Last week’s Navajo County Board of Supervisor’s meeting agenda contained a resolution allowing for the adoption for a new voting precinct map.
As Ryan Taylor of the Navajo County Elections explained, “I am here to review the proposed changes to vote precincts as a result of state legislative district changes. As a review, some of the changes include the fact that legislative districts 6 and 7 have switched. Most of Navajo County is within District 6. Today, we are proposing that the vote precincts on the edges of the county are combined.”
For example, he said, “The Black Butte vote precinct near Winslow that was split by the legislative district, is proposed to be added to the Pioneer vote precinct.”
These changes are required to match the new legislative and congressional districts adopted by Arizona’s Independent Redistricting Commission in January.
A map of the approved precinct changes is available at the county complex, located at 100 E. Code Talkers Drive.
The board was also able to recognize several employees for their service to the county. For exceeding organization expectations in the month of March, the board congratulated Catrina Jenkins, Richard Petit, Chrystal Sewell and Jason Ramirez.
For continued years of employment with the county, the board recognized Elizabeth Brown and Mark Searles for 10 years; and Lynda Wilson and James Despain for 15 years.
David Porter from the Administrative Services department was also recognized for his retirement after eight years of service to the county.
In other business, the board:
* Approved a request for ARRF (Anti-Racketeering Revolving Fund) monies in the amount of $1,250 to White Mountain Safe House.
* Approved an application for a treasurer’s deed for the Board of Supervisors on behalf of the state. If a lien is not redeemed at any time beginning five years after the lien is assigned to this state, the Board of Supervisors, acting on behalf of this state, may apply for and receive a treasurer’s deed to the property.
* Approved 111 back tax land parcels sold over the counter in the amount of $52,456.
* Approved certificate of removal and abatement, purging record of tax, penalty and interest on personal property taxes. After diligent research conducted by the county sheriff, assessor’s and treasurer’s offices, property taxes were unable to be collected due to inability to locate the owners.
* Approved an amendment to a grant provided by the Arizona Department of Administration for an alternate 9-1-1 call handling service provider. The amendment adds an additional $171,291 to accommodate equipment costs through the contract holder, Solacom/NextGen/ComTech. No additional costs will be incurred by the county.
* Approved a grant from the Administrative Office of the Courts to the Probation Department in the amount of $12,414 with a county match of $3,101 to fund juvenile counseling for families for fiscal year 2023.
* Approved a grant application to Gila River Indian Casino for Timber Mesa Fire and Medical to purchase personal protective gear for 34 firefighters. The grant, if awarded will be in the amount of $83,000.
* Approved an amendment extending an intergovernmental agreement between the Arizona Department of Health Services and the county to provide funding for COVID response and testing efforts. The extension allows for the opportunity to spend the remainder of the original $2.4 million grant award.
* Approved a liquor license application from Luis Vargas Ventura for Luis Grumpy Jake’s, located at 3973 W. White Mountain Blvd. in Lakeside.
* Approved a liquor license application from Jeffrey Craig Miller for The Cabin Bar and Grill, located at 2763 Highway 260 in Overgaard.
* Approved the official canvas of the Timberland Acres Special Road District Election. Voters were presented with a tax levy question which asked, “For a tax levy to produce the sum of seventy thousand dollars ($70,000.00) annually or until changed by future election, beginning fiscal year 2022-2023 and ending fiscal year 2026-2027. The levy passed with 44.32% of the 173 votes cast reflecting yes and 8.06% reflecting no.
* Approved an award of contract on an as needed basis to Hatch Construction and Paving, Inc., Perkins Aggregates, Inc., Perkins Cinders, Inc., and Schuck Development to supply various roadway materials for basic roadway maintenance. Funding for the contracts will come from the Highway User Fund Revenue account.
* Adopted a resolution allowing the adoption of the 2018 International Building Code and Residential Code and amending the county’s addenda and additions. The county building division has been using the 205 version of the International Building Code (IBC) for construction, permitting and inspection since June 2019. The adoption of the updated versions will bring the county in to compliance with the Insurance Services Office.
* Recognized Mogollon High School Division IV state wrestling champions Cael, Malaki and Fisher Porter.
* Proclaimed the month of April as National County Government Month.
The next meeting of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 12, in the board chambers, located at 100 E. Code Talkers Drive.