BY LINDA BENTLEY | JUNE 13, 2012

Carefree adopts $6.5 million bottom-line budget

Marketing plan to target ‘female socialites’

A plaque has been added to the wall in the Carefree Town Council chambers next to the metal “Carefree” sculpture behind the dais to commemorate one of the town’s founders, K.T. Palmer, who crafted the piece.   Photos by Linda Bentley


CAREFREE – During the June 5 meeting, Mayor David Schwan announced there would be a special council meeting on Tuesday, June 12, to hold a workshop to discuss business advertising signs in the right-of-way.

He also said, due to the holiday, the July council meeting, during which the same subject would be discussed, will be held on July 10.

Schwan pointed out the new plaque on the wall behind the dais next to the “Carefree” metal sculpture, which he described as an “artifact” from one of the town’s original founders, commemorated K.T. Palmer, who crafted the piece.

Chief John Kraetz (l) told council how valuable Rural/Metro Fire’s mutual aid agreement is, as he described the response from other fire departments to a Carefree house fire on June 4, started by the sun’s rays hitting the lens of a high-powered telescope on the owners’ patio.

Holly Bergman thanked council for its support of the town’s business community while acknowledging the town’s move to employ Owens Harkey Advertising to continue its marketing efforts.

Schwan presented Bergman, Jo Gemmill and Kim Prince each with a plaque to thank them for their service to the business community.

Matt Owens (r) with Owens Harkey said his firm was “very thrilled” to be involved and said they would be targeting “female socialites” and female tourists, since women are the primary decision makers when it comes to destinations and discretionary spending.

He also said they needed to remain flexible as they see what works and what doesn’t.

Without much discussion and with Councilman Mike Farrar absent, council unanimously adopted a tentative budget with a bottom line of $6,450,871.

During discussion of road closures for various upcoming Thunderbird Art and Wine Festivals, Councilman Jim Van Allen questioned the number of deputies assigned during the festivals.

Town Administrator Gary Neiss stated it was the festival promoter’s responsibility to provide security for the events and provide insurance, holding the town harmless.

Van Allen said there used to be more deputies assigned to the events.

Schwan interrupted to say council was only voting to approve road closures, which it approved unanimously, and told Van Allen he could discuss his concerns with Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office or the posse.

Council also unanimously approved a new three-year contract for law enforcement services with MCSO, although Schwan seemed surprised the contract term was for three years.

Schwan stated, although he forgot to mention it during the Carefree Water Board meeting, upon approving the water company’s budget citizens probably want to know what the water rate increase is going to be and said it will be 2.8 percent.