FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2025
CONTACT: Rick Miller, Interim Town Manager
928-368-8696, Ext. 227
Pinetop-Lakeside Council Finalizes Balanced 2026 Budget
Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona — The Town of Pinetop-Lakeside has finalized a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2026, the result of months of careful planning, difficult decisions, and a shared commitment by Council and staff to restore financial stability.
Building on corrective actions taken earlier this year, the Town has implemented additional cost-saving measures to ensure long-term fiscal health while maintaining essential community services.
Budget Adjustments and Cost Savings
- Operational Savings: An additional 10% reduction in operating costs was implemented in the Public Works and Police Departments, with a 5% reduction in other general fund departments.
- Contract Reviews: Every Town contract was reviewed for value and necessity; several were modified or cancelled, achieving significant savings.
- Staffing Restructuring: Cost reductions were realized through voluntary resignations, organizational restructuring, and—where necessary—position eliminations. Compensation was also adjusted to bring all positions within the approved pay ranges.
Leadership and Transition
- Town Manager Vacancy: The Town anticipates a vacancy in the Town Manager position later this fall, as Interim Town Manager Rick Miller announced he will depart in mid-November. Mr. Miller has assured Council and staff that he remains committed to assisting the Town whenever needed, underscoring his dedication to supporting a positive path forward.
- Finance Oversight: Earlier this year, the Town transitioned to a third-party contracted Finance Director, which has already strengthened financial oversight and improved reporting.
- Department Leadership Changes: Two additional resignations included the Public Works Director and the Community Services Director. To ensure continuity, an Interim Public Works Director will be designated to maintain momentum on community projects. The Community Services Director position remains vacant while staff reviews departmental structure and responsibilities, with the intent to reopen the position later this year.
Commitment to Fiscal Responsibility
While these changes have required difficult choices, they have brought the Town back into a positive budget position. The Council and staff remain focused on:
- Preserving public safety and vital services.
- Continuing to strengthen financial controls and oversight.
- Building reserves to ensure long-term stability.
- Exploring opportunities for economic development to grow future revenues.
- Identifying additional areas to responsibly reduce spending where possible.
A Message to the Community
“These decisions were not taken lightly,” said Mayor Stephanie Irwin. “They reflect our commitment to sound financial management and our responsibility to the people of Pinetop-Lakeside. We are now in a positive position, and we will continue to work diligently to increase reserves, strengthen services, and invest in the future of our community.”
The Town of Pinetop-Lakeside remains dedicated to transparency, accountability, and integrity. Council and staff will continue to provide updates as progress is made toward a stronger financial foundation.