Extracted text (via pymupdf)
5744 characters
1
RESOLUTION NO. 2369
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF WICKENBURG, ARIZONA, ADOPTING THE
2025 LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the Town of Wickenburg remains dedicated to supporting policies
that empower local governance, protect municipal revenues, and ensure Arizona’s
communities are well-resourced to serve residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COMMON
COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF WICKENBURG, ARIZONA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1.
Principles and Issues.
Those persons authorized by the Town of Wickenburg to lobby on its behalf,
including members of the Common Council and those registered as lobbyists with the
Secretary of State of Arizona pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes§ 41-1231 et seq.
(the "Town Lobbyists"), are hereby authorized and directed, subject to the continuing
supervision of the Town Council and the Town Manager, to represent and pursue the
legislative interests of the Town of Wickenburg by supporting legislation that embodies
any of the following principles or addresses any of the following issues:
A. REVENUE PRESERVATION
The Town of Wickenburg is committed to preserving the shared revenues and
local taxing authority that fund critical services citizens need. However, cities and towns
are reeling from the legislature’s decision to eliminate over $230M from local budgets,
putting them in a financially difficult position. To offset this impact, the town will
advocate for legislative measures that provide revenue streams or replacement funds,
helping municipalities sustain service levels without burdening residents with increased
local taxes.
B. HOUSING & COMMUNITY STABILITY
The Town of Wickenburg recognizes the need for flexible, community-tailored
solutions that allow local governments to address housing attainability in meaningful
ways. Continued investment in state programs that support permanent housing
initiatives that are critical for building long-term community stability.
To address these challenges, the town supports:
Resolution No. 2369
Enabling municipalities to implement targeted solutions that can increase
housing availability for low- and moderate-income residents and invest in
underserved areas.
The development of affordable housing financing tools to assist developers to
provide infrastructure and improvements to make these projects financially
viable.
Continuing and expanding the State Low Income Housing Tax Credit to
support construction of affordable housing in urban and rural communities.
Restoring authorities for cities and towns to regulate and limit investor-owned
short-term rentals.
C. GOOD GOVERNANCE
The Town of Wickenburg aims to strengthen governance practices and support
fair, consistent processes across Arizona’s municipalities. The following measures and
recommended changes to state laws accomplish this goal:
Campaign Finance Flexibility: Lifting restrictions on transferring campaign
funds for local candidates seeking higher office aligns campaign finance rules
at the local and state levels. This change would provide equal treatment
across offices and encourage candidates with local experience to pursue
higher public office.
Referendum Compliance Enforcement: Clarifying statutes to empower the
Secretary of State and municipal clerks to enforce compliance with
constitutional and statutory requirements for referendums will ensure the
integrity of the referendum process. Establishing clear enforcement
mechanisms will reduce ambiguity and support fair, transparent referenda in
line with legal standards.
D. PUBLIC SAFETY AND COMMUNITY PROTECTION
Maintaining public safety is a core function of local government, and the Town of
Wickenburg seeks to protect the town while respecting the rights of all residents. For
2025, the Town of Wickenburg prioritizes legislative actions that will enhance safety,
privacy, and security for victims, witnesses, and the broader community:
Protection of Victim and Witness Privacy: Allow municipalities to withhold the
identities of crime victims and witnesses in public records where there is a
reasonable belief of potential harassment or retaliation. This protection will
encourage cooperation with law enforcement while maintaining the privacy
and safety of those involved.
Resolution No. 2369
Clarification of Public Entity Immunity: Revise state statute to ensure that
public entity immunity applies specifically to situations involving a public
employee’s operation of a motor vehicle, as originally intended. This
clarification will provide necessary protection to public entities while reducing
exposure to costly litigation.
These public safety priorities aim to foster safer communities by empowering
local authorities to act in the best interests of their residents and public servants.
Section 2.
Opposing Legislation.
Legislation that is inconsistent with any of the principles or objectives set forth
in Section 1 above should be opposed or appropriate amendments pursued.
Section 3.
Town Staff Direction.
The Town Manager and staff are hereby authorized and directed to undertake all
other and further tasks required or beneficial to carry out the terms, obligations and
objectives of this resolution.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Town Council of the Town of Wickenburg,
Arizona, this 18th day of February 2025.
BG Bratcher, Mayor
ATTEST:
Amy Brown, Town Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Trish Stuhan, Town Attorney
Pierce Coleman PLLC
CERTIFICATION
I, Amy Brown, Town Clerk, HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution
Number 2369 was duly passed and adopted by the Common Council of the Town of
Wickenburg, Arizona, a regular meeting held on the 18th day of February 2025, and that
a quorum was present at the meeting.
Amy Brown, Town Clerk