Category Archives: Coconino County

County Board appoints James Jayne County Manager

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FLAGSTAFF -– The Coconino County Board of Supervisors selected James (Jimmy) Jayne as County Manager. Jayne has served as Interim County Manager since January 2018.

“Jimmy has shown tremendous leadership ability over the last six months as Interim County Manager,” said Chairman of the Board Matt Ryan. “His extensive experience and vast network of connections throughout the state will advance the County’s initiatives on behalf of our citizens. The Board trusts and believes that Jimmy is the right person to deliver the quality services our citizens have come to expect.”

District 1 Supervisor and Vice Chairman Art Babbott added, “We’re excited by the creativity and innovation that Jimmy will bring to Coconino County to better serve our citizens, build our organization and engender productive local, state, tribal and federal partnerships. We are enthusiastic about his leadership and ensuring the County grows as a forward thinking, supportive and high-performing organization.”

Jayne’s breadth of experience serving in state and county leadership roles positions him to support the County’s mission to build strong and resilient communities across the vastness of Coconino County.

“I’ve been really impressed with the work ethic and dedication to public service Jimmy has shown over his tenure with the County,” said District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler. “He’s traveled to every corner of the County and worked to establish relationships in all of our diverse communities. I look forward to working with him as we continue to meet our many challenges.”

Jayne joined the Coconino County team in August 2017 serving as the Director of Special Initiatives, responsible for Public Affairs and Community Relations, Public Works and various special projects.

“I am honored to be selected by the Board to serve the people of Coconino County,” said Jayne. “My life has been dedicated to building community – I pledge to bring energy, creativity and a strong commitment to collaborating with our communities. I am also privileged to work with one of finest service organizations in the country, a team that is strongly dedicated to serving the public.”

Prior to coming to Coconino County, Jayne served as the Navajo County Manager since 2003. He also served as Executive Secretary for the Arizona Corporation Commission, the Chief of Staff in the Arizona House of Representatives, worked at the Arizona Water Banking Authority and served as staff in the U.S. Congress. Jayne earned his undergraduate degree from Northern Arizona University and his Master of Public Administration from Arizona State University. Recently he was inducted into the Northern Arizona University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Hall of Fame for his outstanding public service career.

The Board will officially appoint Jayne as County manager during a special session on July 11.

Siren system test in Oak Creek Canyon

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Emergency Management, Yavapai County Emergency
Management, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Sedona Fire District will test the
emergency siren system in Oak Creek Canyon at approximately 10 a.m. Thursday, June 28.
This system is designed to notify Oak Creek Canyon and Uptown Sedona residents of severe
emergencies that require evacuation.

The sirens will be used when the U.S. National Weather Service issues a Flash Flood Warning for Oak
Creek Canyon. If the sirens sound, anyone in the canyon is asked to stop what they are doing,
immediately get to high ground and tune their radio to KAFF 930 AM or 92.9 FM for specific
directions.

Area residents are also encouraged to register for emergency notifications at
www.coconino.az.gov/ready. It is important to register all phone numbers to be contacted in an
emergency.

For additional information call 928.679.8311 or go to www.coconino.az.gov/ready.

Truth in Taxation hearing set

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Coconino County is publishing the Truth in Taxation notice, as required by Arizona state law, explaining potential changes in the amount of property taxes collected.

Interested citizens are invited to attend the public hearing which is at 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 26, in the County Administrative Building Board Chambers, 219 East Cherry, Flagstaff, Ariz.

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors is notifying its property taxpayers of Coconino County’s intention to raise its primary property taxes over last year’s level. Coconino County is proposing an increase in primary property taxes of $187,911 or 2 percent.

For example, the proposed tax increase will cause Coconino County’s primary property taxes on a $100,000 home to increase from $54.79 (total taxes that would be owed without the proposed tax increase) to $55.89 (total proposed taxes including the tax increase).

Truth in Taxation hearings for the Library, Health and Flood Control Districts will also take place at 6 p.m. June 26 in the County Board Chambers on 219 E. Cherry Ave.

The Coconino County Library District is proposing an increase in secondary property taxes of $152,037 or 3.61 percent, the Coconino County Public Health Services District is proposing an increase in secondary property taxes of $148,620 or 3.61 percent and the Coconino County Flood Control District is proposing an increase in secondary property taxes of $74,228 or 2.85 percent.

Eric Peterson selected County Public Affairs Director

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FLAGSTAFF — Interim County Manager James Jayne has announced the selection of Eric Peterson as the County Public Affairs Director. The Board of Supervisors approved the selection during their regular meeting June 19.

The Public Affairs Director is responsible for the supervision of all governmental and community relations functions, including communications and legislative issues. The Director leads a team that implements initiatives and projects and advocates for legislation that benefits Coconino County residents. The Public Affairs Director is a part of the Coconino County Leadership Team and reports directly to the County Manager.

“We look forward to Eric joining our team and bringing his wealth of experience to Coconino County,” said Interim County Manager James Jayne. “He has represented diverse communities, fostered relationships and led teams to accomplish many legislative goals. The Public Affairs Department, under Eric’s guidance, will continue building relationships with community partners throughout the County and work with local, state and federal officials to better serve Coconino County residents.”

Prior to joining Coconino County, Peterson most recently served as the Government Affairs Liaison for Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. He was also the Chief of Staff to Wisconsin State Senator Lena Taylor (D-4) for 7 years. Peterson studied Agricultural Marketing at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Peterson will start as director on July 9, 2018.

Juneteenth Celebration

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County African American Advisory Council and the Southside Community Association present the annual Juneteenth celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 16, 2018.

The family friendly celebration with special entertainment and food trucks will be held at the Murdoch Community Center at 203 W. Brannen in Flagstaff.

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended. Freed Americans of African descent were living and working as slaves for close to three years before they were told the news of their freedom. Supporters of civil rights celebrate African American freedom and the subsequent achievements within the culture while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. To learn more about this moment in America’s history visit http://juneteenth.com.

WHO: Free and open to members of the public – family friendly
WHAT: Juneteenth Celebration
WHERE: Murdoch Community Center, 203 W. Brannen, Flagstaff, AZ
WHEN: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday, June 16.

For more information, please contact Susie Garretson (sgarretson@coconino.az.gov) or 928-679-7147.

Coconino County Offices closed in honor of Memorial Day

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FLAGSTAFF — All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed May 28, 2018 in honor of Memorial Day.

While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will be open. Records will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 28. Please dial 9-1-1 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, dial 928-774-4523 to connect with the non-emergency Dispatch number or to leave a message for one of the administrative offices.

Coconino County’s parks and natural areas will remain open Monday, May 28, but administrative offices at Fort Tuthill County Park will be closed and limited staff or services will be available. The Harrenburg Wash trailhead that accesses Pumphouse County Natural Area will be closed.

All of Coconino County parks and natural areas remain under fire restrictions. Smoking outdoors is not allowed; smoking is allowed only in designated areas during events, or in enclosed vehicles. Campfires and charcoal fire/grills are not allowed; visitors may use liquid gas stoves only on improved surfaces. Coconino County parks and natural areas’ trails, ramadas, picnic areas, and watchable wildlife sites/viewing platforms are open. Fort Tuthill Campground, Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course and Pepsi Amphitheater remain open.

Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) Animal Management will have an officer available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 28. Contact the CCPHSD Animal Management office at 928-679-8756 and leave a message and an officer will respond. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

Coconino Stage Three Fire Restrictions are in effect below the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and Stage One above the North Rim.

County enacts Stage Three Fire Restrictions

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County will be entering Stage Three Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on May 23. The restrictions will be enacted for all of Coconino County up to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Stage One restrictions will remain in effect above the North Rim.

This ordinance applies to unincorporated areas and residences in the County that are not under the jurisdiction of a fire district.

“The County is implementing common sense restrictions, in coordination with our regional partners, to mitigate the catastrophic damage of wildfire,” said Chairman of the Board Matt Ryan. “We live in a forested ecosystem and our forests provide jobs for our economy, trails for our adventures and comfort for our homes. We must be extremely firewise this dry and dangerous season.”

Stage Three Fire Restrictions prohibit any combustion, open fire, charcoal, propane, shooting of firearms and camp fires in unincorporated areas and residences in the County unless:

  • People have written permits or variances from their fire district (except on Red Flag Days).
  • Personal use of tobacco products is restricted to inside closed vehicles or buildings only.

While activities, that don’t involve mechanical operations, such as lawn care, home construction and community clean-ups, are not specifically prohibited, residents and visitors should use their best judgment when considering whether to engage in any activity that could spark a fire. Anyone engaging in these activities could be held legally responsible.

For the full Wildfire Defense Ordinance 2017-5 and to sign-up for emergency notifications, go to www.coconino.az.gov/ready.

NAU study: Post-wildfire flooding to cost hundreds of millions

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors heard a presentation from the Northern Arizona University (NAU) Alliance Bank Economic Policy Institute (EPI) on the economic impact of post wildfire flooding to the City of Williams resulting from a wildfire on Bill Williams Mountain.

The EPI study, commissioned by the Coconino County Flood Control District, estimates that the economic impact from a catastrophic wildfire and the post-wildfire flooding in the Bill Williams Mountain watershed (City of Williams and downstream) is between $379 million and $694 million. The estimated cost of forest restoration on Bill Williams Mountain is approximately $8 million.

The response to a fire would incur immediate expenses, including suppression, post-fire rehabilitation, evacuation and repair costs. Long-term impacts of a catastrophic fire include the loss of sales tax revenue, tourist revenue, business revenue, and repair costs to railroads, highways and facilities.

Last year, a study conducted by J.E. Fuller Hydrology and Geomorphology, at the direction of the County’s Flood Control District, recommended the development of a pre-disaster plan to identify ways to reduce the impacts of flooding. The City of Williams is working with the County to develop the plan and secure funding.

The Bill Williams Mountain Watershed is located south and uphill from The City of Williams’ cultural, tourist, retail, residential and governmental core. The watershed is heavily used for outdoor recreation including a ski area, residential housing and summer camps. It is also unnaturally dense with ponderosa pine and mixed-conifer forests and characterized by steep slopes, making this area vulnerable to an intense catastrophic wildfire and post-wildfire flooding.

Due to increasing fire danger with warmer and dryer weather conditions in the immediate forecast, the Kaibab National Forest closed the Bill Williams Mountain watershed area last week until the area receives significant precipitation.

Coconino County provides notice of security incidents

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County recently detected suspicious activity within certain staff members’ email accounts.

The County engaged a leading computer forensics investigation company to determine the nature and scope of these activities. Although the investigation is ongoing, the County did identify certain individuals whose personal and protected health information may have been compromised. There is no evidence that anyone’s information is being misused and the County is providing individuals with notice of these data security events as well as access to credit and identity protection services. A hotline has been established (855-789-0940) where people with questions can call. Additional information is also available at http://www.coconino.az.gov/1985/Data-Security-Public-Notices.

Coconino County takes the security and privacy of personal information very seriously. The County has ensured the security of its email accounts and continues to monitor its systems to ensure the privacy and security of personal information in our care.

Fox tests positive for rabies

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) confirmed today that a fox tested positive for rabies. The fox was found in a wooded area north of Interstate 40, west of Milton Road and south of University Ave. in west Flagstaff.

The fox was captured and tested after residents walking in the area reported the animal attacked their dog and bit them when they intervened. The individuals are receiving post exposure rabies prophylaxis treatment.

CCPHSD is reminding individuals to use caution to protect against rabies exposure when hiking, camping or in situation where wildlife may be present. Health officials recommend the following precautions to protect against rabies:

Avoid wildlife, especially those exhibiting unusual wildlife behaviors which can include; showing no fear of humans, aggressive behavior, staggering and/or acting sickly, and nocturnal mammals active during daytime.
Keep all pets current on vaccinations and obey leash laws.
Always keep pets away from wild animals.
Never pick up, touch, or feed wild or unfamiliar animals, even if they do not appear sick or aggressive.
Report any wild animal exhibiting erratic or aggressive behavior.
Seek immediate medical attention if bitten by or have contact with a wild animal.
Pet owners should seek medical care from their veterinarian if their pet is bitten by wildlife.

To report unusual wildlife sightings or behavior call the Coconino County Public Health Services District Animal Management Program at 928-679-8756. To report a wildlife emergency call 911.

For more information on rabies visit www.azhealth.gov/rabies.