During the Sept. 13 meeting of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors, the board discussed events in the community and concerns for the economy. Assistant County Manager Bryan Layton informed the supervisors that recent news pertaining to state shared sales tax was better than anticipated for the past two months. “Last month we talked about the potential shortage of these funds but last month came in right on budget. We’re still $120,000 short over what we received last year and we’re taking a measured response to accommodate that,” stated Layton.
He mentioned that reviews are being conducted on administrative services to determine areas of savings including leaving vacancies unfilled, and allocating roles and responsibilities.
Layton admitted that it’s never good to see revenues dropping but noted that departments are already stepping up with ways to save such as eliminating the costs associated with issuing paper checks and debit card readers.
Supervisors Jesse Thompson and Jason Whiting applauded the efforts on behalf of the staff but emphasized the importance of preserving the required services provided to the citizens of the county.
Thompson also spoke regarding the ongoing concerns being addressed by the Navajo Nation, the City of Winslow and the Human Rights Commission following the officer involved shooting that transpired in that city in March of this year. Recent discussions have been focused on providing an alcohol treatment center in Winslow, which already has a stabilization center. “The Holbrook facility has added treatment and Winslow wants to as well,” he explained.
Navajo County Attorney Brad Carlyon reminded everyone that the Bread of Life Mission in Holbrook would be hosting their annual fundraiser dinner in October and encouraged those present to attend. Each year the mission also challenges two officials to raise the most funds to avoid a pie in the face by the other competitor during the dinner. This year the two who will be competing are Carylon and Navajo County Sheriff KC Clark. “The Sheriff is from Holbrook so I’m going to need a lot of help, I’ll be bringing the tin can around,” stated Carlyon.
In other business, the board:
* Approved two back tax land parcels sold over the counter in the amount of $1,187.02.
* Approved the reissuance of stale dated checks in the amount of $37.20, $19.49 and $71.15.
* Approved the state plan of operations between the State of Arizona and the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office for the transfer of excess Department of Defense property.
* Authorized the donation of a 2006 Chevy three-quarter ton four-door truck with 194,000 miles on it to Kayenta School District.
* Approved a letter to Governor Doug Ducey regarding the fiscal year 2017-18 executive budget proposal to include the county’s financial priorities.
* Approved a memorandum of agreement between the Navajo County Health Services and with Jefferson Academy of Advanced Learning from Oct. 1, 2016, to Sept. 30, 2018, to provide direct education, public health approach strategies, nutrition materials and training to the school district students and teachers.
* Approved a memorandum of agreement between the Navajo County Health Services and with Window Rock Unified School District and Southwestern Food Excellence for Oct. 1, 2016, to Sept. 30, 2018, to provide direct education, public health approach strategies, nutrition materials and training to the school district students and teachers.
* Approved the annual contract for professional services to Veritas Research Consulting in the amount of $60,000 plus travel expenses. The company will assist the county with woody-biomass industry support, wildfire hazardous fuels mitigation, insect infestation abatement and wildland urban interface risk mitigation through planned “firewise” activities and grant funded resource benefit projects.
* Adopted the Navajo County Emergency Operations Plan.
* Approved ratification of the White Mountain Lakes advisory committee’s decision to hire John Laurendau and Pat Stephens on a temporary basis for the Labor Day weekend at a rate of $15 per hour and further hire Lem Cook with Silver Creek Properties Construction & Development to do weed eating at $25 per hour not to exceed $250.
* Approve a contract for supply of aggregate or cover material to Brimhall Sand and Rock and Building Materials and Hatch Construction & Paving.
* Approved a contract signed by the county manager for professional services between Navajo County Flood Control District and J.E. Fuller Hydrology and Geomorphology, Inc.
* Approved the petition for review of real property.
