In a meeting of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors last week, a presentation was given by County Supervisors Association representative Craig Sullivan. The CSA is a coalition of all 15 counties in Arizona that works to identify and address issues relevant at the county level.
Sullivan gave an overview of the summit held during the first regular session of Arizona’s 53rd legislature at the state capitol. During the session, county and state budgets were discussed, as well as legislation pertaining to counties. Sullivan’s presentation included a slide showing a $19.6 million reimbursement from the state to be divided amongst the counties. Counties have provided the state with more than $102 million since 2008, causing major financial stress, especially to smaller counties.
These funds represent a reprieve of sorts. In a follow up interview with Assistant County Manager Bryan Layton, he noted that during the economic downturn, the state mandated that counties help pay the cost of several state programs and other expenses historically paid by the state, including the Department of Public Safety, Juvenile Corrections and the Department of Revenue. “Now that the state economy and revenues are improving, the CSA has seen some success working with legislators to provide counties some relief from these state costs,” said Layton.
He explained that the $19.6 million includes $8 million relief from the Arizona Department of Corrections, a $10 million restoration of Highway User Revenue Funds and $1.6 million in new lottery distributions to Yavapai, Mohave and Pinal counties. Other counties have already been receiving lottery distributions, so those lottery funds were not counted as “new” relief in CSA’s calculation.
During the board meeting, Sullivan said 24 bills that would have harmed counties were defeated or amended.
District V Supervisor Dawnafe Whitesinger stated, “The partnership with CSA is very important in allowing us, as the county leaders, to manage the conversation. We are grateful to be part of this dialogue.”
The public may review a summary of the CSA summit by going online to www.countysupervisors.org.
The supervisors gave accolades to many in recognition of their contributions to road improvements in the White Cone area. Many roads in the outlying areas of the county are unpaved and in poor condition, leading to students missing school in inclement weather.
“We’ve got to make sure our students get to school, that’s what we are talking about when we talk about improving these roads,” Chairman Jesse Thompson said. In partnership with the Navajo Nation Division of Transportation, county leaders have made efforts to improve those road conditions.
District I Supervisor Lee Jack said, “We appreciate the collaboration that happened at White Cone.”
Thompson added, “We will continue to partner with ADOT (Arizona Department of Transportation) and NDOT for improvement, paving, and repairing.”
Public hearings regarding land issues in the county took place during the meeting.
One focused on the rewording of the definition of ‘Garage, Private’ in the Navajo County Zoning Ordinance. No citizens came forth and the revision was made to read: “a portion of a principal building or a separate building designed or used for the parking or storage of motor vehicles.” The new language also adds the requirement of a garage being enclosed on all four sides.
The second was to address the rezoning of a parcel of land near Clay Springs from A-General zoning dedication to light and heavy industrial zoning. Many residents of the area came forward in opposition, but the request for rezoning was granted unanimously by the board.
Proclamations were announced declaring Sept. 13-17 as Navajo County Fair Days, and naming September National Preparedness Month.
Navajo County also received a dedication from the National Weather Service declaring the county “Storm Ready,” a designation given to only four other counties in the state in recognition of emergency management plans.
In other business Aug. 22, the board:
* Approved the sale of six back tax land parcels sold over the counter for a total of $2,865.
* Approved the expenditure of $2,800 in Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) funds by the County Attorney’s Office.
* Approved the expenditure of $2,100 in RICO funds approved by the RICO Board Aug. 8.
* Approved an application by the Superior Court for the Fill the Gap program, which ensures resources are available to provide swift and adequate court procedures.
* Approved an application for a fiscal year 2018 court field trainer grant in the amount of $25,000.
* Approved the appointment of David J. Martin as a Superior Court judge pro tempore.
* Approved the transfer of $85,000 in law library funds to a building repair fund. The court has been working with county administration to build a new superior court facility in the Show Low area and funds will be needed to help supplement the funding provided by the county.
* Approved an extension of premises permit for American Legion Post 86 of Overgaard for Oct. 14.
* Approved an agreement between the county recorder and the Secretary of State for voter registration system maintenance.
* Authorized a modification of a U.S. Forest Service agreement providing an additional $10,000 to the sheriff’s office.
* Approved fiscal year 2017-18 special districts cost allocation fees.
* Authorized termination of the county’s convenience of AECOM (architecture, engineering, construction, operations and management) contract.
* Authorized acceptance of the fiscal year 2018 Victims Rights Program grant agreement.
* Approved the fiscal year 2017 equitable sharing agreement and certification report for the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office.
* Authorized acceptance of an $18,200 fiscal year 2018 Victim’s Rights Program grant.
* Approved the appointment of Anthony Little as an alternate to the Planning and Zoning Commission representing District I.
* Approved a property valuation for a lot in Lakeside in the amount of $46,882.
* Approved the adoption of the corrected fiscal year 2017-18 property tax rates for County Education District and State Equalization Assistance property tax.
* Authorized a contract amendment with the Arizona Department of Health Services to continue HIV prevention programs.
* Approved a special use permit allowing construction of enclosures in the Pinetop area.
The next meeting of the supervisors will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday Sept. 12, in the board chambers at 100 E. Code Talkers Way in Holbrook.
