Page City Council Summary
Week of March 15, 2026
Council rejects land sale extension for luxury resort
Vandalism reported at unopened city splash pad
Library staff commended for volunteer renovation of PERA Club
Officials lobby for federal funds for redundant water line
City approves $226,890 motor grader purchase ahead of summer events
Voters to decide on $62 million city spending limit
Council seeks to restrict use of non-disclosure agreements
City explores employee housing on vacant lots
Page police technology instrumental in catching triple murder suspect
Page airport reports high flight completion rates
Council rejects land sale extension for luxury resort
PAGE, Ariz. — An ordinance that would have amended an existing purchase agreement with a resort developer, preserving a portion of the Red Mesa Rim Trail for public use, was rejected in a 4-3 vote. The developer sought the additional land to increase security and privacy for its high-end resort guests, offering the city $100,000 for trail relocation. During debates over the economic benefits of the resort — which promises more than 100 local jobs — against the permanent loss of pristine, irreplaceable public recreation areas, three council members voted in favor of the sale, while four voted against the measure. [FLAG: The developer is not named. Could not confirm and add the developer/company name.]
Vandalism reported at unopened city splash pad
PAGE, Ariz. — Vandalism issues were reported at the new Page Sports Complex splash pad before its official opening. City staff are currently evaluating potential security solutions to protect the facility. Meanwhile, updated sports complex bathrooms and the development of an urban trail were named as top capital improvement priorities for the upcoming budget year.
Library staff commended for volunteer renovation of PERA Club
PAGE, Ariz. — The city's library and event staff were praised for personally cleaning and painting the newly opened PERA Club to save the city the cost of hiring outside contractors. The facility recently hosted a successful open house with more than 175 attendees and is already receiving private rental requests, with the recreation department planning to hold regular office hours at the site.
Officials lobby for federal funds for redundant water line
PAGE, Ariz. — During a Page Utility Enterprises liaison update, it was reported that city officials are actively lobbying federal lawmakers to attach funding for a redundant city water line to a major federal refurbishment package tied to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Residents were urged to contact their congressional representatives to support the federal funding, which is deemed critical for the long-term security of the city's water infrastructure.
City approves $226,890 motor grader purchase ahead of summer events
PAGE, Ariz. — To prepare for an influx of summer tourists, the $226,890 purchase of a used 2017 Caterpillar motor grader from Empire Machinery was approved. The equipment will replace a failing 1985 model that requires excessive hydraulic fluid just to start. The public works department requested the mid-year purchase to immediately improve sandy parking conditions at the Page Shores Amphitheater and the Lake Powell National Golf Course ahead of the Fourth of July fireworks celebration.
Voters to decide on $62 million city spending limit
PAGE, Ariz. — A resolution was approved proposing a permanent adjustment to the city's 1979 base expenditure limitation. The measure, which will head to the primary election ballot, would effectively raise the city's spending ceiling to $62 million. City officials explained the adjustment is necessary to account for inflation and modern enterprise funds, noting the city nearly faced a $1.5 million state fine two years ago when an unexpected spike in wholesale power prices temporarily pushed municipal expenditures over the outdated legal limit.
Council seeks to restrict use of non-disclosure agreements
PAGE, Ariz. — It was agreed to add a future agenda item to establish a clear policy restricting the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in city business. The initiative was proposed with arguments that NDAs undermine public trust, shield government operations from citizen oversight and allow individual employees to bind the municipality to secrecy without council knowledge or consent.
City explores employee housing on vacant lots
PAGE, Ariz. — City staff will draft proposals for developing city-owned vacant lots to provide housing for essential municipal employees, such as police officers and firefighters. Following public comment urging the city not to allow short-term vacation rentals on the property, staff were directed to explore long-term investments like modular homes or a multiplex. The initiative aims to help the city attract and retain professional staff amid an ongoing local housing shortage.
Page police technology instrumental in catching triple murder suspect
PAGE, Ariz. — Two Page police lieutenants were commended for their use of real-time policing technology that helped lead to the apprehension of Ivan Miller, who was arrested in Pagosa Springs on weapons charges and identified as a suspect in a Utah triple homicide. On March 4, officers entered the fleeing suspect's vehicle information into the city's Flock license plate reader database. The system determined the suspect had already driven through Page, correcting outside trackers who were following the wrong vehicle. The rapid intelligence sharing ultimately allowed Colorado authorities to apprehend the suspect a few hours later without incident.
Page airport reports high flight completion rates
PAGE, Ariz. — Strong performance metrics were reported for Contour Airlines, citing a 99.5% flight completion rate and an 81% on-time performance rate for the regional carrier. The airline has also expanded its terminal partnerships, securing additional operations at Terminal 4 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which is expected to improve connectivity and layover convenience for Page residents and visitors.
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