Is the Carefree Town Council cost‑effective?

No one is suggesting that the current Carefree councilmen are not good people, or that they don’t work hard. The real question is: Are they truly effective? Do they get things done well, cost effectively, and in a timely manner?

Despite what some people say, I am not opposed to the health, safety, or welfare of Carefree residents. To suggest so is a sham. They want you to fear voting for candidates other than those already in power, or those approved by that same group and backed by special interests.

Is fire protection important? Absolutely. Carefree had top‑notch fire protection service, including emergency medical, for decades. EMS accounts for well over 90 percent of all calls in Carefree. But we didn’t buy an ambulance. Before negotiating cost with potential service providers, our council bought a $500,000 fire truck, a $500,000 parcel of land of less than 1/2‑acre, and eventually negotiated a contract with Rural/Metro for $1.169 million. R/M provided that same service last year for just over $700,000 in paid subscriptions. Not everyone paid, but everyone was protected.

We really didn’t need the fire house because we already had top‑notch service.  The architect is top‑notch as well, with a council‑awarded contract exceeding $240,000, not including fees for the initial advice. Construction experts advise that such services are routinely available under $100,000. The council rushed to award the construction contract for $2.4 million [initial base], double the council estimate a year ago. Fire protection has been under discussion for more than eight years. If you consider the timing, decision making and the costs identified so far, was this effective effort?

Many Carefree residents have been dealing with foul odor and sewer backup problems for years, a potentially hazardous, but decidedly shameful situation. Black Mountain Sewer Company has avoided any effective remedy. The council had merely given lip service to resident complaints. Only after threats to halt new development did the mayor and council majority begin to step up. For over four years, you heard that there was little they could do. If you or a neighbor were affected, would you believe that?

The Town Center Renovation project turned out great, but cost double the $2.5 million the council projected. The water company purchase was another example of paying too much, a mistake we now all address through our water bills.

I’d like a more open council, with independent thinkers more receptive to public input. I’d like an opportunity to bring a new perspective and my project management experience to work for Carefree, so that timely, cost‑effective solutions benefit everyone.  

John Traynor
Carefree