PHOENIX — With live racing scheduled to begin in November, Arizona officials are seeking answers about Turf Paradise’s staffing and finances after a series of departures left critical track positions uncertain. At a meeting this week, Arizona Department of Gaming Assistant Director Juan Estrada told the Arizona Racing Commission the department had “major concerns” about whether the race meet could proceed as planned. Officials raised questions about the loss of key personnel in the weeks before opening day. Leroy Gessmann, executive director of the Arizona Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, said the track lacked a general manager, a track veterinarian, a track superintendent and, as of the day before the meeting, a concessionaire. Turf Paradise’s general manager, who had recently been appointed, resigned shortly before the meeting began, according to track operator Gary Hartunian. Hartunian, majority owner of Skyfall 7, which operates Turf Paradise, told commissioners the track was in strong condition and that departing employees could be replaced. He said staff had left over differences in direction. During a tense exchange, Hartunian objected to what he viewed as a dismissive reaction from commission chair James Padish; Padish said he had not intended to laugh at the situation. The staffing concerns came alongside a dispute over money owed to the horsemen’s association. Gessmann told commissioners that $182,000 remained unpaid as of the morning of the meeting, despite $360,000 having been returned. He said the association was working with an attorney to recover the balance. In a statement, Turf Paradise said the funds had been held at the association’s request while it set up a new bank account. The operator said the outstanding balance was transferred in two payments over two weeks, with the final payment sent on the day of the meeting, and that all accounts with the association were settled. The operator also said it was working on licensing requirements for office staff and the track superintendent and would provide weekly updates to the commission if needed. The dispute and vacancies have raised concern that uncertainty could discourage horsemen from participating in Arizona’s upcoming meet. Turf Paradise said employees are working to prepare for the season and that it is strengthening internal procedures and communication around finances. The commission’s questions put the track’s readiness under scrutiny as the November start approaches. Turf Paradise’s racing operation supports horsemen, employees and other businesses tied to the local racing community.