NE Valley Times

Scottsdale has announced a reduction in its budget and property taxes, with the City Council adopting the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan on June 4. Despite strong revenue growth, the budget reflects a 9.4% net decrease from the current fiscal year due to projected declines in residential rental tax, state shared revenues, continued inflation, and a slowdown in consumer spending.

The new budget will take effect on July 1 and aims to address inflationary increases impacting capital projects while ensuring Scottsdale remains competitive among peer cities as an employer. It also focuses on enhancing public safety services by staffing a new fire station and launching city ambulance service.

Scottsdale Video Network will be streaming candidate forums for City Council and mayoral positions on June 11. The Scottsdale Independent is hosting these forums at noon and 1 p.m., respectively. Replays will be available on Cox channel 11 at scheduled times.

Additionally, Scottsdale is seeking a resident to serve on the Development Review Board (DRB), which reviews architectural designs for commercial development and preliminary plats for residential subdivisions. Applications are open until June 14.

The city invites residents to join the Community Juneteenth Event: Celebrating a Culture of Resiliency, presented by Mayo Clinic on June 15. The event includes various activities such as educational speakers, art displays, wellness resources, music, food, and entertainment at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

In conjunction with Juneteenth celebrations, Dr. Jacqueline Webster will host "Breaking the Silence: Understanding Suicide in the Black Community" on June 19 at the Community Design Studio.

Several public meetings are scheduled for mid-June covering various commissions including Human Relations Commission, Planning Commission, Environmental Advisory Commission among others.

The city's ongoing programs include activities related to Old Town maintenance updates focusing on landscaping efforts like pruning trees and aerating turf areas throughout June.

Finally, applications are being accepted until July 15 for Scottsdale’s Community Arts Grant Program aimed at funding nonprofit arts organizations serving Scottsdale's community needs. Nominations are also open for this year's Sterling Awards celebrating business excellence with an entry deadline of July 18.

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