November starts the season of thankfulness and gratefulness, from honoring our veterans to gathering as families and friends to count our blessings, this truly is a special season.
I know that I am thankful for having the opportunity to serve all of you as your District 2 councilwoman, and I am grateful that I continue to hear from residents that have persevered and overcome unique challenges during these difficult times. Regrettably, we have not been able to gather as we normally would, due to the ongoing pandemic; however, I am always available to speak with you about any questions or concerns you may have. Please email me at Nancy.Hayden@Surpriseaz.gov, or call me at 623-222-1322.
Veterans Day is a time to honor all those who have served. Ronald Reagan said it well when he said,
“We remember those who were called upon to give all a person can give, and we remember those who were prepared to make that sacrifice if it were demanded of them in the line of duty, though it never was. Most of all, we remember the devotion and gallantry with which all of them ennobled their nation as they became champions of a noble cause.”
The city of Surprise honors our veterans this month with video tributes provided by our residents. This compilation of community messages will be featured on Veterans Day on the Surprise TV cable channel, our parks and recreation social media pages (Facebook and Instagram), and the city of Surprise website at surpriseaz.gov.
Decorated signs, created by residents celebrating and honoring veterans, will also be on display on Bullard Avenue near Surprise Stadium on Nov. 10 through 12. Please take the time to drive by and enjoy these heartfelt tributes. Thank you to everyone that submitted videos and created signs.
As we continue to find new ways to adjust to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our Surprise events have switched to a virtual platform. The 7th Annual Fiesta Grande Celebration was hosted virtually in October and included cooking and dance classes, crafts, games and more. If you didn’t have a chance to participate, the virtual events were recorded and can be accessed on surpriseaz.gov/fiestagrande.
This month, you can participate in virtual landscape workshops that will focus on water conservation best practices.
Landscape Workshop: Hydrate your Soils, offered from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12.
Landscape Workshop: Hydrate with Greywater, offered from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19.
Another great event this month, is the Senior Center virtual Friendsgiving at 5 p.m. on Nov. 23. Cozy up at home with your dinner plate and join Senior Center staff for a discussion of what you are thankful for. To register, please call 623-222-1500.
In addition to the wonderful things offered by our Senior Center, please remember, there are many resources available to help those with other social service needs. Below, is a list of some of the assistance that is available through Surprise and our non-profit partners. Please also refer to the city of Surprise COVID-19 Resources and Information webpage, surpriseaz.gov/COVID-19 for additional resources that are available.
Surprise Resource Center — Rent, utility, benefit and employment services. 623-222-1600. 12425 W. Bell Rd. Bldg. A, Ste. #124
Surprise Senior Center Hot Lunch Program — Free. Call 623-222-1500 two days in advance to order meal for pickup M-F at noon
Society of St. Vincent de Paul —Food, rent, utilities and more. St. Clare of Assisi Conference (Surprise residents) Call Help Line at 623-975-5617. Our Lady of Lourdes Conference (Surprise and El Mirage residents) – Call 623-344-7267.
Salvation Army — Free breakfast drive-thru Mondays and Thursdays. 8 to 9:30 a.m. Seniors or those who are food insecure. Food boxes available. 17420 Ave of the Arts. 623-977-1084
Dysart Community Center — Free food drive-thru. Weekdays, 3 to 5 p.m. 14414 N. El Mirage Rd, El Mirage. 623-249-3812.
Benevilla HOME Services Program — Free program for seniors. Groceries, errands, etc. 623-584-4999
Hope Women’s Center —Support for women and children, bill/utility assistance. 623-875-4549.
Community Fund of Sun City West — Financial assistance for residents of Sun City West. 623-546-1122
St. Mary’s Food Bank Surprise — 13050 W. Elm St. 602-343-5631
Valley View Food Bank — 10771 W. Peoria Ave, Sun City. 623-933-3358
I have heard from some of my constituents regarding the city of Surprise property tax rate. I wanted to take a brief moment to clarify that the city of Surprise tax rate has not increased.
The primary property tax rate in the city of Surprise is $0.7591 per $100 of assessed property value, plus the secondary property tax rate (from the voter-approved 2017 GO Bond) of $0.3880 per $100 of assessed property value. These rates multiplied by the assessed value of your home determine what you pay in property taxes. If the value of your home increases, you will see an increased tax bill; however, that is not due to an increase in the property tax rate, but rather an increase in the assessed value of your home.
For example:
$100,000 (assessed value of your home) 1.1471 (0.7591 + 0.3880) = $114.71
Next year, your home is assessed at $125,000
$125,000 (assessed value of your home) 1.1471 (0.7591 + 0.3880) = $143.39
The rate stayed the same, but a tax increase was due to the valuation of your home.
The next City Council meeting will be Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. The council chambers have been opened for limited in-person public participation. In keeping with CDC guidelines, capacity will be limited to 50 people, face coverings will be required when entering and exiting the chamber, and physical distancing measures will be in place.
I wish you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving and hope that you remain safe and healthy during this holiday season.
Please take a moment this month to thank a veteran, count your blessings, and remember, “You are not stuck at home, you are safe at home.”
