The Snowflake Town Council made the decision to forgo a three-year intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the White Mountain Connection, instead opting for a one-year agreement after a discussion as to the value of the service for the community. The item had been discussed in a previous work session and was on the agenda of the Aug. 11 council meeting.

“Terril (Kay) had some significant issues, so I tried to do my homework,” said Councilman Lynn Johnson, noting that his main concern about the situation was if they had a specific survey on Snowflake and Taylor usage, which they did not. The statistics that he did see showed the highest usage was from Pinetop and Show Low.

“Overall I don’t have a problem with it, I think transit is a good thing; however if our usage is minimal compared to theirs I’m not sure we should be paying the same amount of money,” he said.

Johnson also expressed frustration that in the proposal it said that this is a yearly contract that will automatically be renewed and increases can be expected, but there is no idea given of what those increases will be.

“I have questions about our usage and paying the same amount of money, and questions about there being increases in the future, but not saying what those increases are,” said Johnson who did acknowledge appreciation for Navajo County being on board and paying a large portion.

Councilmen Terril Kay and Cory Johnson were unable to attend the meeting, and Lynn Johnson noted that Cory Johnson was in favor, but Kay was a little hesitant.

“One of the problems I have with it is we don’t go to the meetings and even under the IGA it’s a courtesy to have you there,” said Mayor Tom Poscharsky. “It’s basically run by Show Low.”

Poscharsky went back two years and in 2013 they paid $5,897.11 and for fiscal

year 2014-15 they paid $12,281.62.

Kirk Brimhall noted that Navajo County paid for the first three years of bus service. He said that the new Walmart shopping center has designed a bus stop into their construction stating, “There will be people from Snowflake and Taylor that need rides.”

“Since we don’t have any control at all, and they don’t seem to want to give any control,” the mayor suggested they make this year’s payment of $6,300 at the same time Taylor makes its payment and review the matter again next year.

“I’m trying to be fiscally responsible on behalf of the town,” said Poscharsky. “I don’t like signing a blank check when you don’t have any control.” He did recognize that two years ago they talked about purchasing a new bus, but have not, and when the Snowflake Council suggested advertising on the bus, they did get additional advertising.

Poscharsky moved to participate for the indicated amount for this year and redetermine for future years. The motion passed unanimously.