The Board of Supervisors proclaimed the month of May Drug Court Month in recognition of the success of the program that has been in effect in Navajo County for the past 11 years.
It was noted by presiding Superior Court Judge Michala Ruechel during the May 10 meeting that the program has had 80 graduates since it began. “This is a very successful program. We know that we can do more by preventing drug abuse and fixing the problem than by incarceration,” she said.
County Attorney Brad Carylon pointed out that with a 75 percent rate, the reduction in drug use leads to a substantial reduction in crime. “There are 2,966 drug courts and treatment courts statewide, this has a significant impact. If you talk to our sheriff you’ll learn that as many as 70 percent of the people that come through the justice system suffer from substance abuse or mental health issues. Until we address the root of the problem prison is just a revolving door,” stated Carlyon.
Those enrolled in the program through the courts undergo intensive oversight, reporting weekly to the court regarding their progress for the first several months. Those who graduate have remained drug-free for 18 months, and have also had the opportunity to obtain their GED, learn job skills and take on responsibilities.
“This saves a ton of money for the county and improves the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” Carlyon added.
He also mentioned that he’s working with others to create a similar program for those with mental health issues who enter into the justice system. “Jail has become a default place to hold the mentally ill and that’s the wrong place to put them. We’re trying to brainstorm this. We’ve had success with our veterans court, so I think with the minds we have working on this we’ll come up with something,” Carlyon said.
The board also approved a proclamation declaring May 15-21 as National Police Week. It was noted that on May 2, Navajo County Sheriff’s Deputy Ronald Adair’s name was added to the Peace Officers Memorial plaque at the state capital. Deputy Adair’s end of watch was May 22, 1970. He joined Deputy Robert Warner Jr., whose end of watch was Jan. 2, 1989, and Captain Charles Lane, whose end of watch was Sept. 2 1996, as the only members of the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office to die in the line of duty.
As part of their consent agenda, the board approved a professional services agreement with Interim Public Management for consulting fees. The contract is for $3,350 per week for an interim human resources consultant. Other expenses would include the cost for mileage to and from work for the consultant at 44.5 cents per mile, food and incidentals at $50 per day along with other related expenses, as well as lodging.
According to Assistant County Manager Bryan Layton, the consultant will be assisting with the transition of the human resources department to include the risk management, finance and payroll departments, which will then all combine under Administrative Services.
“I’m really excited to have this consultant come and help us build a firm foundation for this transition. This consultant was a former Yavapai County human resources director and a consultant on similar matters in Scottsdale,” Layton explained. He estimated that the services would be used for a three-week period.
The board also said farewell to Treasurer Manny Hernandez, who is retiring on May 27 after more than 15 years with the county. Replacing Hernandez as interim treasurer is Debbie Kester, who will take over beginning May 28.
In other action May 10, the board:
* Authorized the county manager to sign a contract with Frontier Services.
* Approved the adoption of the proposed fiscal year 2016-17 cost allocation schedule.
* Approved an intergovernmental agreement between the Navajo County Recorder and the Town of Snowflake to conduct town elections.
* Approved a grant agreement with the City of Tucson for the allocation of High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) grant funds in the amount of $129,151. The funds will be used for salary, and are for the HIDTA director, overtime, travel and services.
* Approved the use of the southwest corner of the Navajo County Complex for the annual community July 4 fireworks display.
* Approved a memorandum of understanding and resource sharing agreement between Northeastern Arizona Innovative Workforce Solutions and Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act Partners.
* Authorized the naming of an unnamed exiting road in the Shumway area to Morningside Road.
* Approved the appointment of Donna Hurstrom, deputy clerk of the board, as an alternate clerk of the board to perform the functions of that position when the clerk is away from the office.
* Approved sympathy letters to Debbie Kester and Lois Hancock for the loss of their mother.
* Approved a contract with the Arizona Department of Health Services for the Healthy People Healthy Communities grant for July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2017, in the amount of $474,529.
* Approved a contract with Arizona First Things First for the Navajo Nation Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Program for July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2017, in the amount of $582,930.
* Approved a contract with Arizona First Things First for the Navajo Apache Oral Health Program for July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017, in the amount of $136,000.
* Approved the Oral Health Fluoride Varnish Contract for the White Mountain Apache Tribe Region with Arizona First Things First for July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017, in the amount of $110,000.
* Approved a contract with Arizona First Things First for Oral Health Services for Navajo Nation for July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2017, in the amount of $405,828.
* Approved an intergovernmental agreement and budget with the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family for a pilot substance abuse prevention pilot program for Navajo County school districts with the pilot school to be Snowflake Junior High School.
* Approved a motion to table a contract for the supply and delivery of liquid asphalt products to Western Emulsions, Inc., Hawker and Evans Asphalt Company, Inc., and Cactus Transport, Inc. due to questions on the bid amounts.
* Approved a contract for the supply and delivery of culverts and bands to Pacific Ponderosa Co.
* Approved the warrant and voucher report, and constable reports.
* Approved a back tax land parcel sold over the counter for $656.14.
* Approved a special event liquor license requested by the Pinetop-Lakeside Chamber of Commerce charitable event to be held June 18 at the Pinetop Lakes Activity Center & Stables in Pinetop.
