a healthy, balanced breakfast including dairy, fruit and lean protein, is a popular food item that experts say can easily address the hunger gap during the summer months when children are not in school. “Summer is a particularly difficult time because many children in need can no Project Veterans Pride assists with providing housing to homeless veterans by offering a “hand up” to those who have served our nation.
Next Level Smoke Shop has been proudly serving the north Phoenix community for two years this July. Next Level has everything you need, from glass pipes to vape supplies, with an endless supply of smoking accessories for every customer’s need. They also feature a large variety of longer rely on their school meals for a nutritious breakfast, so their families often turn to food banks for help,” said Ed Staren, chief administrative officer, Abrazo Scottsdale Campus. “We recognize the importance of beginning each day with a nutritious breakfast and, through this drive, we hope to help those in our community struggling with food insecurity.” The Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive is supported by Abrazo Health’s parent organization Tenet Healthcare, which in 2018 collected five million servings of cereal and donated $380,000 through the efforts of its facilities across the U.S. Packages of healthy breakfast cereal may be donated June 7-14 at Abrazo Scottsdale Campus, 3929 E. Bell Rd. CBD (cannabidiol) products, which can help reduce anxiety, inflammation, pain, and promote relaxation. Next Level carries CBD in oil tincture, body cream, bath bombs, edibles, and vaporizers.
Next Level is located at 12620 Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix.
They are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and are
ABRAZO SCOTTSDALE SETS JUNE 7-14 CEREAL DRIVE
DONATIONS OF HEALTHY CEREAL
closed on Sundays.
CLEAN COLONIC OPENS SECOND LOCATION, NOW IN NORTH 32ND CLEAN COLONIC HAS BEEN IN for colon hydrotherapy as she said it safe practices, and keeping the integrity BUSINESS SINCE JUNE 2016, WITH saved her life and has helped her with of Colon Hydrotherapy. Clean Colonic THE FIRST CLINIC IN TEMPE. The so many issues within her body. Due follows the protocol of the manufacowner, Carolyn Berry, has a passion to high demand to expand her busi- turer and all their staff is certified. ness, after having a successful clinic in These devices are open system named Tempe, she decided to open her second LIBBE (Lower Intestine Bottom Bowel clinic at Tatum and Thunderbird. 4744 Evacuation). Carolyn invites you to the E. Thunderbird Rd. Ste 4. clinic to explore and see the devices and hear why Carolyn recommends The devices used at Clean Colonic are colon hydrotherapy to those who have Class 2 medical devices and are regis- gut issues or not. She has also created CLEAN COLONIC tered with the FDA with no odor. Carolyn found it important to help educate an online video that shows the process. You never know what’s in your colon, COLON HYDROTHERAPY the public on cleanliness of a clinic, so give it a good cleanse!
WONDERSPACES BRINGS INTERACTIVE ART
HAVE YOU EVER CRAVED AN EXPERIENCE THAT EXPANDED YOUR VIEW OF THE WORLD? through the motion and energy of the body.
If your answer is “yes,” Wonderspaces Arizona is made for you. What began as a pop-up artistic experience in California is now in its first permanent location in Arizona at Scottsdale Fashion Square and is a true delight to audiences of all ages and interests. Guests have the chance to experience a magical night of interactive art experiences from 13 different artists around the world, as they guests to question reality.
enjoy immersive, participatory, interactive art paired with curated drinks and snacks in the 16,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by Harkins Theatres.
View,” will challenge traditional viewpoints of time, religion, power and reality - featuring everything from digital painting through body movement to a virtual dinner party (brought to you by a former Homeland story editor and House of Cards producer).
Some of the most popular featured artwork displays include “Body Paint,” which plays on the natural instinct to express oneself through movement and dance. Body Paint interprets physical gestures into evolving compositions. It’s a true interaction experience, captured
Additionally, “Black Balloons” has been another show stopper for many, which is comprised of balloons with opposing weights. The artwork explores contradictions, lightness and heaviness, attraction and repulsion, materiality and immateriality.
Wonderspaces Arizona is pleased to share its plans for this summer, as the second show under development called “Elsewhere” will feature a new lineup of artwork that prompts Wonderspaces’ inaugural show, “Point of
Wonderspaces is open to the public, with tickets ranging from $19 (weekday) to $24 (weekend) for adults; $15 (weekday) to $15 (weekend) for children (ages 3-12); and $17 (weekday) to $21 (weekend) for students, Seniors and military members. All children under the age of 3 are free. Current hours: Closed on Mondays, Tuesday – Thursday 12 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
TO SCOTTSDALE
MARICOPA COUNTY GETS RID OF OVERDUE FINES AT ITS PUBLIC LIBRARIES
MARICOPA COUNTY IS WELCOMING THOUSANDS OF CUSTOMERS BACK TO ITS PUBLIC LIBRARIES. The Board of Supervisors has voted to eliminate overdue fines – and to waive existing overdue fines – at the County’s 18 public libraries. This measure only applies to Maricopa County Library District libraries. While part of a growing national movement, Maricopa County is the first public library system in Arizona to take this step for all customers.
“Libraries are an important resource for children and adults to learn about and connect with their community and world,” said Bill Gates, Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Discollecting daily overdue fines and to waive any existing fines that can build up and lead to blocked accounts for people who can least afford them, giving everyone a fresh start. We’re proud to be the first system in the state to remove this barrier between our residents and a vital community resource.”
“No one should be kept from libraries because of overdue fines,” said Cindy Kolaczynski, Director of the Maricopa County Library District. “Collecting fines isn’t a quick process. Our staff would much rather help customers explore and discover. Now is the perfect time to get or renew your library card and enjoy the library in person and online.”
MINIMAL FINANCIAL IMPACT
Maricopa County Library District receives about $300,000 from overdue fine payments each year, less than one percent of its budget. “That number has been dropping and doesn’t account for the trict 3. “This is why we have decided to discontinue
resources it takes to collect payments,” continued Kolaczynski. “Coupled with the rise in digital items, which auto-return on the due date, it just makes sense to eliminate overdue fines.”
SUMMER READING PROGRAM STARTS JUNE 1
County officials also reminded the public to register at read20az.com for the annual Summer Reading Program, which runs through June and July. “Everyone can earn great prizes, including a free book,” Kolaczynski added. “You don’t need a library card for the program, but it definitely improves the experience.”
STAY ACTIVE AND KEEP LEARNING THIS SUMMER
THIS SUMMER, KEEP YOUR KIDS ACTIVE AND ENTERTAINED WHILE AWAY FROM SCHOOL ON SUMMER BREAK. The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department and Phoenix Public Library offer a variety of programs citywide for youths and adults.
PARKS AND RECREATION SUMMER PROGRAMS
Whether you’d like to learn to dance ballet or hip hop, participate in a new sport like fencing or gymnastics, try a cooking class, or join a summer basketball or tennis league—there’s something for everyone.
Registration is open for 2019 summer programs and swimming lessons. Sign up today by visiting https:// apm.activecommunities.com/phoenix/Home
AQUATICS
If you’re looking to swim, exercise or just keep cool this summer, the City of Phoenix has 29 pools open to the public during the summer months. The pools are open six days a week from June 1 to July 28 (closed Fridays). From August through Labor Day (Sept. 2), 11 pools (Cortez, El Prado, Encanto, Falcon, Hermoso, Maryvale, Paradise Valley, Pecos, Perry, Sunnyslope and Washington) will be open only on weekends.
Splashpads are another option for the kids to cool down now through October 1. Phoenix splashpads are located in Altadena, Civic Space, Dust Devil, Edison, Francisco Highland, Mountain Vista, Nuestro, Pecos and Trailside Point parks.
The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department partners with various organizations to provide safe and healthy alternatives to youth age 17 and younger. The Kool Kids program provides FREE open swim admission to youth at select city of Phoenix pools.
CODEPHX
Keep your kids learning this summer while having fun. The codePHX initiative provides FREE interactive classes in coding, robotics and 3D modeling for youth ages 4 to 17. Classes are offered at locations citywide to introduce tomorrow’s leaders to the fundamentals of computer coding. Through activities, apps and games, children will learn the fundamentals of coding while also building their confidence to problem solve and think creatively.
For more information, visit https://www.phoenix. gov/parks/classes-and-programs/codephx
Respectfully, Debra Stark Councilwoman City of Phoenix Council District 3
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