District III Supervisor Sylvia Allen’s resignation was accepted, and a procedure established for filling the vacancy by the Navajo County Board of Supervisors during a meeting on Tuesday.

Allen submitted her resignation in order to run for the state senate and fill a position left open on the ballot due to the unexpected death of Senator Chester Crandell. In her resignation letter, Allen requested that the board select a replacement who holds views similar to her own.

“I encourage you to replace my position with someone who is of my own party and political philosophy. I feel that there needs to be diversity on the board, for different points of view,” she noted.

As a result, board members agreed to modify the proposed suggestion for selecting a replacement, and struck the line requiring a letter to be sent to the Democratic Party seeking nominations.

Individuals interested in the vacant seat on the board of supervisors will have until 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, to submit a letter of interest. Candidates must be a qualified resident of District III, which includes Holbrook, Joseph City, Woodruff, Snowflake and Taylor. The application must include the candidate’s political party, resume and a declaration that the candidate is legally qualified to fill the position.

Holbrook Councilman Wade Carlisle thanked Allen for her service and noted that he intends to throw his hat in the ring to be considered for the vacancy.

The vacancy will be advertised in area newspapers, on the county’s website, through social media and by sending a letter to the Republican Party. Board members will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 30, to review applications. At that time the board may either select a candidate, or amend the procedures for filling the vacancy.

Allen thanked county residents for allowing her to serve on the board and noted that she will continue to serve as a voice for rural issues.

“I can never find words to express my appreciation to all those who helped me during this time to be successful with my responsibilities,” she noted in her resignation letter. “You all know that I will champion county government at the senate as I have done in the past.”

In other action Sept. 9, the board:

* Approved a special use permit for construction of a 190-foot cellular tower by AT&T.

The tower will be located just north of Interstate 40 between Holbrook and Sun Valley, next to an existing telephone equipment building. The tower will provide additional coverage and faster data speeds for the area.

* Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Show Low to provide legal services for administrative matters, misdemeanor prosecutions and other civil matters.

* Approved abatement of personal property taxes that cannot be collected.

* Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Navajo Nation for excavation and crushing of additional red dog material.

The Navajo Nation will reimburse Navajo County the $200,000 cost for producing the material.

* Approved the expenditure of up to $5,000 in District II special road funds to hire a grant writer jointly with the Hopi Tribe to submit a grant for a coordinated mobility program that would serve seniors on the Hopi Reservation.

* Approved the expenditure of up to $63,694 in District II special road funds to pave 3.5 miles on Navajo Routes 9069 and 9062, in partnership with the Navajo Nation.

The next regular board meeting is set for 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at the county complex in Holbrook.