Debra Kester was recognized by the Navajo County Board of Supervisors for her 34 years of service to the county. Kester has served in many capacities in the county including in the Assessor’s Office and the last three years as treasurer.
Addressing the board Kester noted, “I am tendering my letter of resignation effective Nov. 17. After giving it much thought, I have decided to retire prior to the end of my term. I am very grateful for the support you have shown me as my tenure as Navajo County Treasurer. I respectfully recommend that you appoint my chief deputy Kari Lopez to fill the remainder of my term effective Nov. 18. Her dedication to the office has contributed to my decision to retire early. She possesses the dedication, experience and knowledge to serve as treasurer.”
District IV Supervisor Steve Williams congratulated Kester on her retirement and said, “You have been a real team player for this county and you and your staff have been very easy to work with through some tough financial times. That is a testament to your leadership, and we thank you for that.”
Former Navajo County Treasurer Manny Hernandez said, “When I planned to retire several years ago, I knew I had to find someone that was able to take initiative, find the drive and be able to do the job. Debby was the person that my eyes totally focused to. Appointing Kari now to the position is another great step. Although she is my daughter, I have a lot of pride in her and she has a lot of drive. It surprised me when she wanted to work in the treasurer’s office. I wish you both luck in your new chapters.”
The appointment of Lopez as the new treasurer passed unanimously in the absence of District III supervisor Jason Whiting. Lopez was sworn in by Judge Michala Ruechel. Lopez will serve until the end of Kester’s term, November 2020, when a new treasurer will be elected.
Supervisor Williams also offered his letter of resignation to the board. Williams has been appointed by Governor Doug Ducey to the Arizona Court of Appeals Division I.
“It has been a privilege to serve on the Navajo County Board of Supervisors since February 2015. My last day of service will be Dec. 15, 2019. If a county office becomes vacant, the Board of Supervisors will appoint someone of the same political party to serve until the next general election. It is my recommendation that the board appoint Darryl Seymore to the remainder of my term effective Dec. 16.”
According to Williams, Seymore currently serves as the Mayor of Show Low and is respected throughout the region. “He values the diversity of cultures and viewpoints represented throughout Navajo County. He is also well versed on issues important to the citizens of District IV. He has also expressed his intentions to run for the open seat next year.”
Seymore was approved to fill the vacancy unanimously with the abstention of Williams.
In other business, the board:
* Cancelled the Nov. 26 Board of Supervisors regular meeting due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
* Approved 21 back tax land parcels sold over the counter in the amount of $8,521.
* Approved a letter of support to the Arizona Commerce Authority on behalf of Summit Healthcare’s request for a grant to obtain broadband.
* Accepted the surplus and seized vehicles list and authorized the publication of the same for a Public Surplus online auction to be held Nov. 25-Dec. 8.
* Approved a memorandum of agreement for the Northeastern Arizona 911 Users Association between the Navajo County Apache County sheriff’s offices, and Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Snowflake/Taylor and Whiteriver police departments for the collection and sharing of information.
* Revised the Chief Elected Officials and Local Workforce Development Board partnership agreement.
* Appointed Neil Traver as a Navajo County Business Representative on the Local Workforce Development Board.
* Approved a 90-day contract signed by the county manager for the State Board of Equalization for hearing officer services.
* Approved the 2020 Board of Supervisors meeting schedule.
* Authorized acceptance of a grant from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality in the amount of $3,000 to educate response personnel and to exercise the hazardous materials response plan.
* Authorized acceptance of a grant from the State of Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs Division of Emergency Management to the Navajo County Emergency Management Department in the amount of $222,278 for emergency mitigation. The grant requires a county match of 50 percent.
* Approved a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the Joseph City Fire Department in the amount of $23,625 for a backup generator to be installed in the fire house. The grant requires a match from the Joseph City Fire Department in the amount of $7,875.
* Adopted a resolution approving a group home ordinance in the county zoning code. The category was not previously addressed in the zoning code.
* Approved the annual submission of a recertification letter to the National Flood Insurance Program.
* Awarded a contract to Summit Food Service, LLC to provide inmate commissary and resident banking services to the Navajo County Jail. The contract is paid by commission at 42.5 percent.
* Recognized the county employees that have served or are currently serving in the military in honor of the Veteran’s Day holiday.
The next meeting of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors will be at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, in the board chambers, located at 100 E. Code Talkers Drive in Holbrook.
