Cottonwood Mayor Tim Elinski spoke at Yavapai College for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Brown Bag series on Wednesday, April 5, about the current state of the city and how he believes it is on its way to becoming a regional economic driver.
Elinksi is in his second term as Cottonwood’s mayor and has been serving the city for almost 18 years, beginning with a term on the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission. He spoke about his passion for rural communities and helping them thrive and reflected on his upbringing in rural Arizona outside Payson.
In terms of finances, Elinski stated that the city is in a good place. Fiscal year 2021-22 ended within budget and with an increase of $6.5 million in reserves. He reminded the audience that there is no property tax in Cottonwood, which is 100% reliant on sales tax.
Elinksi stated that he is mission-oriented. The city’s strategic plan is put together every year and helps the local government establish goals and priorities for the city. Potential changes to the plan in 2023 could include prioritizing infrastructure, leading with environmental stewardship, building the quality of life through sustainable growth and development, furthering financial accountability and transparency and making sure that the city has a voice through education, communication and regional collaboration.
Cottonwood’s general plan, the guide for how the city should grow and change in coming years, is a voter-approved plan that is updated every ten years. It is a policy document that is carried out through the strategic plan and ordinances. Upcoming meetings for the public to provide input on the plan will take place on May 15 at 6 p.m. and May 20 at 10 a.m. at the Rec Center. Residents can also provide input through an online survey.
Elinski mentioned various projects that the city is currently implementing or planning for the next couple of years, including:
- Repaving Main Street from Walgreens to Grey Fox Ridge
- Pavement preservation
- Acquiring a ladder truck and pumper truck
- Trail creation and recreation center maintenance
- Wastewater projects
Other projects currently taking place within the city include the Mesquite Hills home development, 192 units at the Inspiration Apartments, 40 units at the Village on Birch infill project and the Caduceus Cellars HillTop Facility.
Elinski emphasized that Cottonwood is located in the heart of Arizona wine country and that the council used that phrase to rebrand the city a few years ago. According to a 2015 study, the HillTop facility will create an economic benefit of $58 million, as well as around 600 direct jobs and the need for added employee training at Yavapai College.
“AirBNB have crippled our ability to have workforce housing,” Elinski said on the topic of housing.
He stated that the Arizona State Legislature won’t let the city regulate short-term and vacation rentals in any meaningful way, but they are trying to negotiate with developers.
According to Elinski, around 20% of Sedona’s housing stock is taken up by vacation rentals. He noted that there is also an excessive amount of focus on apartments even though Cottonwood needs all types of housing.
Cottonwood has hired a new city manager, Scotty Douglass, who is expected to start around May 15. The previous city manager, Ron Corbin, held the job for three years; Rudy Rodriguez has been the interim city manager. The city is also looking for a new city attorney. They reviewed applications in March and interviewed candidates on April 10. They are hoping to extend an offer to their top candidate and can reasonably expect a new attorney as early as May or June.
The city council also has an open seat that needs to be filled following the recent resignation of council member Tosca Henry.
Elinski went on to discuss the new city hall building. The city is in the planning phase right now and plans to make it a one-stop-shop housing as many services as possible. Elinski stated that this arrangement will be more convenient for the public because the city’s facilities are scattered around the city right now. The city buildings in Old Town will be sold and become new businesses, with the exception of two that will be used to make a corridor opening on the activity park. There is the possibility of an amphitheater being built on the site for live music, as well as additional parking.
Elinski emphasized that Cottonwood is growing and this comes with both rewards and challenges. “It’s up to our community to decide how we grow,” Elinski said.
