To the editor,
As your Maricopa City Councilmember, I believe transparency is non-negotiable. That’s why I am inviting every resident and taxpayer in Maricopa to review the city’s draft Capital Improvement Projects plan and share your thoughts before it is adopted in May and June as part of our annual budget.
On Thursday, the City Council held a two-hour budget meeting to discuss the upcoming CIP plan. Councilmembers were not provided the full draft plan in advance of the meeting. Instead, we were presented with a limited selection of projects that staff chose to highlight and were told that we would receive a link to the complete proposal after the meeting concluded. During that two-hour meeting, a lot was covered.
The Capital Improvement Plan outlines millions of dollars in short- and long-term investments that shape our city’s infrastructure, public safety capabilities and future growth. It deserves thorough review not only by Council, but by the community whose tax dollars fund it. I also feel strongly that a document of this magnitude should be provided to Council in advance, so we have time to review and absorb it and prepare questions for the meeting.
While the draft plan is not currently posted online for public access as it should be, Council and public scrutiny are vital steps prior to approval. In the interests of transparency and accountability, I believe residents deserve the opportunity to hear Council and staff input before it is adopted. I am happy to share the link directly with anyone who would like to see it. If you would like access to the draft CIP plan, please call or email me and I will send it to you.
There are several exciting and important proposals included in the draft. Among them:
- A proposed shooting range for our police department to enhance officer training and safety.
- Capital purchases necessary to help us implement municipal emergency ambulance services once the state approves our application.
- Transportation projects designed to improve road conditions and reduce congestion, including proposed signal timing upgrades that could significantly improve traffic flow.
These are meaningful investments in public safety and infrastructure. At the same time, as I have begun reviewing the full draft, I have questions about why certain projects are prioritized over others. Responsible budgeting requires us to examine not just what is included, but also what isn’t, as well as the order and rationale behind those decisions.
I will be submitting my questions to the City Manager, and I would be glad to include any questions or concerns you may have as well. This is your city and your tax dollars. You deserve a voice in how they are allocated.
AnnaMarie Knorr, Maricopa City Council member
3 Responses
Be careful Ms Knorr as the mayor and the rest of the pecking order really don’t care for transparent public servants.Myself as a taxpayer for eighteen years applaud you.
Give some thought to capital expenditures for roads, sidewalks, and utilities that don’t unduly burden smaller businesses. There’s a reason we only see larger corporate chains out here — they’re the only ones who can foot the onerous infrastructure demands that the city puts on businesses who want to come here.
What Walter Smith said ^ is exactly why its so expensive for small businesses to take root in the city. Large home developers have the funds to build the side walks and roads in and out of their developments but small business cant take that big of a hit. See Zeek’s pizza example.