The seal of Cochise County.
The Sierra Vista City Council voted unanimously to approve the appointment of Marta Messmer to the city council to fill the vacancy left by former mayor-pro-tem Rachel Gray’s resignation. Gray resigned in order to run for mayor of Sierra Vista this November.
“We had 11 applicants, four that we interviewed,” said Sierra Vista Mayor Rick Mueller during last week's city council meeting. “We had four very strong interviews that made it very tough for us to select Ms. Messmer to join the council, but I think we’ve all made the right decision.”
Messmer is no stranger to Sierra Vista; in fact, she’s a second-generation Sierra Vistian.
Messmer’s father, Nacho Valenzuela, was known for his efforts to preserve the Fry Pioneer Cemetery — where many of the family’s ancestors are buried. Messmer has taken the torch since her father’s passing as the chair of the Fry Pioneer Preservation Committee since 2019.
She also supports the City’s Cultural Diversity Commission, West End Commission, Carmichael Neighborhood Association, and the Sierra Vista Historical Society.
Messmer will serve through the end of 2024.
The council also voted unanimously to approve the new proposed primary property tax levy rate, which is at $0.1098 per $100 of assessed value. According to city documents, this will generate $379,068 for this fiscal year — which is a slight increase from the previous tax levies of $377,145 in FY22 and $372,034 in FY21.
The main reason for the increase is new construction.
“The rate was adjusted slightly lower due to an increase in valuation of taxable property so that the amount paid by the citizens remains the same as the amount paid in FY22,” the proposal stated.
Sierra Vista City Manager Chuck Potucek said that after reviewing the city tax report for June, the city’s sales tax receipts were up.
“Still a robust 8.63% year over year,” said Potucek. “In comparison to what we budgeted last year and the actuals, the receipts came in just over 21% for the year — which is an outstanding number for us.”
Potucek also announced that the new Sierra Vista Emergency Medical Services Substation number four — located on the corner of 7th St. and Buffalo Soldier Trail — is now operational. He said that an open house and dedication will be held either in the fall.
“We hope to have the community involved in that,” said Potucek.
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