Somerton plans improvements despite budget setbacks
Adrik Vargas
SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Despite missing out on some expected grant money, Somerton is pressing forward with plans to improve the city.
The city recently approved a $38 million budget for the 2026 fiscal year. That’s a $10 million increase from last year.
But with fewer dollars coming in from state-level grants, city leaders say they’re focusing on what they can do now.
“There was a grant fund coming from the county that would have helped support some of the projects that we have on our streets that wasn’t approved by the state, so we’re gonna revisit those,” said Louie Galaviz, the City Manager.
Even with the setback, city officials are working hard to make sure Somerton is in a good position to receive funding in the future.
“This year the Mayor and Council have been working and contacting legislators, visiting with the governor, visiting with state level representatives,” Galaviz added. “We’re really looking at making sure that they see Somerton as an attractive place where funding is needed.”
One of the biggest priorities is reviving Main Street, not just to make it look nicer, but to help local businesses thrive.
“We want to support our downtown Main Street, and that’s adding pathways, parking, lighting, getting traffic flowing, it builds vibrancy and supports the retailers on Main Street,” Galaviz said.
Local residents agree the area could use some improvements. Mayra Mendoza, who lives in Somerton, says speeding isn’t the issue, but maybe the speed limit is.
“The speed shouldn’t be so slow, 25 mph seems more like for residential neighborhoods,” she said. “And also they should support the local businesses more, with promotion and training, so that the economy can develop.”
Even with challenges, city leaders say the focus remains on long-term progress.