The Flagstaff City Council Budget Retreat on April 25, 2025, focused on critical discussions surrounding public safety, including fire services, law enforcement, and emergency management. The meeting aimed to address unmet needs within these departments and explore potential solutions to enhance public safety in the growing community.

Fire Chief Mark Gaillard highlighted the increasing demands on the fire department due to rising call volumes and the need for additional staffing. He emphasized that traditional revenue sources are insufficient to meet these growing needs, urging the council to consider alternative funding strategies. Gaillard pointed out that the current budget constraints make it challenging to maintain adequate staffing levels, especially with new benefits like parental leave that could further strain resources.

The conversation also included the need for improved technology and equipment within public safety operations. Chief Gaillard mentioned the importance of modernizing alert systems and investing in body-worn camera technology to enhance accountability and efficiency. He noted that many municipalities, including Phoenix, have recently implemented tax increases to address similar funding challenges.

Additionally, the council discussed the potential for a new fire station to support the JW Powell growth area, which is currently under consideration for affordable housing. The chiefs expressed the importance of balancing public safety needs with community development goals.

The meeting concluded with a call for the council to provide direction on evaluating various funding options, including reallocating existing fees and exploring new revenue sources. The chiefs emphasized the urgency of addressing these public safety needs to ensure the community's safety and well-being as Flagstaff continues to grow. The council plans to revisit these discussions in future meetings to develop actionable strategies.