During a regular meeting of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors, a series of significant proclamations were passed, recognizing the dedication and service of various community sectors.

The meeting commenced with the declaration of April 14-20, as National Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week. Rhonda Krouse, Code Enforcement Division manager, emphasized the importance of the work performed by animal care personnel and all the work they do in informing the public about properly maintaining animals.

Supervisor Whitesinger commended their office on the work they do and said that it was important for public health and safety. She mentioned a recent outbreak of rabies that was dealt with by keeping the public informed on what to do. This recognition reflects a growing awareness of the crucial role these workers play in maintaining community health and safety.

Another highlight of the meeting was the proclamation of April 14-20, as National Telecommunicators Week, which acknowledged the critical role of emergency dispatchers. Sheriff David Clouse praised Caitlin Montoya, the communications supervisor, for her leadership over the past decade. He detailed the challenging nature of her work: “Last month alone, our dispatchers handled over 1,000 emergency calls, showcasing the indispensable service they provide to our community and our officers in the field.” Sheriff Clouse mentioned that there has been legislation making dispatchers defined as first responders and he wanted to echo that sentiment. He reflected on the importance of a good dispatch team by saying, “Having grown up in this profession and worked with this agency many times, I can tell you that being called out in the middle of the night—1 a.m., 2 a.m., 3 a.m.—to very remote areas north of Heber-Overgaard, east of Snowflake, east of Holbrook, where it’s very remote, no street lights, no cell service, no signed roads, is incredibly challenging. You respond to calls for alarms, suspicious activities, or welfare checks, and often, you’re going there alone. In those moments, you only have one person who knows where you are.”

The board also recognized April 21-27, as National Volunteer Week, celebrating the efforts of countless volunteers within the Sheriff’s Office and other community services. In his remarks, Sheriff Clouse highlighted the selflessness of these individuals: “Our volunteers are the backbone of our community services. They give of their time and skills without expecting anything in return, enhancing our capabilities and fostering a safer, more connected community.” This week was set aside to honor and thank the volunteers for their tireless dedication and to encourage more people to consider the benefits of volunteer work.

The supervisors also approved a new contract to perform crucial survey work for the Winslow Levee Design effort. The Navajo County Flood Control District will conduct engineering surveys and aerial mapping along critical segments of the Winslow Levee, which runs along the Little Colorado River and the Ruby Wash Diversion Levee—both key infrastructures originally constructed by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and maintained by the City of Winslow. The data collected will be vital for the USACE design team’s use in planning and constructing enhancements to the levee system. This project, representing a significant work-in-kind contribution by Navajo County, will be funded through non-federal sources and is budgeted at $288,390.

In other business, the board:

* Approved a contract with Moore Law, PLLC for $1,300 a week for an attorney to cover Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside justice courts until the Attorney I position is filled.

* Approved tax waivers for widow, widowers and disabled persons.

* Approved a grant application for the purchase of 103 new P25 compliant portable radios from the Gila River Tribal Grant.

* Approved a letter of support to senators Mark Kelly and Kirsten Sinema for the Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District application.

* Approved a grant application to support a court field trainer.

* Approved a resolution making known the county’s commitment to affordable housing.

* Approved an amendment to the contract with Wilson and Company Professional Services contract regarding the Joseph City Pedestrian Improvement Project. This amendment adds additional required environmental services and $23,633 to the cost.

* Approved an amendment to contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., for one additional year of the county’s multimodal transportation planning study.

* Approved an amendment to contract Painted Sky Engineering & Survey, LLC for the culvert design for Full House Lane in Show Low at an additional cost of $5,440.

* Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Arizona 9-1-1 for geospatial support services for the next generation of 9-1-1.

* Reappointed Jon Saline and Steven Williams as judges pro tempore to serve in the superior court.

* Approved a license agreement between Cellular One of North East Arizona and the Sheriff’s Office for a five-year lease agreement for an annual cost of $2,000.

* Approved a letter of support to Arizona Public Service for two Department of Energy grants.

* Approved an amendment to an intergovernmental agreement between the Arizona Department of Health Services and Navajo County Public Health Services District for Title V Maternal and Child Health Healthy Arizona Families.

* Approved amendments to intergovernmental agreements between the county and Arizona Department of Health Services for one additional year of COVID-19 testing and extend their drug addiction program through 2027.

* Approved a contract with Perkins Cinders, Inc, Hatch Construction and Paving, Inc., and Brimhall Sand Rock and Building Materials for preventative maintenance materials and equipment. Cost incurred on a project-by-project basis.

The next meeting of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23, in the board chambers located at 100 E. Code Talkers Drive.