Gila River Indian Community presents proposed budget at a pair of outreach meetings in District 1 and District 7

Emma Hughes
Gila River Indian News

The Gila River Indian Community held a pair of meetings to present the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The FY2020 Budget Community Outreach meetings were held on Aug. 14 in District 1 at the Multi-Purpose Building and Aug. 15 at the District 7 Service Center. The meetings were hosted by the Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor, Office of the Treasurer and the Office of the Community Manager, where a preview of the upcoming operating budget was presented.

Community members listened to Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis, Lt. Gov. Robert Stone, and Treasurer Robert Keller as slides of the budget overview were presented. To open the discussions, Gov. Lewis pointed out two key increases to the FY2020 Budget, which included an increase for housing and public safety. 

 In addressing the increase to public safety, Gov. Lewis said there has been issues with crime and response time to the District 6 and District 7 areas, also with the new South Mountain 202 freeway there will be a significant increase in traffic through the area. 

Gov. Lewis reiterated to the Community there is a commitment in the budget to build more homes in the years to come.  A Gov. Lewis reiterated to the Community there is a commitment in the budget to build more homes in the years to come.  A question and answer session followed the budget overview, which solicited questions on budget planning for the future, revenue growth, marginal increase in total budget over last year, and much more. The final FY2020 Budget was presented to the full Community Council and approved on Aug. 21.