The Navajo County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on Tuesday, March 11, during which Government Relations Director Rochelle Lacapa announced that a listening session for the county’s renewable energy ordinance will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, in Joseph City at the BG Bennett Auditorium. Other listening sessions will be held in Show Low on Monday, March 24, and in Heber on Wednesday, March 26.
According to the county’s website, utility companies in Arizona have asked renewable energy developers to submit proposals for renewable energy projects in Navajo County. The Board of Supervisors has directed staff to hold these listening sessions to collect testimonies from stakeholders regarding the county’s renewable energy ordinance and the potential for new development. Residents are invited to share their testimony and perspective with the board during these sessions. Those who are unable to attend can share their thoughts online by visiting www.navajocountyaz.gov/754/Renewable-Energy-Ordinance-Listening-Ses.
Following an executive session, the board approved the hiring of outside legal counsel, specifically Jeffrey Messing and Jim Ball of the firm Ball, Santin & McLeran, P.L.C., to represent Navajo County in Walmart’s tax appeal regarding the valuation of its property located in Taylor.
In other business, the board:
* Approved an amendment to the HDR Engineering, Inc. contract task three Winslow Levee Survey, extending the contract term by six months to allow for the work to be completed. The contract sum is not modified.
* Approved an amendment to the Juvenile Diversion Program contract to extend the contract term through June 30. The Juvenile Diversion Program contract may be renewed for up to four additional one-year periods or portions thereof, with this being the second renewal.
* Approved contracts signed by County Manager Bryan Layton pursuant to Board of Supervisors Resolution: Sentinel Appendix A to Master Service Agreement.
* Approved the appointment of Kasheena Susan Miles as a Democrat Precinct Committee member through Oct. 1, 2028.
* Approved sympathy letters to Alysa Boisvert, Evelyn Marez, Gloria Hatton and Danny Lewis.
* Approved the amendment of Ordinance 01-19 Outdoor Fire Ordinance to clarify what is prohibited and what exemptions are included for each item.
* Awarded an employee benefits consultant contract to The Mahoney Group (TMG). This is a one-year contract to provide an employee benefits consultant for the county with the option to renew up to four additional one-year terms. Only one proposal was received for the bid. The contract stipulates the county will pay TMG $14 per employee per month.
* Awarded the supply of various roadway materials contract to Brimhall Sand, Rock & Building Materials Inc., WW Clyde Co., Perkins Aggregates, Inc., Perkins Cinders, Inc. and Schuck Development effective March 28. This is an annual “multi-award” contract for roadway materials which are purchased based on price, convenience, availability and/or quality. The award of contracts to all bidders allows adequate coverage for road materials by location. Funds are budgeted for both fiscal year 2025 and 2026 under roadway maintenance.
* Approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Town of Taylor for their request for financial assistance for the Railroad Grade Drainage Project in the amount of $68,000.
