Snowbirds Aid the Local Economy – Watch This CH 3 TV Story

Apache Junction, Arizona………..........………………………………November 3, 2009

Follow this link to watch a Channel 3 TV story which explores the return of snowbirds to the Phoenix and Apache Junction areas and what it means as far as an uptick in business and positive infusion into the local economy.

http://www.azfamily.com/video/featured-videos/Could-snowbirds-returning-to-the-Phoenix-area-mean-uptick-in-business-66223737.html

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FREE TAX PREPARATION PROGRAM
SEEKING COUNSELORS

Apache Junction, Arizona………………………………………….November 2, 2009

Residents who work but do not earn a lot of money may be eligible for the tax credits including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) as well as free help preparing their tax return for free E-filing.

TAXAIDE, sponsored by the IRS and AARP is looking for counselors to prepare and e-file income tax returns for local residents.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will be offering free training. New counselors will be required to attend a week long class and specialized computer training. If you are interested in becoming a tax counselor, please contact AARP at 1-888-687-2277 or Pat at 480-288-0640.

Counselors will be asked to work a minimum of one day per week from February 1, 2009 to April 15, 2009. There are two sites available within Apache Junction.

The following are the locations and hours of operation of free tax preparation sites within the City of Apache Junction beginning February 1, 2009 to April 15, 2009:

Apache Junction Public Library Fridays and Saturdays
1177 N. Idaho Rd. 9:00 am — 1:00 pm

Apache Junction Moose Lodge Wednesdays & Thursdays
350 West 16th Ave. 9:00 am — 2:00 pm

For further information please contact Heather Patel, City of Apache Junction, at
480-474-2635 or hpatel@ajcity.net.

Sponsored by: The City of Apache Junction
Internal Revenue Service
AARP Tax-Aide

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City offices will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 in observance of Veterans Day.

Landfill to Provide Another
Free Dump Week

Apache Junction, Arizona………..........………………………………October 28, 2009

The Apache Junction Landfill is offering Apache Junction residents another drop off opportunity this November at no cost. Any city resident can take one free load to the Landfill during the week of November 9th through the 14th. Be sure to bring proof of residency (such as a water bill).

Also it is recommended that you:

• Contact your current trash provider for curbside bulk trash pickup options.
• Provide for your own bulk trash pickup at any time. A resident can show proof of residency and their bulk trash can be dumped at the Apache Junction landfill for $8.50.

The Landfill’s days and hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm.

For further information contact the Apache Junction Landfill at (480) 982-7003 or the Public Works Department at (480) 982-1055.

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Public Hearings Regarding the Use of CDBG Funds

Apache Junction, Arizona…………………………………………October 28, 2009

The City of Apache Junction is expected to receive an estimated $280,000 in FY 2010 federal CDBG funds from the Arizona Department of Housing Regional Account (RA). The City of Apache Junction may also apply for up to $300,000 in FY 2009 and FY2010 CDBG funds from the State Special Projects (SSP) account. CDBG funds must be used to benefit low-income persons and areas, alleviate slum and blight or address urgent need. Public hearings will be held at the following locations, dates and times to gather citizen input on the use of the CDBG funds.
Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.
Apache Junction City Conference Room
(North of the Police Department)
1001 North Idaho Road
Apache Junction, Arizona 85119

Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Apache Junction City Council Chambers
Regularly scheduled City Council Meeting
300 East Superstition Blvd.
Apache Junction, Arizona 85119

Proposed projects will also be discussed during a City Council Work Session scheduled for:
Monday, November 30, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Apache Junction City Council Chambers
300 East Superstition Blvd.
Apache Junction, Arizona 85119

Examples of possible projects include the following:
1) public infrastructure (e.g., water, wastewater, street improvements);
2) community facilities (e.g., parks, health clinics, libraries, senior or youth centers);
3) housing (e.g., owner occupied or multi family rehab, new housing constructed by a non-profit),
4) public services (e.g., purchasing a van to transport persons with disabilities, equipment and rent to start a new job training program); and
5) economic development (e.g., a loan to a business for job creation, acquisition of land for an existing business expansion).

For more information about the public hearings, the City’s grievance policy, the CDBG program, or to receive technical assistance prior to November 29, 2009, to formulate prospective project ideas for presentation at the hearings, please contact:

Heather Patel
300 East Superstition Blvd.
Apache Junction, Arizona 85119
Phone (480) 474-2635
Fax (480) 474-5102
TDD (480) 983-0095
hpatel@ajcity.net

Persons with disabilities who require special accommodations may contact the Human Resources Office at (480) 474-2617 or (480) 983-0095 (TDD) at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.

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View for updated information on the City's progress in obtaining Recovery Funding. [Updated info...]

CENSUS BUREAU NOW HIRING
- PAY GENERALLY STARTS AT $15 HOUR

Apache Junction, Arizona………..........………………………………December 23, 2008

The US Census Bureau is now hiring for full time, temporary positions for both the office and in the field. The local Census Offices will hire hundreds of local residents in the Spring of 2009 to update address lists. As census activities progress through 2009, the Census Bureau will hire hundreds of additional part-time workers to interview residents who do not mail back their census questionnaire in 2010.

The toll free number to call to qualify for a census job is (602)427-0680. Testing is being conducted in Apache Junction, and those interested in this employment should call the above number as soon as possible.

According to Apache Junction Community Relations Manager Patrick Brenner,” The census requires a lot of workers to get the job done locally. Our Key Strategy ten years ago with the census was to transmit as many names of eligible persons as possible to work for them. And, it worked. We sent them over 250 names as referrals.” Also, the more local people are hired the better since these persons know the City of Apache Junction and its myriad neighborhoods.

Each person does really count. For every person missed in the count the City will lose out on $1,300 in state and federal shared revenues – each year for the next ten years!

With just 500 missed persons in an under count, a very conservative estimate, the City would lose $650,000 annually for the next ten years. These are dollars some one else will receive that we could use to hire police officers, improve our parks and open space, pave our roads, and supply our library with new materials.

Call the census today at (602)427-0680 for some good temporary employment.

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