By L. Parsons The Navajo County Board of Supervisors were provided information about the juvenile detention center last week as Probation Director Jason Cash presented educational material in support of reopening of the county’s facility. Navajo County was forced to close their juvenile detention center in June of 2017 due to countywide budget cuts. The county contracted with Pinal County to hold juvenile offenders at the rate of $175 per day per child but Pinal County is increasing their rates to $350 per day per child, all but forcing Navajo County to reopen their facility. Cash said, “Contracting with Pinal County saved us about $600,000. It was a necessary move that is no longer sustainable.” Not only would reopening the facility ‘in house’ be financially beneficial, according to Cash, but it would also lend itself to better outcomes for juvenile offenders. Cash said, “We know that offenders who are incarcerated closer to home are less likely to reoffend. We also know that the best ages to help offenders change is from 12 to 17.” Further, as outlined in his presentation, Cash explained the county’s intention to provide counseling for the juvenile, as well as the family. The plan also includes a respite center for temporary behavior issues and crisis attention in addition to a low detention population. The proposed reopening of the facility would be partially funded by a partnership with the Arizona Office of the Courts, grants, and the county budget. Cash estimates the savings to the county would be approximately $368,299 for fiscal year 2020 in comparison to continuing to contract with Pinal County. The board is considering the item but no action was taken during the meeting. The board also heard from Emergency Management Director Katrina Jenkins. In her address, Jenkins explained the imminent fire danger the coming season presents. “We are expecting a wetter than normal monsoon season in July, however, that does not negate the dry and windy conditions this spring. Our humidity remains low and winds are sustained at 20 miles per hour.” Neil Traver, the Northeast Division Manager for Arizona Public Service (APS) added, “At APS, we make sure that our 4,500 miles of lines are inspected every year before fire season. That helps mitigate the fire risk if a spark were to ignite from our lines.” Utility lines and poles owned by APS are kept free of debris and vegetation in a 10-foot radius, said Traver. Navajo County Public Health Director Janelle Linn gave an update on the COVID-19 virus as it pertains to the county. “We have had eight new cases in the last 24 hours, which is showing a downward trend. So far 36% of the population of Navajo County has been vaccinated against the virus but we still need to be diligent. We do not want people who maybe contracted the virus earlier to be reinfected because they have chosen not to be vaccinated. So we are still encouraging everyone to get a vaccine. Every adult in Arizona is eligible.” Linn did mention the Federal Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision to pause use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine product. Six reports of blood clots have been made out of the over six million doses administered. The FDA has put a pause on its use until further investigation and studies can be done. However, Linn pointed out, “We have no shortage of vaccine in Navajo County despite not having the Johnson & Johnson (vaccine).” In other business, the board: * Approved an amendment authorizing funding and budget spending capacity for a grant in the amount of $614,420 from the Center for Tech and Civic Life for the Navajo County Recorder’s Office. * Approved the purchase of election equipment in the amount of $108,635 from the Center for Tech and Civic Life grant funds. * Approved a contract with AMK Solutions in the amount of $66,566 to provide and install an audio/visual system in the Navajo County Board of Supervisors chamber. * Adopted a resolution approving a special use permit for a mobile home park with 28 spaces including five recreational vehicle spaces in Lakeside. * Held five public hearings on the possible adoption of resolutions approving special use permits to construct and operate five separate 197’ tall meteorological towers on privately owned land near Joseph City to measure wind. Each resolution was adopted individually. * Adopted a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. * Approved a proclamation designating April as National County Government Month in recognition of the leadership, innovation and invaluable service provided by all Arizona counties. * Approved a petition from a Navajo County resident to change primary residency status to Navajo County from Pinal County. * Approved a liquor license application for Jon Arnold Weigen at Cabin Fever Creations, located at 261 Highway 260 Suite 4 in Overgaard. * Approved an agreement between Northeastern Arizona Local Workforce Development Board and Chicanos Por La Causa designating a One Stop Operator. The role of the One Stop Operator is to oversee the One Stop Delivery System, which is a service delivery network that enhances access to the programs’ services. * Appointed Felicia Morales as a workforce representative on the Northeastern Arizona Local Workforce Development Board. * Appointed the following people as Republican Precinct Committeemen for their respective precincts: Kelly Rael of Show Low; Patrick Place of Pinetop; Jeanette Shumway of Snowflake; Lewis Carlassara of Snowflake; Cheryl Ann Spanfelner of Overgaard; Allen Asplund of Heber; Douglas Davis of Lakeside; and Frank Rael of Show Low. * Approved the sale of four back tax land parcels sold over the counter in the amount of $2,507. * Approved tax exemptions with a waiver for widows, widowers or disabled persons. * Adopted a proclamation declaring April as Fair Housing Month. * Approved a contract with Edison Health for employee benefits. * Authorized the Clerk of the Board to request renewal of undercover license plates for the Navajo County Probation Department in a routine procedure. The next meeting of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors will be at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 27, in the supervisor’s chambers located at 100 East Code Talkers Drive.
