INSIDE THE OCTOBER 2024 ISSUE: Lowell’s Discovery Center About to Shine on the Astrotourism Scene p. 3
Navajo Filmmakers Preserving Native Language p. 12 Fat Bagels Rises to the Occasion p. 14
Verde Valley Wine Industry Maturing p. 4
Community Profile: Meet County Manager Andy Bertelsen p. 16
Moonshot Collaboration Increases Startup Support p. 6
Voters to Decide on Transit, BBB Tax, Budget Expenditure Base I
By Peter Corbett, FBN
n the November election, Flagstaff voters will decide on three local propositions, two of which would affect the city’s taxes for at least a decade. If approved, Proposition 487, enacted in 2013, would extend the city’s 2% Bed, Board and Beverage Tax for 14 years, allowing collections
to continue beyond 2029, to 2043. Voter approval of Proposition 488 would increase the city sales tax earmarked for public transit from 0.295% to 0.5% and extend the tax for a decade, to 2040. The increase would amount to consumers paying 50 cents for the transit tax on a $100 purchase instead of the current tax of 29.5 cents on a $100 purchase. Food is exempt from the transit tax.
The third measure is Coconino County Proposition 482, which would allow the county to increase its budget expenditure base of $10.3 million by $7.7 million. It would not affect the county’s sales tax rate but would allow the county to spend funds it already collects. Coconino County has a base expenditure limit that was established 44 years ago. It increases annually
based on population and the national inflation rate. The county is bumping up against its expenditure limit and is asking voters to increase the limit for the first time, in order to maintain services at their current level. No organized groups or individuals filed statements opposing any of the three propositions for the voter Publicity Pamphlet. Still, political Continued on page 43
PROP 487
The 2% BBB tax funds many of the things we all CARE ABOUT IN FLAGSTAFF. BBBrenewalflagstaff.com
Babbitt Ranches Calls Wind Farm a ‘Promise for the Future’ Babbitt Ranch Energy Center collaboration celebrated in remote grasslands
Babbitt Ranches President and General Manager Billy Cordasco reflected on his recent ultramarathon through Babbitt Ranch Energy Center, passing each of the 50 turbines across 60 miles. “It struck me, under the vast night sky, that the strength of this project lies not in the steel of the turbines, but in the trust and optimism that brought it to life.” Courtesy photo
October 2024 | Issue 10 Volume 17
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By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
s crisp white wind turbine blades rotated gently against a clear blue Northern Arizona sky, more than 100 people, representatives from Salt River Project, NextEra Energy Resources, Arizona State Land Department, Arizona Game and Fish Department, Coconino County and Babbitt Ranches, along with dignitaries, business owners, consultants and scientists, gathered to celebrate the completion of Arizona’s newest wind energy center and the meaning behind the steel. “When I consider the future of renewable energy and what it means for our communities, I see this truth more clearly than ever,” said Babbitt Ranches President and General Manager Billy Cordasco. “Each of us brings a unique part to the table – our skills, our expertise, our
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willingness to make tough decisions. And while those contributions are important on their own, together they create something greater – a future where we not only generate energy, but also foster hope, resilience and a connection to the land and each other.” Cordasco recounted his recent ultramarathon journey, in which he power walked for more than 16 hours across the 60 miles of the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center, passing each of the 50 turbines that together will generate 161 megawatts of electricity and reflecting “on the contribution, effort and dedication” of all those involved. “With every tower I passed, I felt a growing light, a sense of admiration and gratitude for the collective spirit that made this renewable energy project possible,” he said. “I carried with Continued on page 42
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