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OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
COUNCIL MINUTES
June 1, 2026
The City Council of the City of Mesa met in the Study Session room at City Hall, 20 East Main Street, on
June 1, 2026, at 5:16 p.m.
COUNCIL PRESENT
COUNCIL ABSENT
OFFICERS PRESENT
Mark Freeman
Scott Somers
Rich Adams
Jennifer Duff
Francisco Heredia
Alicia Goforth
Dorean Taylor
None
Scott Butler
Holly Moseley
Jim Smith
Mayor Freeman conducted a roll call.
1.
Review and discuss items on the agenda for the June 1, 2026 regular Council meeting, and June
1, 2026 Special Council Meeting.
All of the items on the agenda were reviewed among Council and staff and the following was
noted:
Conflict of interest: None
Items removed from the consent agenda: None
In response to multiple questions from Councilmember Goforth regarding agenda Item 6-d,
(Approving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Intergovernmental
Agreement with the City of Phoenix and Maricopa County for the distribution of grant funds
from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program under which
the City will receive $185,598 for Arizona State University to provide technical and training
assistance in criminal analysis within the Police Department Planning and Research
Division. (Citywide)), on the Regular Council meeting agenda, Police Chief Dan Butler described
the importance of Mesa's partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) and how the efforts
have significantly enhanced the Police Department's (PD) crime analysis and proactive policing
capabilities. He stated that the PD partnered with ASU due to its expertise in problem-oriented
policing and master's-level crime analysis program. He commented that through the partnership,
two graduate-level paid interns work with the PD, and originally public safety sales tax funds were
utilized to cover the costs, but since 2024, the program has been supported through grant funding,
which provides up to $185,598 annually with a maximum of $224,000. He emphasized that the
PD has not needed to use General Fund dollars since transitioning to grant funding and that he
Study Session
June 1, 2026
Page 2
estimates $30,000 will carry over in unused grant funds into next fiscal year to support the
continuation of the program.
Responding to a question posed by Councilmember Taylor, Chief Butler explained that the grant
allows for approximately $185,000 toward the program, while the PD is requesting funding of up
to $224,000 to cover program costs, including administrative fees, overhead, and the salaries of
two master's-level paid interns from ASU.
Mayor Freeman commented that using grant funds for the two full-time interns saves the City of
Mesa (COM) money, adding that the partnership with ASU has contributed to Mesa being ranked
the safest city in Arizona and 11th nationally among cities of comparable size and population.
In response to a question from Mayor Freeman, City Manager Scott Butler reported that the City
saved more than $56 million in the General Fund over three years through efficiencies, position
reductions, and spending controls. He noted that budget challenges stemmed from declining
revenues rather than overspending, and that reserve funds allowed the City to weather the
downturn while remaining above reserve targets. He said the proposed budget restores balance
nearly two years ahead of schedule and leaves the City in a stronger financial position.
Responding to a question posed by Councilmember Goforth, Office of Management and Budget
Director Brian Ritschel explained that the General Governmental Fund forecast for net sources
and uses changed from a projected $16 million deficit in February to a $36 million deficit in the
April 30th proposed budget due to additional expenditures identified during the budget
development process. He stated that carryover represents budgeted expenditures that continue
into the next fiscal year as a result of work not completed as anticipated. He said carryover
reduces expenditures in the current fiscal year and increases them in the next, affecting the net
sources and uses forecast. He confirmed that carryover funds are tied to contractually committed
expenditures, while reserve funds are set aside for planned and unexpected expenditures, and
provided examples.
Mr. Butler clarified that Arizona law requires cities to establish a maximum expenditure authority,
requiring the City to budget for carryover, capital projects, and contingencies even if those funds
are not ultimately spent. He pointed out that this approach provides flexibility to address Council
priorities and unexpected needs without exceeding legal spending limits.
In response to a question from Councilmember Taylor, Mr. Ritschel confirmed that the City
budgets conservatively by including funding for potential expenses, such as pension stabilization,
even if those funds are not needed. He mentioned that unused budget authority remains
available through carryover or the fund balance, while the City maintains reserve levels above its
policy minimum by targeting a 15% General Governmental Fund reserve. He shared that the
overall City budget includes reserve balances for all funds and departments, including utility funds
and the General Governmental Fund, which are combined into the total reserve amount presented
for Council approval.
Responding to multiple questions from Councilmember Taylor, Office of Management and Budget
Assistant Director Sam Schultz advised that the City uses a conservative funding strategy
designed to stabilize Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) payments to become
100% fully funded by June 30, 2042.
Study Session
June 1, 2026
Page 3
Mr. Shultz reported that the City has eliminated negative amortization, improved the pension
system's funded status, and reduced its unfunded pension liability by approximately $60 million
over the past year.
Mr. Butler explained that although state law allows a 30-year pension funding schedule, the City
chose a more aggressive 25-year plan and contributes additional funds whenever possible to
reduce the pension liability more quickly.
In response to a question from Councilmember Taylor, Mr. Schultz confirmed that the City remains
on schedule to achieve full pension funding by 2042.
Responding to a question posed by Mayor Freeman, Mr. Schultz explained that the City's financial
policy requires contributing at least the actuarially required amount to PSPRS, but the City
contributes substantially more. He noted that stronger-than-expected investment returns and
slower payroll growth can accelerate the City's path to full funding, with the Police Department
already projected to reach full funding one year earlier than previously anticipated.
2.
Acknowledge receipt of minutes of various boards and committees.
2-a.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Minutes from the meeting held on March 11, 2026.
2-b.
Economic Development Advisory Board meeting held on April 7, 2026.
2-c.
Planning and Zoning Public Hearing held on April 8, 2026.
2-d.
Planning and Zoning Study Session held on April 8, 2026.
2-e.
Planning and Zoning Public Hearing held on April 22, 2026. – WITHDRAWN
City Attorney Jim Smith advised that Item 2-e will be removed from the agenda and acknowledged
at a future Study Session to allow more time for Council and the public to review the minutes.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Somers, seconded by Councilmember Goforth, that receipt of the
above-listed minutes for Items 2-a through 2-d be acknowledged.
Upon tabulation of votes, it showed:
AYES – Freeman–Somers–Adams–Duff–Goforth–Heredia–Taylor
NAYS – None
Carried unanimously.
3.
Current events summary including meetings and conferences attended.
Mayor Freeman and Councilmembers highlighted the events, meetings, and conferences recently
attended.
Study Session
June 1, 2026
Page 4
4.
Scheduling of meetings.
City Manager Scott Butler stated that the schedule of meetings is as follows:
Thursday, June 4, 2026, 7:30 a.m. – Study Session
Monday, June 8, 2026, 3:00 p.m. – Economic Development Committee
Monday, June 8, 2026, 5:15 p.m. – Study Session
Monday, June 8, 2026, 5:45 p.m. – Regular Council meeting
5.
Adjournment.
Without objection, the Study Session adjourned at 5:53 p.m.
____________________________________
MARK FREEMAN, MAYOR
ATTEST:
_______________________________
HOLLY MOSELEY, CITY CLERK
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Study Session
of the City Council of Mesa, Arizona, held on the 1st day of June 2026. I further certify that the meeting
was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
_______________________________
HOLLY MOSELEY, CITY CLERK
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