Council Weighs Staff Demands for Expanded Hiring

During recent budget work sessions on April 30 and May 1, the Sedona City Council reviewed a proposal to hire at least 12.76 new full-time equivalent staff members for fiscal year 2025-26. This plan aims to fill newly created positions and provide additional support for vacant roles and consultants.

If the proposed hires are completed, the total city staff will increase to 201.65. The projected cost for these new positions is approximately $2,937,712, excluding two court specialists. Initially, the staff suggested adding 14.76 new positions, which includes various roles within the Sedona Police Department and municipal court, as well as a dedicated short-term rental code enforcement officer.

The City Council approved all new positions after discussion. Finance Director Barbara Whitehorn noted during her presentation that staffing levels had significantly decreased following the Great Recession, dropping from 167 in FY09 to 117 in FY12. She highlighted a modest 13.2% increase over the past 16 years.

The estimated population of Sedona saw a decline from 10,017 in 2012 to 9,819 in 2023. Councilman Brian Fultz questioned the impact of previous staff reductions. Deputy City Manager Andy Dickey indicated that essential functions continued, with cuts primarily affecting project managers tied to optional capital projects.

Hiring remains a challenge due to geographical considerations. Human Resources Manager Russ Martin emphasized the need to provide competitive salaries, particularly as commuting impacts decisions. The average salary in Sedona is currently $74,219, as of March 2025.

Discussions around police staffing included presentations by SPD Support Services Manager Erin Loeffler and Police Chief Stephanie Foley. Three potential models outlined a need for additional officers, with Foley advocating for nine additional positions. This would increase the department’s FTE count from 40.5 in FY15 to 60.5 in FY26, indicating a 30% rise in sworn officers.

The Council voted to fund nine officers for nine months, allowing time for recruitment. Concerns about traffic collisions prompted council inquiries, with Foley stating that the current level of policing is insufficient to achieve a decline in incidents.

Crime statistics indicate a significant decrease in offenses over the years, with arrests dropping from 662 in FY07 to 445 in FY24 and traffic citations falling by over half since FY08.

Concerns about hiring amid existing vacancies were raised by Vice Mayor Holli Ploog. Foley assured the Council of realistic hiring prospects, citing a waiting list for candidates. Plans to hire a commercial vehicle inspector were also introduced, alongside the intention to appoint a qualified code enforcement officer specifically for short-term rentals.

As of May 9, the city had several full-time openings, including for police officers and community services positions. City Manager Anette Spickard reported ongoing recruitment efforts for a second deputy city manager and aimed to fill a vacant senior planner position as well.

In the pursuit of enhanced city services, various departments have requested additional funding for consultants. A $15,000 allocation was proposed for a review of the city’s contracts, while a housing strategy consultant was sought for $105,000 to develop a comprehensive housing plan. Furthermore, Public Works Director Kurt Harris discussed an ongoing need for a licensed arborist and the steps being taken for an Uptown circulator study.

Lastly, the city plans to boost tourism efforts through professional engagement at local hotels. Tourism Manager Andrew Grossman shared that Sedona has hosted around 130 individuals within 40 familiarization trips, signaling continued focus on attracting visitors to the area.