The Navajo County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting Tuesday, Sept. 9, during which the board made a proclamation declaring Sept. 10-13, as Navajo County Fair Days. This year marks the 94th Annual Navajo County Fair & Rodeo with the theme of “A Timeless Tradition”.
Navajo County Fair & Rodeo Board President Rusty DeSpain spoke on efforts being done at the Navajo County Fairgrounds, stating that the fairgrounds hosts 63 events a year, with the largest event being the county fair. He noted that Fair Manager Mina Henning recently conducted a study as to the annual earnings brought into the fair. “In 2024, the fairgrounds generated $878 million in direct revenue and $3.1 to $4.6 million in regional economic activity.” He also thanked County Manager Bryan Layton for the partnership he has fostered with the fair board. DeSpain pointed to the joint operation with the county and the City of Holbrook to lay asphalt millings on the north parking lot, extending the carnival pad 50 feet and around the backside of the fairgrounds. He also noted a new skybox in the arena, extension of the pig barns and LED upgrades to the lighting.
He noted that the study conducted by Henning will assist the board in applying for congressional and state funds to help with improvements to the grandstands, which need to be done soon. “We also are looking at expansion to make our arena more economic for us. We can’t sell enough tickets to basically pay for the events that go on in the arena. So, we figure if we could make an extension all the way around, we could start becoming more self-sufficient,” stated DeSpain.
Board member Jason Whiting commended DeSpain for his efforts and echoed his sentiment on the value of partnerships in order to better serve the citizens of Navajo County.
While convened as the Navajo County Health District, the board also declared the month of September as “National Preparedness” month in Navajo County.
Navajo County Emergency Management and Preparedness Manager Catrina Jenkins stated in the proclamation that this year’s theme is “A Lasting Legacy: The Life You’ve Built is Worth Protecting.” This declaration and campaign encourage individuals to take steps to prepare for various disasters that could impact their homes, communities or businesses. Navajo County Emergency Management and Preparedness continues to promote preparedness year-round through education, information and outreach throughout the county.
The board then entered into executive session to receive legal advice from the county attorney regarding approval of the proposed settlement agreements with G8 Opioid Manufacturers Alovgen Inc., Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Apotex Inc., Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., Indivior Inc., Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. and Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. The board then reconvened and approved the proposed settlement agreements with all the previous listed eight corporations and to authorize legal counsel to execute participation agreement with the eight manufacturers.
In other business, the board:
* Approved an IGA between Navajo County and Holbrook to facilitate coordinated permitting for the Snowflake Solar Project by allowing the county to process permits and conduct inspections for the portion of the project located in the city limits.
* Approved the acceptance of the surplus and seized items and equipment and authorization to publish the notice of the same scheduling the Public Surplus online auction for surplus and seized items and equipment on Sept. 22-29.
* Approved an amendment to the pavement markings contract with Arizona Lines, LLC. to extend the pavement markings contract one additional year. This is a budgeted expense.
* Approved Navajo County Attorney’s Office request for Anti-Racketeering Revolving Funds (ARRF) in the amount of $8,000. ARRF Funds will be used to assist in paying for beta testing of artificial intelligence in the County Attorney’s case management system. This system will take law enforcement reports, summarize, recommend charging pleas, track data and identify the correlation of cases across the system to assist in prosecution efforts.
* Approved an amendment to Tall Timbers Park Management agreement. The county entered into a cooperative agreement with the Heber-Overgaard Chamber of Commerce for the development, maintenance, and day-to-day administration of Tall Timbers Park in the community of Heber-Overgaard in the unincorporated area of Navajo County in 2007. This amendment increases the annual yearly payment from the county to $15,000. The county agreed to continue to maintain the well in a responsive and responsible manner and maintain the roads with the permit boundary.
* Approved contracts signed by County Manager with Jo Ellen Vork and Ronald J. Washington Jr.
* Approved sympathy letters to Judy Wallis and Eric Scott.
* Approved contract signed by County Manager Bryan Layton for legal services agreement with Gus Rosenfeld P.L.C. for planning and development services to provide supportive legal services as needed.
Convening as the Navajo County Health District, the board:
* Approved an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between Show Low and Navajo County for the lease of modular buildings at the Show Low Regional Airport to locate emergency operations and other space to the Navajo County Health District. This is a two-year renewal of an existing lease with the City of Show Low to utilize one of their facilities in south county.
* Approved awarding the Buck Springs Road Equestrian Crossing contract to AJP Electric, Inc. in the amount of $77,254. This contract is to install a solar-powered rectangular rapid flashing beacon equestrian crossing on Buck Springs Road in Pinetop to enhance safety and visibility for both equestrians and pedestrians. This is a budgeted expense.
