A controversial pawn fee measure was updated by the Navajo County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday to clarify that the fee does not apply to an extension on a pawn loan.

Initially approved in January 2010 at the behest of Sheriff K.C. Clark, a $3 fee is charged for each reportable pawn transaction. The fees are used to pay for sheriff’s office personnel to track pawn items and participate in a nationwide system that helps identify stolen items.

At the time, board members noted that the fees would not apply to extensions, but a memo points out “the clarification did not appear in Resolution No. 02-10 as recorded.”

Although the clarification applies to extensions of existing pawn loans, it notes that the fee does apply if the same item is claimed and then re-pawned.

The board also approved waiving the fee for transactions that are $10 or less.

Clark and Carlyon also provided board members with copies of a glossy, full-color printed brochure they produced for distribution to pawn customers. The full-size six-panel brochure explains pawn laws and consumer rights, with one panel dedicated to greetings from Clark and Carlyon.

Board members unanimously approved clarification of the pawn fees, which were initially instituted as a means to help recover stolen property.

In other action April 12, the board:

* Approved the appointment of four individuals to the county redistricting commission, including Robert Black Jr., District I; Leonard L. Tsosie, District II; Marlin Gillespie, District III; and Michael Peddie, District V.

A representative from District IV will be appointed at the next board meeting.

* Approved an employee benefit contribution model that shifts the costs for most plans from 82 percent county responsibility and 18 percent employee responsibility to 78 percent county responsibility and 22 percent employee responsibility.

The cost increase to employees who have coverage only for themselves will increase from $35 to $56.10 monthly for the core plan. Employees who cover their entire family under the core plan will see an increase from $192.92 to $281.40 monthly.

* Approved the renewal of a contract with Summit Healthcare for radiology services for uninsured and underinsured patients.

* Approved a contract with Northern Arizona Radiology for radiology services for uninsured and underinsured patients.

* Approved an amendment to a contract with the Arizona Department of Health Services for a public health physical activity program for students in grades four through eight.

* Approved abatement of uncollectible property taxes.

* Approved an intergovernmental agreement with Arizona’s other counties for exchange of civil legal services in the event the local county attorney’s office has a conflict in a civil matter.

* Approved an application for a $60,000 First Things First early literacy grant.

* Approved the release of unused energy conservation bonds back to the Arizona Department of Commerce.

A memo to the board regarding the bonds notes “…it has been determined the use is not a viable investment in the current state of the economy.”

* Approved an agreement with the Town of Snowflake for use of Community Development Block Grant Funds for installation of an elevator at the Academy Building.

* Approved the hiring of 12 temporary employees in the public works department from May 1 through Sept. 30.

Public Works Director Homero Vela noted that funds for the hiring are already set aside in the fiscal year 2010-11 budget.

The next board meeting is set for 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 26, at the county complex in Holbrook.