During the Navajo County Board of Supervisors regular meeting Tuesday, the board received an initial briefing on a proposed utility-scale wind development project known as Papermill Wind LLC submitted by BluEarth Renewables US, which has plans to be located northwest of Snowflake.
The project overview revealed 85 turbines and up to 340 megawatts (MW) of generation and 500 MW of battery storage. Up to 48 of the wind turbines would be on private land and up to 37 would be on state land.
The briefing was for informational and public-engagement purposes only, and included a summary of the proposed project, location, anticipated facilities and key terms of the proposed development agreement.
Concerns that were highlighted by Director of Planning and Development Services Mischa Larisch’s review of the project include misalignments with the county’s comprehensive plan. Excerpts from the comprehensive plan cited Land Use Goal No. 3, which outlines the protection and preservation of certain open spaces, natural features, archeological and historic resources.
“The proposed project is directly adjacent to Sitgreaves National Forest, which is mapped and designated as open space within the comprehensive plan,” Larisch explained. Land Use Policy No. 16, outlining buffers between different land uses were also mentioned. “The project is between two residential areas,” adding that while the developer has proposed to meet at least the minimum setbacks, “They have not proposed increased setbacks from residents or the national forest.”
Energy Policy No. 9 citing the need to be close to existing transmission interconnections, was noted as well. Environment Goal No. 3 pertaining to higher fire risk areas danger reduction was highlighted as well due to the project’s proximity to residential areas and the national forest.
Larisch explained that these requirements are not new. “I want to state that staff has done this for all development agreements, but there have not been any concerns with previous proposals.” He also noted that the developer has not yet indicated a site-specific plan to abate these issues.
The project also would partially lay within two planning areas zoned as suitable for residential and industrial in the Aztec Area Plan, which was adopted as part of the county’s comprehensive plan.
Board members showed concern over these findings, with Supervisor Jason Whiting stating, “We worked hard as a board in a very public process to come up with our comprehensive plan, as well as looking at the renewable ordinance and updating that.” He further added, “This is in an area unlike any of the areas we’ve looked at before, where there is quite a bit of population, as far as people that are living there on both sides of the project.” Being so close to the national forest was also cited as an issue. Supervisor Dawnafe Whitesinger shared the same concerns.
Chair Daryl Seymore stated that he would like to see if this project could narrow down to meet the guidelines in the comprehensive plan and make adjustments. Ten county residents spoke out against the project, and one spoke in favor.
The board then received an update on the county’s election program from its director, Rayleen Richards.
In an internal survey provided to poll workers and county staff, 63 responses provided the department with vital information for identifying and solving issues.
Richards reviewed the responses, some of which showed 70% of poll workers had a good experience. While the majority enjoyed the experience, 48% of surveyors believed the procedures to be somewhat clear or unclear. “This uncertainty told us loud and clear; we need to simplify, clarify and reinforce procedures to support significant improvement across all locations,” she stated.
Targeted areas of improvement based on the survey feedback have already been identified and improved. The four targets listed were process, positions, equipment and location, with the most amount of work being focus on process.
Joan Lewis of Snowflake spoke on this item during call to the public, stating “We ask for the board to require public elections calendar post in advance, listing every tabulation, curing, early ballot and canvas session with enough written notice that both parties and the public can actually plan to attend.” She also requested camera upgrades in tabulation rooms with audio and live streaming.
Citizen Kenny Cail also spoke, voicing concerns about the national election process and calling for two methods of voter tallies.
Following the presentation, the board went into executive session to receive legal advice from its attorney regarding the Harris Govern contract performance. Following the session, the board reconvened and directed the County Attorney’s Office to proceed with the direction they gave during the executive session.
In call to the public, Lonnie Randall spoke asking for the disbanding Real AZ and against renewable energy. Brent Meyer, Donna Wastchak and Joan Lewis also spoke.
The county held presentations honoring Michael and Linda Sandoval on their retirements, after both serving the county for 19 years.
After the meeting, the board held a work session proposed water study, Community Benefit Funds and a follow up discussion on data centers.
During the meeting, the board:
* Received a presentation on the Buena Vista trails located south of Show Low.
* Approved a resolution to cancel the Nov. 3 school governing board member elections and appointing those positions pursuant for Blue Ridge Unified School District No. 32.
* Approved a resolution for Vote Centers and Poll Workers for the General Election and a polling location contingency plan.
* Approved contracts signed by the county manager with Mark Rogers Architect PLLC, for a contract amendment for designing the plans for the Home of My Own Program to add additional foundations.
* Approved the Navajo County Crime and Resource Analysis contract to Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute for one year.
* Approved the reissuance of stale dated checks.
* Approved a contract for professional services between Wexford Health Sources Incorporated and the Navajo County Jail for a jail-based Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program. The MAT implementation and operational costs of $311,970 for one year are an allowable expenditure of the $2 million appropriations money the Navajo County Reentry Program received, causing no impact on the budget.
* Approved the University of Arizona appropriation of county funds for FY 2026-27 for the Cooperative Extension Program.
Convening as the Navajo County Public Health Services District, the board:
* Approved the revised cremation authorization fee schedule to support recovery of the administrative costs of providing the service. The fee increased from $25 to $35 per authorization. Each authorization involves review of the death certificate, available medical history and circumstances of death, along with any necessary communication with physicians and funeral homes. Additional responsibilities include documentation, billing, payment tracking and records retention.
