The Navajo County Board of Supervisors met last week and approved the receipt of National Forest Funds in the amount of $907,510 for the benefit of public schools and public roads. The allocation provides $25,000 to public roads, $832,093 to public schools and $50,417 to the Emergency Management Firewise program. These funds come from National Forest fees collected over the fiscal year. The schools receiving the distribution of forest fees monies include Snowflake, Heber/Overgaard, Show Low and Blue Ridge school districts.
According to a press release by the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the funds come from a decision in 2021 to release over $193 million in 2020 Secure Rural Schools payments distributed to 41 states and will be paid to 700 counties across the country.
SRS is a federal revenue share program providing relief to counties and school districts directly affected by the decline in revenue from the logging industry.
The board congratulated Bonita Chase on her retirement from Navajo County. Chase has spent the last 21 years in the county probation department.
County Manager Glenn Kephart said, “Bonita, you represent a group at Navajo County that represents the spirit of what we do here which is leading a program to help others get on the right path. Thank you for that. The fact that you have been part of that team for more than 20 years is amazing.”
Vice Chairman Alberto Peshlakai also took an opportunity to recognize county employees who assisted in the success of the recent Navajo County Health Week. Peshlakai said, “We had the opportunity back in April to proclaim Navajo County Health Week. As a part of that, we had Navajo County Health Day which we used for outreach and education in all five districts. In coordinating this event and the 5K walks and runs in all five districts, it would not have been a success if it was not for our team.”
In other business, the board:
* Approved the two-year appointment to the Navajo County Extension Advisory Board of Bonnie Secakuku.
* Approved fund transfers for fiscal year 2021-22.
* Proclaimed May 15-21 as National Public Works week. Public Works employees were honored.
* Approved a letter of agency addendum for the Sparklight contract at the Winslow complex. The addendum adds telephone service to the previous contract.
* Approved a contract extension for one year with Remarkable Recreation Solutions in the original amount of $3,320 per month for management consulting services for the White Mountain Lakes County Recreation Improvement District.
* Approved tax exemption waivers to widows, widowers and disabled persons whose property is exempt from tax.
* Approved a special event liquor license application to 180th Field Artillery Regiment Association for a music and camping event over Memorial Day Weekend to be held at 4 Silos at Great Sky Camp Ranch, located at 7863 White Mountain Lake Road in Show Low.
* Approved the conducting of elections for the cities of Show Low, Holbrook, Pinetop-Lakeside, Snowflake and Taylor on Aug. 2 and the City of Winslow on Nov. 8.
* Approved a grant agreement between the county and Chilchinbeto Chapter in the amount of $200,000 from previously approved ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) grant funds for the purpose of sewer improvements.
* Approved a grant agreement between the county and the City of Show Low in the amount of $200,000 from previously approved ARPA grant funds for the purpose of building an inclusive playground and splash pad.
* Approved the appointment of Jeff Baker to the Victory Heights Road Maintenance District Advisory Committee.
The next meeting of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 24, in the board chambers, located at 100 E. Code Talkers Drive.
