Maricopa Councilmember Vincent Manfredi says supporting public safety remains one of the city’s top responsibilities, especially as the community continues to grow. In a letter to the editor published by InMaricopa, he said the city must keep investing in police, fire, equipment, facilities, training, and support services.
According to Manfredi, more than half of the city’s FY 2026-27 operating resources are directed toward public safety when support costs are included. He said 48% goes to direct public safety spending, and more than 75% of approved new staffing requests for the 2026-2027 budget year were for police and fire.
Manfredi said the budget adds $1,382,145 for 12 additional firefighters, some of whom will help staff the city’s new ambulance service. The city is also buying four ambulances. For police, the budget includes $714,857 for six officers, $375,568 for two lieutenants, and $43,060 for a part-time dispatcher.
He also pointed to spending on public works and IT that helps support emergency response, along with pay increases for firefighters. Manfredi said Maricopa’s 2025 crime reporting showed total crime and crime per capita both declining by about 2%, but he added that the city still needs to monitor call volumes, staffing, infrastructure, and transportation issues as it plans for future growth.
