After a long and arduous budget cycle, the Navajo County Board of Supervisors approved a final budget of $116 million for fiscal year 2017-18 July 11 following a public hearing without comment.
There was also no comment during a public hearing on a property tax increase of .0537 percent. According to information provided by the finance department, on average the increase means property owners will pay an additional $6.50 per year per property. It is estimated that the levy will provide $421,000 in revenue.
The roll call vote passed the levy, with rates to be set during the Aug. 8 meeting of the board, District III Supervisor Jason Whiting and District IV Supervisor Steve Williams cast the only ‘no’ votes on the motion.
The tax levy along with a $2.5 million cut throughout county operations will allow Navajo County a balanced budget for the year.
Prior to the approval, Accounting Manager Paige Peterson explained a change made in the previously approved tentative budget. “In the tentative budget, the HSA (Health Savings Account) plan was met with opposition from some county employees. That issue was resolved and reflects in the final draft,” she said.
In other action, the board:
* Approved an amendment to the agreements for court collection and criminal justice services between Navajo County and municipalities of Holbrook, Pinetop/Lakeside, Show Low, Snowflake, Taylor and Winslow extending them for a year.
* Approved an amendment to supplemental funding from the Arizona Department of Health Services to further develop and enhance Public Health Emergency Preparedness in the amount of $225,959.
* Authorized the acceptance of a $107,160 Arizona Criminal Justice Commission Victims’ Compensation grant for the Navajo County Attorney’s Office.
* Approved a $12,000 grant agreement with the City of Tucson for High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas.
* Authorized an expenditure of $100,000 from District II Navajo Nation Capital Improvement Plan funds for the southwest millings project.
* Approved the annual support agreement with Tyler Technologies, Inc.
* Authorized a tax exemption waiver filed as a request for redemption of waiver.
* Approved an award of contract for pavement markings to Sunline Contracting, LLC, the lowest responsible bidder.
* Approved an award of contract to Perkins Cinders for Victory Heights road maintenance.
District V Supervisor Dawnafe Whitesinger recognized members of the White Mountain Apache Tribe and their work to implement a public transportation service, Fort Apache Connection Transit. Whitesinger then presented a plaque of appreciation to Transportation Director Tara Chief and Chairman Ronnie Lupe, citing the importance of affordable transportation in the White Mountains. The service began June 12 and stops at Hon-Dah and at Cibecue.
Board Chairman Jesse Thompson said, “I like to see that we are responding to the needs of our people.”
Whitesinger also recognized the board of directors for Native Women Scholars, Inc., including Ronald and Marty LaMar, Don Murrow, Eric Kramer, Amy Handridge and Carol Sletten. The organization provides scholarships and support to Native American women who choose to study at the university level. They reported that more than 12 women have been assisted by the group and it is the goal of the organization to grow that number.
Clerk of the Board Melissa Buckley was also acknowledged for earning the designation of Certified Municipal Clerk.
