SAFFORD — The City of Safford wants to bring the other communities to the bargaining table.
“Recommended action: the mayor and council direct staff to negotiate a new intergovernmental agreement for the library, and renegotiate the current intergovernmental agreement for the golf course with Graham County, the Town of Thatcher and the Town of Pima to be more equally shared financial responsibility,” said City Manager John Cassella.
During Monday’s meeting, the City Council voted 5-1 to have city staff begin the negotiations. Voting to oppose was City Councilman Steve McGaughey.
In 2016, the City of Safford and the Town of Thatcher agreed to jointly manage the Mt. Graham Golf Course. The course is owned by Safford, but located within Thatcher town limits.
According to a presentation by the City’s Finance Department in November 2024, for the 2024-25 fiscal year, Safford will pay out $293,100 and provide $490,000 worth of treated effluent to water the course. Thatcher will pay $25,000, as well as up to $60,000 for in-kind services, which includes gas and electric service, as well as Town of Thatcher sewer and trash services.
There is no agreement for the library; however, Graham County will contribute $50,000 this fiscal year, while the city will pay out $836,873.
In that same November presentation, the city’s Finance Department stated the City of Safford collects $1,494 per resident from sales and property taxes as well as state shared revenues. Meanwhile Thatcher collects $1,551 per resident, despite not levying a property tax.
The Town of Pima collects $851 per resident annually, while Graham County collects $636 per resident in the unincorporated areas, according to the Finance Department.
