Page local news summary
Week of January 21, 2026
Page City Council mourns passing of Councilor David Auge
Audit reveals clean financial bill of health for fiscal year 2025
Council approves land sale for residential-only subdivision
Bowling and family fun center project gets extension
City revives discussion on short-term rental licensing
City launches online portal to address data center concerns
Microtransit system proposed to replace fixed bus routes
Board approves expanded floodplain maps for Tusayan area
$1.37 million grant accepted for Tuba City service center
Sheriff's Office secures funding for K-9 unit and armored vehicle
Contract approved for $651,000 restroom at Fort Tuthill
Urban trail system expands with Picture Canyon connection
Conservation easement protects 157 acres in Bull Basin
Page City Council mourns passing of Councilor David Auge
PAGE, Ariz. — The Page City Council began its Jan. 14 meeting with a tribute to Councilor David Auge, who died Jan. 10 following a prolonged health battle. Mayor Steve Kidman read a statement honoring Auge, a resident since 1976 who served as a volunteer firefighter, EMT and board member for the John Wesley Powell Museum before joining the council in 2020. Vice Mayor Mike Farrow described Auge as a dedicated volunteer who was "always willing to meet with anyone to listen and work toward common ground."
Audit reveals clean financial bill of health for fiscal year 2025
PAGE, Ariz. — The city received an unmodified "clean" opinion on its fiscal year 2025 financial audit presented by Squire, formerly Hinton Burdick. Auditor McKay Hall reported that the city's total net assets increased by $18.2 million over the prior year, signaling strong financial health. While the electric fund has returned to profitability following rate adjustments, Hall noted that the water and sewer funds saw expenditures slightly exceed revenues, a trend he advised the council to monitor.
Council approves land sale for residential-only subdivision
PAGE, Ariz. — The City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 747-26, authorizing the sale of city-owned land off Newburn Road to Premium Builders LLC for a new housing development. The agreement involves the initial sale of eight acres, with an option for the developer to purchase an additional four acres for a future phase. The purchase agreement includes a restriction prohibiting vacation rentals within the subdivision, ensuring the project focuses on residential housing needs.
Bowling and family fun center project gets extension
PAGE, Ariz. — The City Council unanimously approved an amendment to a land purchase agreement with developer Kane Scott, granting an extension to finalize plans for a proposed bowling and family fun center. The development, located near the public safety facility, has faced delays due to the lack of adjacent sewer infrastructure. The extension allows the developer additional time to engineer a sewer solution with Page Utility Enterprises and secure final funding.
City revives discussion on short-term rental licensing
PAGE, Ariz. — Council members voted unanimously to direct the city manager and city clerk to develop a fee schedule and departmental structure for a new short-term rental licensing program. City Attorney Josh Smith presented a draft ordinance that would allow the city to enforce safety regulations, require local emergency contacts and mandate neighbor notifications. While state law prohibits capping the number of rentals, the licensing program would provide the city with accurate data on rental inventory and a mechanism to revoke licenses for repeated violations.
City launches online portal to address data center concerns
PAGE, Ariz. — Amidst intense public comment regarding the proposed 500-acre Huntley LLC data center, the city announced the immediate launch of a transparency portal on the city's website. The page features a "Frequently Asked Questions" section, links to land sale ordinances and a mechanism for residents to submit questions directly to staff. The initiative aims to address concerns regarding non-disclosure agreements and an alleged lack of transparency cited by several residents during the meeting's public comment period.
Microtransit system proposed to replace fixed bus routes
PAGE, Ariz. — The council directed staff to finalize a proposal from the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) and Quality Connections to replace the city's fixed-route bus system with an on-demand "microtransit" model. NACOG Mobility Planner Todd Morris presented the plan, likening it to a ride-share service similar to Uber or Lyft, which would utilize a $630,000 federal grant requiring a local match. The council aims to approve the application before the mid-February deadline.
Board approves expanded floodplain maps for Tusayan area
The Coconino County Flood Control District Board of Directors approved a resolution adopting a new floodplain study for the Coconino Wash in the Tusayan area, significantly expanding the designated local flood zone. District Director Lucinda Andreani presented updated modeling showing a greater area of inundation and flood volume than previously indicated by decades-old Federal Emergency Management Agency maps. While the designation does not mandate flood insurance for property owners, officials noted it will impact future development requirements in the gateway community to the Grand Canyon to better protect life and infrastructure.
$1.37 million grant accepted for Tuba City service center
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors accepted a $1.375 million Community Facilities Grant to construct the Coconino County Tribal Nation Service Center in Tuba City. The facility will be built on county-owned land at the Louise Yellowman County Park, utilizing congressionally directed spending secured by former U.S. Rep. Tom O'Halleran. Facilities Management Director Mike Loven said the design phase is expected to begin this spring, with the center aiming to centralize county services for residents in Tuba City, Page and Navajo Mountain who currently face long travel times to Flagstaff.
Sheriff's Office secures funding for K-9 unit and armored vehicle
The Board of Supervisors approved a $443,905 agreement with the Arizona Department of Public Safety to fund a full-time K-9 deputy position and upgrades to a SWAT armored vehicle. Sheriff's Office officials highlighted the success of K-9 Dex, who was named K-9 Team of the Year and recently seized 70,000 fentanyl pills. The funding will also cover maintenance and upgrades—including bulletproof windshield replacement and medical supplies—for a 2007 Bearcat armored vehicle previously acquired from the Scottsdale Police Department, which officials noted was deployed 30 times last year for violent criminal apprehensions.
Contract approved for $651,000 restroom at Fort Tuthill
The Board of Supervisors approved a contract with Public Restroom Company for the installation of a new four-stall prefabricated restroom at Fort Tuthill County Park, totaling $651,382. Parks and recreation staff pivoted to a prefabricated model after original construction bids exceeded expectations. The new facility will be located near the Navajo Ramada to serve picnic areas and provide relief for visitors queuing for the county fair, addressing long-standing infrastructure needs at the park.
Urban trail system expands with Picture Canyon connection
The Board of Supervisors approved a resolution dedicating a trail easement to the city of Flagstaff to expand the Flagstaff Urban Trail System. The agreement allows the city to construct a new trail section connecting Old Route 66 to Picture Canyon, located above an existing sewer line easement on county property. The county will be compensated just over $17,000 for the easement, which Public Works Director Christopher Tressler noted coincides with upcoming Route 66 centennial celebrations.
Conservation easement protects 157 acres in Bull Basin
The Board of Supervisors authorized a deed of conservation easement for the Bull Basin Forest, protecting approximately 157 acres of private land within the Kaibab National Forest. Funded through the Forest Legacy Program, the easement prevents future development on the property, which was deemed nationally significant for its natural and cultural resources. The agreement bears no financial obligation for the county but establishes Coconino County Parks and Recreation as the holder of the easement to ensure the land's permanent preservation.
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