Presentation

TOWN OF WICKENBURG
BUDGET WORK SESSION
April 21, 2025

• Workshop II
o Employee Compensation
o Non-Profit Funding Overview
o YTD Revenue and Expenditure 
Overview
o Property Tax
o Capital Improvement Program 
Overview
o Tentative Adoption May 19th
o Final Budget Adoption June 16th
Town Council 
Budget Workshop
Agenda

3
Introduction

• Market Adjustment
o 4% increase to all employees
o $350,000 (approx.)
• Compression
o Mid-Point, any EE with greater than 5 years of service will be moved to midpoint
▪$118,000 (approx.)
▪18 employees
o 86% Compa-Ratio, any EE still at less than 86% Compa-Ratio will be moved to 86%
▪$5,000 (approx.)
▪4 employees
• Total Base Cost: $473,000 (approx.)
4
Employee Compensation – 
Town Manager Recommendations

•
What is ECI? The Employment Cost Index (ECI) measures the change in the hourly labor costs to employers 
over time. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides this information.
•
What is Compa-Ratio? Also known as a comparison ratio, is a metric that compares an employee's salary 
to the midpoint of their salary range, or the midpoint of a market-based salary range for a similar role.
•
Market Comparisons for other agencies were gathered through the HR Forum and from the West Valley 
Town Manager Meeting. 
o 33 Respondents
▪Cities/Towns State-Wide
▪Comparator Organizations
▪Compensation increases include ALL combined compensation changes: COLA, Market, Merit, etc...
NOTE: Not all agencies participated, and all totals are subject to Council approval and final budget.
5
Employee Compensation

6
• Summary of Proposed Changes
o Quarterly Reports
▪Performance Data
▪Expenditures
o FSL funding possibly returning to 
historic amount of $60,000
o Proposed use of Bed Tax Funding for 
an economic development project at 
the pool
Contracts and 
Agreements

•
In spring 2022, the Town of Wickenburg was informed that Maricopa County would centralize CAP services through 
its online portal, ending local office support in Wickenburg. The Town provided FSL $60,000 in funding in 2022.
•
 FY23 and FY24 - The Town received $60,000 in "Community Impact Grants" from Maricopa County— In addition, 
The Town continued its own local contribution of $60,000, making the total contribution from the Town $120,000.
•
 FY25 the Town increased its local funding to FSL from $60,000 to $120,000 (no funding from Maricopa County) 
o
As of February 2025, Maricopa County has restored $30,000 in funding to FSL for CAP services, through its Peoria contract.
•
Performance Report - "In 2024, FSL reports continued delivery of key services in Wickenburg, including nearly 
$20,000 in direct CAP assistance and 990 referrals to Maricopa County, with a current focus on navigation services. 
The Senior Center Café served 29,310 meals in FY23, with increased engagement in congregate dining. Food bank 
distributions grew significantly from 258,292 to 347,736 pounds. Additionally, the Wickenburg Freedom Express 
provided 5,942 free rides and traveled 24,611 miles, with ongoing growth in ridership as more seniors rely on the 
service for transportation and independence."
7
Foundation for Senior Living - Social Services and Community Enrichment

• FY26 The Town Proposed to return FSL contract amount to $60,000 in local funding
• FSL requests the Town consider a FY26 grant/contract of $98,431 for services delivered by 
FSL/AllThrive 365, to seniors and families and add an additional $24,000 added to council 
contingency, to assist FSL should rumors of diminished Health and Human Services funds 
that support senior centers and home delivered meals come to fruition.
• FY26 Maricopa County will increase funding to FSL to $72,744 and in addition to servicing 
Peoria, Youngtown and Wickenburg; FSL will also service Carefree/Cave Creek, Anthem, 
Morristown, and Aguila sharing expenses across all service areas.
o Cave Creek and Carefree service area is new to FSL and will add to expenses for the 
Peoria Contract.
8
Foundation for Senior Living - Social Services and Community Enrichment Continued

9
FSL Freedom Express Program Update
Council Approval (Nov. 18, 2024):
• Authorized the Town Manager to execute a contract with FSL for the Freedom Express program.
• Approved up to $15,000 of funding per year for three years to cover all vehicle-related expenses: 
lease, insurance, fuel, and maintenance for a total estimated annual program cost of $28,000+
Funding Structure:
• Town retains LTAF II funds (~$16,500 annually, amount may vary) previously sent to FSL
• FSL responsible for staffing and volunteer driver-related expenses
Contract Status:
• The new draft contract is complete – not signed

• Bed Tax Fund, Bed Tax Marketing Distribution (320-60410).
o Taking previous Fiscal Year actual revenues.
o Subtracting operating expenses then 5% toward contingency
▪FY24 operating expenses: $25,000 Façade Improvement Grant, $10,000 Marketing 
II Grant, $5,500 Devore Statues.
o Remainder is divided/distributed equally at 33.3% on or before Aug 1 between the 
Chamber, Museum, and Webb Center to be used for Marketing.
o Three Agreements with all terms ending on July 1, 2026 or with 90-day written notice.
10
Bed Tax Funding Agreements – For Marketing & Economic Development

•
$66,347 (FY26) used to advertise Wickenburg or Wickenburg Special Events in publications or media with 10,000+ exposure.
•
Special Events include Gold Rush Days, Street Dance & Food Truck Fest, Fiesta de September, Bluegrass Festival, Cowboy Christmas 
Poetry Gathering, Christmas Parade of Lights, and trade shows.
•
Funds may be used for brochures, guides, billboards, and other promotional materials and the Town of Wickenburg must be listed as 
a sponsor in all materials funded by Town dollars.
•
An annual report must be submitted each year, detailing use of funds and marketing efforts.
o The report shall also include the total number of website visits recorded, including traffic to WickenburgChamber.com and 
OutWickenburgWay.com. It should also include a description of trade shows attended, the number of visitors to the Wickenburg 
Visitor Center, and the number of tourism-related telephone inquiries received.
•
Proposing change from annual reporting to quarterly reporting
o Includes proof of publication, invoice, receipts
o Adding: Number of Impressions/views, Engagement numbers for digital advertising, and an Economic Impact Narrative
11
Bed Tax Funding Agreement For Marketing – Chamber of Commerce

• In July 2024, the Town Council approved a renewal of the "Chamber Sponsorship 
Agreement," in the amount of $65K and extended the term of the contract from 1 year to 3 
years ending on June 30, 2027.
• Only be used in support of Gold Rush Days, Bluegrass Festival, Christmas Light Parade, and 
two Tourism Trade Shows.
• Funding is limited to marketing, promotion, and operation of the Special Events for 
upcoming fiscal years.
• Keep and maintain attendance records for the events and provide the data to the Town on a 
quarterly basis or after each Special Event.
12
Bed Tax Sponsorships – Chamber of Commerce

•
The Chamber may use the building in exchange for running it as an Official Visitor Center, compliant with the 
Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT).
•
The Chamber is responsible for all repairs, maintenance, and cleaning inside the building.
•
The Chamber must promote all businesses in town, businesses within two miles of town limits, and local tourist 
attractions at the Visitor Center.
•
The Chamber must operate the VisitWickenburg.com (OutWickenburgWay.com) website in cooperation with the 
Town.
•
The Visitor Center is currently not consistently open on weekends and major holidays.
•
At least twice a year, the Chamber must present a report to Town Council showing Visitor Center activity and 
compliance with AOT guidelines.
•
Agreement ends June 22, 2026.
13
Train Depot Rental – Visitor Center (Depot A)

• In 2021 the Chamber agreement specified market value lease payment for the space.
• In 2023 the lease agreement was modified for a reduction in lease amount.
• In 2024 the lease agreement was modified to $1 a year in recognition that the Chamber 
has invested over $500,000 in improvements to the space.
• Term ends July 21, 2027.
14
Train Depot Rental – Office Space (Depot B)

•
$66,347 (FY26) each organization used to Annually market and advertise its season of performing arts 
events to areas outside of Wickenburg.
•
The Town of Wickenburg must be listed as a sponsor in all materials funded by Town dollars.
•
An annual report must be submitted each year, detailing use of funds and marketing efforts.
• Proposing change from annual reporting to quarterly reporting
o Includes proof of publication, invoice, receipts
o Adding: Number of Impressions/views, Engagement numbers for digital advertising, and Narrative
15
Bed Tax Funding Agreement For Marketing – Del E Webb Center and Desert Caballeros 
Western Museum

•
Awarded for the first time this Fiscal Year  to Webb Center for the Performing Arts – $5,000; Desert 
Caballeros Western Museum – $4,000 
•
1-year terms ending on June 30, 2025.
•
Funded through Bed Tax Contingency Funds any payments back to the town using these funds will go back 
into the Bed Tax Fund.
•
Contractor must submit a report to the Town by May 1, 2025 (at least 60 days before the agreement ends). 
Report must include visitor attendance and impact on local businesses, quality of life impact summary of 
events, meetings, and activities organized, and their public benefits.
16
Bed Tax Sponsorships – Del E Webb Center and Desert Caballeros Western Museum

•
Bed Tax Fund Contingency $298,470 (Current), $350,914 (Proposed) 
• Proposed Pool Improvement Project – $222,000 (estimate as of 04/21/2025)
o Replace grass surface in 2 areas to eliminate chemicals getting into the pool and add shade structures 
for families and guests - $80,000
o Add a pool heater to extend swimming pool season - $142,000
*Does not include utility relocation
• Funding Options, if Council wishes to proceed with the project in FY26
o Charge 100% of Project Cost as an annual operating expense – eliminates available funding for 
marketing contracts
o Charge 50% to operating & 50% to the fund contingency – results in 57% reduction in Bed Tax 
Marketing Funding
o Charge 100% of the Project Cost to Contingency – leaves marketing funding whole for FY26
17
Bed Tax Funding Agreements – For Marketing & Economic Development

18
General Fund YTD Revenue Overview

19
General Fund YTD Expenditure Overview
2023-24 ACTUAL
2024-25 BUDGET
2024-25 YTD ACTUAL
2025-26 PROPOSED
FINANCE
767,086
759,888
557,067
840,277
GENERAL SERVICES
604,371
666,016
381,914
626,016
TOWN MANAGER
658,434
367,879
97,224
554,638
HUMAN RESOURCES
1,003
362,927
255,297
402,959
TOWN CLERK
177,482
242,303
158,310
243,197
TOWN COURT
357,763
563,957
343,154
483,684
TOWN ATTORNEY
269,552
301,320
187,999
285,000
RECREATION
575,600
585,086
276,950
613,139
ECON DEV & PUBLIC OUTREACH
228,307
456,847
281,151
406,935
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
415
583,356
345,586
570,167
LIBRARY
496,468
319,422
202,231
322,403
PARKS & FACILIY MAINTENANCE
1,562,785
2,282,240
1,569,023
1,773,128
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
665,089
670,637
436,179
717,969
PUBLIC SERVICES ADMIN
424,218
488,807
335,103
469,323
POLICE
4,934,165
6,531,732
4,091,787
6,397,048
FIRE
4,006,920
5,251,011
3,703,987
4,589,956
TOTALS
15,729,658
20,433,428
13,222,962
19,295,839

20
General Fund YTD Expenditure Overview with NEW 
Operating Contingency
2023-24 ACTUAL
2024-25 BUDGET
2024-25 YTD ACTUAL
2025-26 PROPOSED
FINANCE
767,086
759,888
557,067
840,277
GENERAL SERVICES
604,371
666,016
381,914
626,016
OPERATING CONTINGENCY
0
0
0
750,000
TOWN MANAGER
658,434
367,879
97,224
554,638
HUMAN RESOURCES
1,003
362,927
255,297
402,959
TOWN CLERK
177,482
242,303
158,310
243,197
TOWN COURT
357,763
563,957
343,154
483,684
TOWN ATTORNEY
269,552
301,320
187,999
285,000
RECREATION
575,600
585,086
276,950
613,139
ECON DEV & PUBLIC OUTREACH
228,307
456,847
281,151
406,935
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
415
583,356
345,586
570,167
LIBRARY
496,468
319,422
202,231
322,403
PARKS & FACILIY MAINTENANCE
1,562,785
2,282,240
1,569,023
1,773,128
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
665,089
670,637
436,179
717,969
PUBLIC SERVICES ADMIN
424,218
488,807
335,103
469,323
POLICE
4,934,165
6,531,732
4,091,787
6,397,048
FIRE
4,006,920
5,251,011
3,703,987
4,589,956
TOTALS
15,729,658
20,433,428
13,222,962
20,045,839

21
Property Tax

• Restricted Projected End of Year Fund Balance- $22,068,517
o-Contingency $3,173,744
o-Capital Reserve $1,000,000
o-Reserve $5,394,773 (30%) – policy is 15%
• Unrestricted Fund Balance- $12.5M
22
Start With the End in Mind