City Set to Boost Workforce with Five or More New Hires Next Year

As the new year approaches, the Sedona City Council convenes for its annual priority retreat, focusing on significant staffing enhancements. Among the proposals is the addition of a transportation planner, an emergency management coordinator, three new police officers—including a dedicated homelessness officer—an on-call arborist, and a new consultant.

Police

During the Dec. 11 council meeting, Police Chief Stephanie Foley emphasized the essential need for an emergency management coordinator. “Given that we’re in two counties, the additional meetings necessitate this role,” she explained. Foley proposed starting with a part-time position, clarifying it would not be sworn, but envisions it evolving into a full-time role as its importance grows.

Foley highlighted the Sedona Police Department’s history of staffing cuts, with the force reduced from 32 sworn officers to the current 29 since 2009. Despite an increase to 30 last year, the department remains short as retirements and resignations loom. “We are actively seeking experienced candidates in the area,” she noted, stressing the lengthy training process for new hires, which can last up to a year.

Foley also suggested establishing a homelessness officer position similar to that in Cottonwood, addressing Council Mayor Scott Jablow’s concerns regarding public safety. “We believe this role is necessary,” she stated, inviting council support for the initiative.

Councilwoman Melissa Dunn speculated that one officer may not suffice, hinting at a potential need for multiple new sworn positions alongside the civilian roles.

Community Development

Community Development Director Steve Mertes presented more conservative staffing proposals. He indicated a need for a small stipend for an on-call arborist and highlighted his current efforts to recruit two planners—one to fill a senior planner vacancy and another to succeed Principal Planner Cynthia Lovely, who is retiring soon.

Additionally, Mertes mentioned plans to refine the city’s building and land development codes, stating a consultant would be hired to expedite the process, as full completion would require additional years if managed solely by staff.

In a prior meeting, cyclists requested a full-time trails coordinator, prompting City Manager Anette Spickard to clarify the community’s interest in a multi-modal transportation planner instead.

City Clerk

City Clerk JoAnne Cook revealed discussions within her office regarding a new hybrid position aimed at short-term rental enforcement, indicating a proactive approach to addressing local housing issues.

Human Resources

Human Resources Manager Russ Martin reported a positive trend in staff turnover, now at 18.5% for the last fiscal year, significantly down from 31% in FY23. In total, 36 positions were filled in FY24, with an additional 25 in the first five months of FY25.

Martin connected the city’s staffing challenges to housing availability. “The issue extends beyond basic opportunities; it involves finding a home suitable for families,” he conveyed, referencing insights from exit interviews that highlighted inadequate living conditions as a primary concern. Presently, he noted, only about 23% of city staff reside in Sedona full-time.

The council’s discussions highlight ongoing efforts to enhance the city’s infrastructure and community services, laying the groundwork for future growth amid shifting population dynamics.