By Nikki Lee
Happy summer break! We’ve made it through quite the eventful school year. I have enormous appreciation and respect for all the students, teachers, school staff, and families that persevered through this tumultuous year. Here’s hoping next year looks different.
I’d like to provide two updates this month.
The first is a budget update. At the May 4 Mayor & Council meeting, we authorized up to $30 million for the City Manager to proceed with implementation of raising wages for all city employees to market levels by early this month or as soon as possible. In addition, we directed the City Manager to implement a 2% pay increase for all employees not affected by market adjustments to ensure that all employees sees a raise in acknowledgement of their efforts to keep our City running during unprecedented times.
Prior to this decision, an extensive salary study found that 81% of city employees were paid below market rates. As one of the largest employers in Tucson, we knew we needed to make a change and better compensate our city workers. We are hopeful that the new package will help increase recruitment and retention efforts for Tucson public safety departments in particular. I’m glad M&C can provide the opportunity to attract and retain talented individuals for such critical city services.
The second update is a fun one: I’d like to highlight some upcoming events and resources in Ward 4. First, a reminder that the brand new Clements splash pad located at 8155 E. Poinciana Drive is open for use every day from 8 a.m. to sunset. My youngest, Athena, has tried it out and very much approves. Bring the kids down and feel free to splash around with them!
I am also thrilled to share TMC Rincon officially broke ground on their brand new Eastside Ambulatory Center in May. The new Ambulatory Surgery Center will allow us to access critical medical and surgical services, both pediatric and adult, without driving across town. The new center is located at Houghton and Drexel, right next to Civano, and is currently in phase 2. Last year, TMC also announced a new 60-bed hospital for the site which is expected to open in 2023. I’m so glad this resource will be available to us here on the southeast side.
Save the date! Our annual Ward 4 Office Back to School Bash will take place on Saturday, July 24. The event will be a drive-thru this year to keep things physically-distanced, since children under the age of 12 are not yet eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. We are excited to bring back our favorite event of the year in a setting that intends to keep everyone healthy while giving students the resources they need to have a great start to their school year. Be sure to follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/CouncilwomanLee) to stay updated as we post more details.
Our next town hall will be Thursday, June 24 at 5:30 p.m. and will take place virtually. This town hall is open to anyone but will focus on Houghton South Neighborhood Association which includes Civano, Sierra Morado, and Saguaro Trails. Register at http://bit.ly/W4TownHall.
Enjoy the beginning of summer! I’ll be back next month with another Ward 4 update.
Sincerely,
Nikki
