Fountain a source of debate in Fountain Hills

FOUNTAIN HILLS, Ariz. – Some Fountain Hills businesses are calling for more action from one of the Valley’s most famous landmarks.

For 15 minutes every hour between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., the fountain centerpiece of the town shoots water more than 300 feet into the air. The fountain has three pumps. If all three are activated, the water can go as high as 560 feet into the air, but to save money, only two pumps are used.

Business owners say that tourists who come to Fountain Hills to see the attraction are frustrated that they didn’t get there in time, and don’t want to stick around for the next show. The businessmen and women are suggesting that at least one pump be left on so that something is happening with the fountain, with the second and third pumps being used for a more spectacular show once an hour.

“I think that there’s a feeling that some businesses feel that even if one pump was running, it would show that it is the famous Fountain Hills fountain,” said Town Manager Ken Buchanan, adding that would cost far more than the $150,000 that the town has budgeted for the fountain.

Buchanan said the town is trying to come up with a solution.

“Currently, we’re working with the Fountain Hills Sanitary district with the potential of an intergovernmental agreement to operate the lake [that the fountain is in the middle of],” he said. “There’s some opportunities there.”

Buchanan said it could be several months before the town council decides what to do about the situation.