Rim Country Real Estate Blog | November 10, 2026 | Guy Pfister, Realtor (CDPE), DeLex Realty The election is behind us and the creeks are settling down. Two stories from last week matter to anyone who owns a home in Payson, or hopes to. Voters Say No to the Payson School Bond The Payson Roundup reports that about 61% of voters turned down the Payson Unified School District's $75 million, 20-year bond. It would have kept the existing secondary property tax rate in place so the district could borrow about $10 million a year for building projects. District leaders told the Roundup the bond's failure won't mean cutting staff, since a bond can only pay for buildings and repairs, not day-to-day costs. The needs haven't gone away, though. They named student drop-off and pickup safety, campus lighting and the 30-year-old Payson High School auditorium, which hosts many community events. The district plans to apply to the state's School Facilities Division for help with the most critical repairs, but says state money is limited and won't cover every project. What this means for you: Schools come up with buyers more often than you might think, even here. Whatever you thought of the bond, it's worth watching how the district handles its building needs in the year ahead. If you're thinking of selling, I'm always glad to talk through what buyers are asking about right now. Golf Course Homes Vote Postponed The Roundup also reports that the Payson Town Council voted 6-1 to postpone its decision on the Payson Golf Club plan. That's the proposal for 125 manufactured homes on permanent foundations, on about 27 acres of the back nine, with homes priced around $240,000 to $250,000. Owners would buy their homes but lease the lots. The 18-hole course would become a nine-hole public course. The delay came after a closed-door session about funding, road right-of-way, permit fees and occupancy permits. Some neighbors spoke against the plan, worried about their home values. The Roundup also notes the proposal is described as a 55-and-older community, but the zoning papers don't require that. What this means for you: If you live near Country Club Drive or North Vista Road, this is one to follow. And if you're looking for a lower-priced home in town, it may be a while before these are an option. I'll keep an eye on the council agenda and share what happens next. Around Town Free sand and sandbags: After more than five inches of rain on Payson over Halloween weekend, the town reminds residents that free sand and sandbags are available at Fire Station 12, 108 E. Rancho Road. To report storm damage in Payson, email building@paysonaz.gov or call 928-472-5030. A fun bit of history: The Library Friends of Payson host historian Janelle Molony on Arizona's old ostrich ranches, Monday, Nov. 16, right after the 10 a.m. announcements at the Payson Public Library. It's free. Have a question about your home, your neighborhood or what's next in Payson? Call or text me, Guy, at (928) 978-2838. Richard and I are always happy to talk Rim Country, with no pressure at all. Guy Pfister, Realtor (CDPE) | DeLex Realty | 404 S Beeline Hwy, Suite B & C, Payson, AZ 85541 | (928) 978-2838 Sources: Payson Roundup, "Rejection of school bond issue hits hard," Nov. 7, 2026: https://www.paysonroundup.com/elections/rejection-of-school-bond-issue-hits-hard/article_032c8ce9-658f-4b63-8fa3-0d1c3f753d48.html Payson Roundup, "Payson council delays vote on golf course rezoning," Nov. 6, 2026: https://www.paysonroundup.com/news/payson-council-delays-vote-on-golf-course-rezoning/article_84462984-8165-44ba-88d0-41c435975b14.html Payson Roundup, "Halloween produced some scary flooding," Nov. 8, 2026: https://www.paysonroundup.com/news/halloween-produced-some-scary-flooding/article_0a5d7cb3-dc6d-42d8-9df9-af21a71fb39f.html Payson Roundup, "Library Friends of Payson to host presentation on Arizona's ostrich-ranching history," Nov. 9, 2026: https://www.paysonroundup.com/news/library-friends-of-payson-to-host-presentation-on-arizona-s-ostrich-ranching-history/article_3b49592b-ad1c-4447-b4a5-3008a64967d3.html