The Fountain Hills FY2025-2026 Adopted Budget Book is officially available! The Town Council officially adopted the balanced Fiscal Year 2025–26 budget, a financial roadmap that balances responsibility with bold investments in our community’s future. Town staff have diligently worked to finalize the adopted budget that ensures essential services remain strong while launching projects that will improve daily life for residents and visitors alike.

Here are some key highlights:

1. Downtown Streetscape Design – $515,000
This year, the Town will begin the design phase of its Downtown Streetscape Improvement Program. With $515,000 allocated, the effort will focus on planning enhancements along Verde River Drive and Parkview Avenue. These designs will guide future construction to create a more welcoming, comfortable, and pedestrian-friendly downtown area that supports local businesses and provides a gathering place for residents.

 2. Palomino Boulevard Reconstruction – $5.4 million
One of the Town’s most traveled roadways will undergo a complete overhaul. This full-depth reconstruction will replace aging asphalt, add new curbs, and include dedicated bike lanes as part of the new pavement markings. The result will be smoother, more efficient travel for both drivers and cyclists. This project was approved by the Council in addition to the $5 million it previously allocated to the Pavement Management Program for other street paving projects throughout Town, bringing the total investment to more than $10 million for repairing and preserving our roads.

3. Pleasantville Park – $700,000
Fountain Hills is adding a brand-new park at the corner of Bainbridge and Golden Eagle Boulevard. Pleasantville Park will be designed as a space for yoga, tai chi, stargazing, and educational nature walks. With its focus on wellness and outdoor enjoyment, this “pocket park” will offer something unique for residents of all ages.

4. Strengthening Fire & Emergency Medical Services – $6 million total budget
Public safety remains a top priority. The FY26 budget invests in expanding the Fire Department’s command structure, creating three new Battalion Chief positions and preparing Fountain Hills for automatic aid status. This means faster, more efficient emergency responses in partnership with neighboring cities.

5. Other Significant Parks and Streets Improvements

The FY26 budget includes many other investments for safer parks and renewed streets infrastructure. For example, the Town plans to replace three aging ramadas around Fountain Park to better serve our residents and visitors and has allocated $50,000 to rejuvenate the dog park at Desert Vista Park. Community Services will also complete year 2 of 3 of a multi-year program to improve the Avenue Linear Park in the Downtown area. Public Works will also begin a large-scale project to widen Shea Boulevard between Palisades and Fountain Hills boulevards.

Chief Financial Officer Paul Soldinger celebrated the budget’s adoption, saying:
“This budget reflects a balance between fiscal responsibility and meaningful investment. By improving roads, parks, public safety, and our downtown core, we’re building a stronger, safer, and more connected community. Every dollar in this plan supports the quality of life our residents and visitors deserve.”

You can view the entire budget book HERE.