As the fiscal year edges closer, the residents of Tombstone, Arizona, are being called upon to voice their concerns and comments about the city’s financial future. A public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget is scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, at 6:00 p.m. at Schieffelin Hall, located at 402 E. Fremont Street. According to a notice published on the city's official website, the hearing provides an opportunity for citizens to contribute to the financial dialogue, albeit without a back-and-forth discussion with council members at this juncture.
The public hearing is strictly designated for the Mayor and City Council to gather public input - there will be no discussions or debates with city officials during this period. The city has clarified that "During the “Public Hearing” there will NOT be any discussion with the Mayor and Council regarding the proposed Budget." For those interested in direct responses to specific inquiries, the city encourages submitting questions in writing to the City Clerk, Charisa Presti, by 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 10th.
Fulfilling a crucial aspect of civic engagement, the public hearing acts as a prelude to a more decisive meeting. On Tuesday, July 16, the Special City Council Meeting will take place where council members may deliberate on the budget proposition and respond to the public’s comments. This later meeting promises a platform for a potentially more interactive and responsive discussion about the community's financial allocations and priorities.
In anticipation of these meetings, residents of Tombstone are encouraged to take this chance to influence the course of their city’s budgetary roadmap. The city’s solicitation for public comments, and the structured format of the hearings, aim to ensure that the breadth of community voices is heard. For added convenience, the City Offices, in observance of Independence Day, will be closed on July 4-5, but residents can look forward to engaging with their local government in the following week’s sessions.
