“Sedona’s future is looking brighter every day.”

That was the message sent by Sedona Mayor Rob Adams during his first State of the City address, held at the offices of Sedona City Hall on Wednesday, June 29.

While the address marked the first for the mayor, it was not the first for the city. A prior address was given to Sedona residents approximately 20 years ago, according to Sedona City Manager Tim Ernster.

Adams said he designed the address to touch on a number of the issues relevant to the community. The address itself is modeled after the presidential State of the Union address.

Adams, dressed in a dark coat and tie, stood at a podium to address the people of Sedona. An American flag directly behind him, Adams spoke of environmental stewardship, sustainability, fiscal responsibility and more.

“We must work together as a community for the greater good of the community of Sedona,” Adams told the packed room.

Sedona City Council and city staff continue to work on “sound” financial management, he said.

Adams listed a number of the city’s accomplishments over the last year during his address. Of those accomplishments, he said, was the elimination of the RoadRunner shuttle service in Uptown. Eliminating the service, he said, helped the city realize $85,000 in cost savings.

The city took part in a number of sustainability issues, he added, and will continue to develop sustainability programs in the future. For these programs to work, Adams said, the community must get involved.

Community involvement formed the theme of the mayor’s June 29 address. Besides sustainability, he said volunteers need to step forward to become a part of the city’s boards and commissions, and even run for the mayor’s seat should they choose. Citizen input is also sought for the Sedona Community Plan’s current update process.

“Its purpose is to ensure that the community develops and grows and is in alignment with the city’s wants and needs,” Adams said.

He also spoke about the Sedona Wastewater Reclaimation Plant, calling it the city’s single-largest capital project in its history.

“The council has been working with staff to create clear policies and strategies for upgrades, new extensions, cost recovery and management for the system,” Adams said.

Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman Bob McElvaine was one of those in attendance for the June 29 address.

“I thought it was a very well done presentation, and it was very useful to have a presentation for all of the people of the city. I am a volunteer, sometimes to the chagrin of my wife,” McElvaine said.

Volunteerism, he added, is one of the most important components for the city of Sedona.

“We interact a lot with the staff, and they have done one heck of a job in keeping everything going with limited staff, particularly in parks and recreation,” McElvaine said.

Debra Beck, of Sedona, said she enjoyed the State of the City address.

“I thought it was really nice. It was nice to get an overview without going into great detail,” Beck said. “I thought he did a great job.”

Patrick Whitehurst can be reached at 282-7795, ext. 125, or email pwhitehurst@larsonnewspapers.com