Navajo County’s Transportation Master Plan nears completion

The extensive work that went into the TMP involved an analysis of current and future conditions, developing a project list followed by data driven prioritization. “We prioritized those projects against a series of technical performance measures essentially, so we could look at which one of those projects best align with the goals we set out in the transportation master plan,” said Joannes. Public and stakeholder engagement was also reviewed.

Kristen Faltz with Kimley-Horn highlighted the goals of the TMP, which were listed as safety, significance, efficacy, preservation, accessibility, development and progress.

The top eight project list items presented based on highest priority featured studies and active transportation projects predominately in the Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside areas, all off State Route 260. “One thing we want to note is as we move into our implementation plan, we understand that there are needs throughout the entire county, so we wanted to frame the actual implementation strategy in a different light,” explained Kristen.

The TMP has two separate implementation strategies, divided by county led and partner led, then further broken down by priority.

Following the presentation, Supervisor Dawnafe Whitesinger questioned why the prioritized projects were only within south county. Joannes explained that the data showed it to be the highest priority, stating “The 260 corridor seems to be the center of gravity for a lot of the issues experienced on the transportation system across Navajo County. It has the highest traffic volume; it has the biggest safety issues.” He also added that major maintenance issues are cited along that corridor as well, all of which contributed to putting it on the top of the list. “That’s not to say there aren’t dire needs in the other parts of the county, but that corridor seems to be the focus, not only to our technical analysis, but our engagement process as well.”

During his report, County Manager Bryan Layton notified the board that BluEarth Renewables US did not have a presentation following the previous two in regard to their proposed Papermill Wind Energy project planned approximately 10 miles northeast of Heber-Overgaard. “Supervisors expressed concerns about the project, siting near national forest land and near residential areas, and staff also shared where the project plan may not align with the county’s comprehensive plan,” explained Layton, which resulted in the BluEarth stating they will continue to work with staff, according to his report.

While convened as the Navajo County Public Health Services District (NCPHSD), the board received a Public Health Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 review and a presentation on FY 2027 priorities.

Health Director Janelle Linn stated in her presentation NCPHSD’s Clinical Services Division provided 8,110 appointments in FY 2026. “That included things like investigating infectious disease outbreaks, patient visits and screenings, and provided immunizations.”

A focus for NCPHSD was reducing the rates of congenital syphilis in infants, which Linn stated to have significantly decreased due to their efforts and community collaboration.

Challenges faced by the Clinical Services Division were high variable workloads for staff and cuts to federal grants. Linn explained, stating “Federal grant funding increased administrative burden associated with grants and closing those out and then shifting to how do we still provide the services we provide.”

Vaccine hesitancy and declining immunization coverage rates also posed a risk for the county, increasing the chances of outbreaks for vaccine preventable diseases.

Focus points for FY 2027 include data modernization, filling additional nursing positions, expanding employee wellness services as well as advancing billable services and increase reimbursement opportunities.

Linn also presented data from NCPHSD’s Code Enforcement Division, Education and Outreach Division and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program.

During the meeting Navajo County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Connor Francis received a Life Saving Award and Dispatcher Katherine Otero received a Medical Aid Award.

The board also made a proclamation to recognize November as Operation Green Light Salute, honoring the men and women who served in the Armed Forces, maintaining the freedom and way of life enjoyed by our community.

Donna Wastchak spoke during call to the public on election and voting matters.

Also, during the meeting, the board:

* Adopted a resolution granting a roadway easement extinguishment for a portion of an unnamed and undeveloped road in the Hay Hollow area of Navajo County. 

* Accepted and approved the FY 2027 Attorney General's Victims' Rights Program grant in the amount of $31,200. Funds pay the partial salary of two office support specialists that are part of the victim notification process. There is no match requirement with this grant.

* Accepted and approved of the FY 2027 DPS VOCA Grant No. 2027-G110 in the amount of $187,561, with a match requirement of $46,890. Funds salary and employee related expenses for six victim advocates, and a part of one victim notification clerk. 

* Approved the 2027 board of supervisors meeting schedule, meeting at 9 a.m., on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month except for February, July, November and December.

* Approved the acceptance of the back tax land list and authorization to publish the notice scheduling the 2026 back tax land on-line auction to begin Jan. 25, 2027-Feb. 1, 2027.

* Approved the acceptance of surplus and seized equipment and items list and authorization to publish the notice of the same scheduling the public surplus online auction for surplus and seized equipment and items Nov. 9-16.

* Approved FY 2027 fund transfers.

* Approved contracts signed by county manager for JWA Architects contract amendment for court building family toilet remodel and MGT Impact Solutions, LLC contract amendment for the cost allocation plan agreement.

* Approved Tami McBride as the Northeastern Arizona Local Workforce Development Board’s Vocational Rehabilitation representative. Her term will expire June 30, 2029.

* Approved the appointment of Nancy Ruth Tordai as Republican Precinct Committeeman for their respective precincts. Appointment valid through Oct. 1, 2028.

* Approved a third-party data sharing agreement between the Navajo County Sheriff's Office and Peregrine. Peregrine provides a proprietary hosted real-time decision and operations management platform for use by public safety agencies.

* Approved an intergovernmental agreement between the State of Arizona, Department of Public Safety, and the Navajo County Sheriff's Office for the establishment and maintenance of modern and reliable radio communication systems.

* Approved a mutual aid agreement between the Coconino County Sheriff's Office and the Navajo County Sheriff's Office for supplemented law enforcement assistance in the Forest Lakes District of Coconino County.

* Approved an amendment to the contract with Show Low Ford for the vehicle replacement plan contract to extend the contract one additional year to Oct. 21, 2027, and add pricing for the new model vehicles.

* Approved the reissuance of stale dated treasurer’s checks that were issued as refunds for overpaid property taxes or for investor payments.

* Approved sympathy letters for Pam Turley and Jennifer Maldonado.