SEDONA, Ariz. – The city of Sedona is inviting residents to apply for the Citizen Budget Work Group (CBWG) to serve as a community sounding board during the upcoming, annual budget process for Fiscal Year (FY) 2028. Residents with experience serving on city boards, commissions, councils, and work groups, and those who have participated in the Citizens Academy are preferred.
The work group will include seven volunteers who must commit to attending four of the five required meetings between December 2026 and April 2027. They are also encouraged to attend City Council planning meetings. The tentative schedule is below with both required and optional meetings:
- Dec. 9, 2026, 2 – 6:30 p.m. (required): Introduction, discussion of roles, responsibilities and expectations. City staff will give a high-level explanation of the budget, and answer questions about the process.
- Dec. 15 – 16, 2026, two full days (optional): City Council Retreat
- Jan. 19, 2027, 12 – 4:30 p.m. (required): Presentations from staff: Budget Process, Accounting Rules, and Recap of FY27 Budget. Discussion of Council Retreat direction, National Community Survey, high-level view of Capital Improvement Projects (CIP).
- Jan. 28, 2027, 12 – 4:30 p.m. (required): CIP discussion and priority setting. Project managers and department directors will provide details about upcoming projects.
- Feb. 18, 2027, full day (required): Decision Package (detailed proposals) review. Department directors and staff leads will present decision packages for new programs and new or increased spending.
- March 15, 2027, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (required): Discussion with City Manager about CBWG recommendations for City Council.
- April 14, 2027, full day (optional): City Council budget work session and presentation of CBWG recommendations.
- April 21 – 22, 2027 full days but can attend for any duration (optional): City Council budget work sessions.
- May 25, 2027, typically a two-hour meeting (optional): City Council adoption of Tentative Budget.
- June 22, 2027, typically a two-hour meeting (optional): City Council adoption of Final Budget.
What the CBWG is:
- The CBWG is a group of Sedona residents who are willing to volunteer a significant amount of their time to learn about and participate in the development of the annual budget.
- The CBWG reviews information and makes recommendations, specifically regarding the prioritization of capital projects, and requests for new or increased funding.
- The CBWG provides staff, the City Manager and the City Council additional insight into community priorities.
What the CBWG is not:
- The CBWG does not cover the entirety of the City’s budget. Base budgets (the amount of funding required to provide a consistent level of service), are reviewed by staff and the City Manager.
- The CBWG is not a decision-making body. The recommendations of the group are considered by the City Manager and the City Council in the development of the budget.
- The CBWG does not set new program, service, or funding priorities.
The work of the CBWG finishes up with recommendations summarized for the City Manager and City Council to enable more informed decision-making throughout the budgeting process.
How to apply
Residents interested in participating in this year’s CBWG must apply before Nov. 12, 2026, by filling out the volunteer questionnaire found at www.sedonaaz.gov/your-
Questions? Contact Public Relations Analyst Kegn Hall via email at khall@sedonaaz.gov or via phone at 928-203-5179.
