The town of Patagonia has been busy over the past few years. During the economic downturn, with significant cuts in state funds, it has been challenging for a small town to make ends meet. However, with careful planning and management, the town of Patagonia has not only weathered the downturn but has made some significant improvements in infrastructure and services.
The town secured over a million dollars of grant and loan funding to upgrade our water system. Also, with a $50,000 grant, the town was able to make energy-saving improvements to the waste water treatment plant. Other improvements include a new, more efficient garbage truck; a brush chipper that reduces landfill volume and provides mulch for town parks and residents; and a donation of kitchen upgrades for Cady Hall.
To make ends meet, the town reduced administration staff by one part-time employee; eliminated the part-time consultant for budget and accounting; reduced public works staff by one employee; revised waste disposal procedures to reduce costs; reduced the vehicle fleet by 11 vehicles, saving insurance and maintenance costs; substantially improved collection of business taxes; changed the town attorney and substantially reduced related costs; and refurbished the marshal’s office with in-house labor.
The town council, town manager, and town attorney have systematically reviewed and updated the town code over the past two years. Nearly complete, this process is resulting in a code that better reflects the needs of Patagonia residents.
The council negotiated and received approval of a new 20-year franchise agreement for electricity from Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative. The agreement has provisions that are more favorable for the town.
The town secured official watershed designation from the US Forest Service. This gives the town another tool to protect its water supply.
The marshal’s office has increased traffic enforcement from near zero to about 200 citations per month; secured training so the town now has commercial motor vehicle inspectors and a certified phlebotomist; and received $105,000 in grants for communications, medical and electronic equipment in collaboration with Patagonia Volunteer Fire and Rescue.
The Patagonia Public Library hosted the Smithsonian’s traveling “Journey Stories” exhibit and created Patagonia’s own “Woven Journey” permanent history exhibit. The library also collaborated on a “Voice for Young Authors,” an early literacy and the arts program, with the Patagonia Community Arts Association, Patagonia Elementary School, and Patagonia Montessori School. Other new library programs include a summer school lunch program and a seed-lending library. A new integrated library system was installed to track items owned and borrowed.
The town has seen significant volunteer efforts with minimal financial outlay from the town. The Kennel Committee is constructing new dog kennels. The Tree and Park Committee has been planting trees, mulching, improving the watering system, installing benches, creating water harvesting structures, and planning improvements in Doc Mock Park. These park activities received funding from four separate grants. A group of interested citizens is expanding the basketball court in Richardson Park.
Going forward, the town’s goals are to straighten out the cemetery issues, finish working on policy, work more on our drought plan, and continue to work for the best interest of the citizens of the town of Patagonia.
In closing, it is the efforts of our strong and devoted team of town employees who, working with the council and the volunteers, make all of this possible.