Flagstaff and Grand Canyon Voters Consider School Bond, Override Ballot Questions

FLAGSTAFF – On Tuesday, November 6, 2018, Coconino County voters within the Flagstaff Unified School District #1 (FUSD) will consider an override and special bond election, and those living in Grand Canyon Unified School District #4 (GCUSD) will consider an override election.

Registered County voters within GCUSD will vote on the following issue:

  • To adopt a General Maintenance and Operations Budget, which exceeds the revenue control limit specified by statute by 9.3 percent for fiscal years 2019-2020 through 2023-2024 and in fiscal years 2024-2025 and 2025-2026. The amount of the proposed increase will be 6.19 percent and 3.09 percent, respectively, of the District’s revenue control limit in each of such years. The 2019-2020 budget override authority represents an extension of the existing 9.3 percent budget override. If the override is not approved for continuation, then the existing 9.3 percent override will phase out by reducing one-third for fiscal year 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. The estimated tax rate to fund the continued override in fiscal year 2019-2020 is $1.24 per one hundred dollars of net assessed valuation used for secondary property tax purposes.

Registered County voters within FUSD will vote on the following issues:

  • A Special Bond Election, which will allow the District to issue and sell Class B general obligation bonds in the principal amount not to exceed $ 75,000,000 to fund capital improvements over and above those funded by the State. The estimated average annual tax rate for the proposed bond authorization is $0.4067 per $100 of net assessed valuation used for secondary property tax purposes.
  • To adopt a General Maintenance and Operation Budget which exceeds the revenue control limit specified by statute by 15 percent for fiscal years 2019-2020 through 2023-2024 and in fiscal years 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 The amount of the proposed increase will be 10 percent and 5 percent, respectively, of the District’s revenue control limit in each of such years. The District’s current 15 percent budget override is by law required to be reduced by one-third in fiscal years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. Because the existing override does not begin reducing until fiscal year 2020-2021, the proposed 15 percent override budget will equal the 2019-2020 alternate budget. The estimated tax rate to fund the override in fiscal year 2019-2020 is $0.70 per one hundred dollars of net assessed valuation used for secondary property tax purposes.

The Coconino County Superintendent of Schools will prepare an informational pamphlet for the election. The pamphlet will be mailed to households of registered voters who reside within the relevant school districts. Arguments “For” and “Against” these issues are being requested by the County Superintendent of Schools Office for inclusion in the informational report. The County School Superintendent shall review all factual statements contained in the written arguments and correct any inaccurate statements of fact. The County School Superintendent shall not review and correct any portion of the written arguments which are identified as statements of the author’s opinion.

Arguments are to be 200 words or less and be typed or printed and signed by the author. The arguments shall include the name of the District, author’s name, the name of any entity submitting an argument, address, telephone number and the author’s signature. The entity and author’s name will be printed in the informational pamphlet.

Arguments must be received by 5 p.m., Monday, August 13, 2018, in the Coconino County Superintendent of Schools office, Ponderosa High School, 2384 N Steves Blvd., Flagstaff, Ariz. 86004. Faxes will be accepted at (928) 526-1469; however, the original must be mailed to Coconino County Superintendent of Schools by the stated deadline. For more information, call (928) 679-8070.

For more information concerning District elections, contact:

  • Grand Canyon Unified School District, 100 Boulder St, Grand Canyon, Ariz. 86023, or call (928) 638-2461.
  • Flagstaff Unified School District, 3285 E. Sparrow, Flagstaff, Ariz. 86004, or call (928) 527-6000.

County Voters to consider ballot initiative on judicial merit selection Proposition No. 416

FLAGSTAFF – On Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2018, voters within Coconino County will consider a ballot proposition on the merit selection of judges and judicial retention.

Registered County voters will vote on the following issue:

• Shall Coconino County change from a partisan election of superior court judges to a merit selection and judicial retention election of superior court judges.

The County will prepare an informational pamphlet for the election. The pamphlet will be mailed to households of registered voters in the County. Arguments “For” and “Against” the ballot question are being requested by the County for inclusion in the informational pamphlet.

Anyone who would like to submit a “For” or “Against” statement regarding the election can mail or hand deliver their statement to Coconino County Elections, 110 E. Cherry Ave, Flagstaff, Ariz. 86001.

Arguments may be typed or printed and shall not exceed 300 words and must include the original signature of the submitting party. If the argument is sponsored by an organization, it must be signed by two of the organization’s executive officers. If the argument is submitted by a political committee, it must be signed by the committee’s Chairperson or Treasurer. The person(s) signing the argument must provide their mailing address and telephone number. The entity and author’s name will be printed in the informational pamphlet.

The cost to file an argument is $100 per argument filed on paper. If the argument is submitted electronically (on a CD or USB drive), the cost is $75 (to meet the requirement for an original signature, it must be accompanied by a paper copy).

Arguments must be received by 5 p.m., Monday, Aug. 13, 2018, to the Coconino County Election Office at 110 E. Cherry Ave., Flagstaff, Ariz. 86001.

Free backpacks with back-to-school shots and sports physicals

FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) Clinic is providing free backpacks to students that come in for back-to-school immunizations or sports physicals while supplies last.

Appointments are available at the CCPHSD Clinic, 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff Monday – Friday from 8 – 11 a.m. and noon – 5 p.m. Call 928-679-7222 to make an appointment.

Immunizations and sports physicals are also available on a walk-in basis on Super Service Saturdays, Aug. 11 & Sept. 8 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Visit www.coconino.az.gov/superservicesaturday for more information.

The cost for a sports physical is $20. Childhood immunizations are available via the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program or through insurance. Individuals seeking vaccinations that have insurance should bring their insurance card and immunizations records. No one will be denied services due to an inability to pay.

Childhood immunizations protect children from 16 serious diseases and are an important step toward ensuring long-term health. Immunizations also help protect the health of others in the community, including those who are unable to be vaccinated. When a high percentage of the population is protected through immunization, it is difficult for an infectious disease to spread because there are fewer susceptible people.

Seeking Public’s Help in Locating Two Suspects in Sexual Assault Case

FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating two suspects in a reported sexual assault that occurred this morning in the wooded area by Kachina Village.

The two suspects are described as males, possibly Hispanic, driving an older model, single cab red pickup truck. The truck has signs of rust. At the time of the incident, both males were wearing blue jeans and one had an orange t-shirt, possibly like that worn on construction sites.

The incident occurred around 9:30 am this morning in the area of Forest Service Rd 237 which is a route between Kachina Village area and SR89A.

If anyone has information regarding the identity or location of these individuals or about this crime, please contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at 1-800-338-7888 or Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.

Fire restrictions lifted north of the Grand Canyon

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County will lift fire restrictions above the North Rim of the Grand Canyon effective immediately. This region received significant moisture during the last week, decreasing fire risk.

Currently, there are no fire restrictions in any area of the County. However, several areas in the region may have received less precipitation, causing fire danger to be higher in some locations. Residents and visitors are asked to use caution when using equipment or items that can spark a fire. They are also asked to extinguish all campfires, operate ATVS and motorcycles with spark arrestors and to use caution when operating barbeque grills. Residents and visitors are reminded they can be legally responsible for causing wildfires.

A link to the full Wildfire Defense Ordinance can be found at www.coconino.az.gov/ready.

Heavy rainfall, flooding in Schultz Flood Area causes road closures

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County has activated an Emergency Operation Center (EOC) to coordinate emergency response operations due to heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding this afternoon in the Schultz Flood area.

County Public Works crews closed Brandis Way due to significant water over the roadway. Debris obstructed one of the culverts, diverting water and debris onto the road and rendering it impassable. Public Works has crews on scene and has begun assessment of the damage and clean-up will commence as soon as it’s safe to enter.

Residents of Brandis Way will not be able to access their homes. The American Red Cross has set-up an evacuation center at Cromer Elementary at 7150 Silver Saddle Rd, Flagstaff.

Several other roads north of Copeland Lane have received flood damage and the County is monitoring that area as well. There is also a report of water in at least one home.

Public Works has a crew on scene and will begin assessment and clean-up of debris as soon as it is safe to enter.

A call center has been opened for people impacted by these closures and in the area to call with questions (928)213-2990.

Candidates sought to run for school board

FLAGSTAFF – There are 11 Coconino County School Districts with governing board vacancies for the November 6 election.

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Risha VanderWey encourages residents to get involved in local education by running as volunteer school board members to help shape policies impacting education.

Governing board seats are open in the following districts:

  • Flagstaff Unified School District (two seats);
  • Williams Unified School District (two seats);
  • Grand Canyon Unified School District (three seats);
  • Chevlon Butte Unified School District (four seats);
  • Fredonia-Moccasin Unified School District (five seats);
  • Page Unified School District (three seats);
  • Maine Consolidated Unified School District (four seats);
  • Tuba City Unified School District (two seats);
  • Coconino Community College District 5 (one seat);
  • Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry and Technology (CAVIAT) Fredonia, Grand Canyon, Williams, and Page; and
  • Northeast Arizona Technological Institute of Vocational Education (NATIVE) Tuba City.

To be eligible, candidates must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the Nov. 6 election. Candidates or their spouses may not be an employee of the district.

Nomination packets can be found online at: http://coconino.az.gov/1939/2018-School-Board-Elections

Packets can only be turned in between July 9, 2018 through August 8, 2018.

For more information or to request a packet by mail, please call Elizabeth Sorg at 928-679-8070 or e-mail esorg@coconino.az.gov.

Coconino County pilots Super Service Saturday

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County initiated a pilot project to bring services to residents one Saturday a month during the summer. In a multi-departmental effort called “Super Service Saturdays,” the County will provide select services from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month (July 14, August 11 and Septeptember 8) at the County Health and Human Services Office, 2625 N. King St. Flagstaff.

During every Super Service Saturday, there will be a wide variety of services offered by the Public Health Services District, Community Services Department, the Career Center and other County departments.

“We’re very excited to be launch this new program that will expand services to Saturdays,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Ryan. “The Board of Supervisors fully supports trying this out and opening our doors on Saturdays to help ease the burden for people who can’t access services during normal business hours. We hope people take advantage during this pilot period and help us spread the word.”

Resources for job seekers, Financial Empowerment Workshops and WIC Services will be available every Super Service Saturday. People can also get a free backpack, while supplies last, when they get back-to-school immunizations or sports physicals during the July and August events. District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta’s office will also take part in Super Service Saturdays to help answer constituent questions and inform them on County updates.

“We live in a very rural and diverse county where accessing these crucial services, Monday through Friday, during working hours, isn’t always easy,” said Supervisor Archuleta. “I’m thrilled that this program will help people, who usually have to take vacation or sick time or take unpaid time off work during the week, get services they need. If we can make the lives of the people we serve just a little bit easier, this program will be a success.”

The 2017 Coconino County Community Need Assessment and focus groups conducted by the Health District found that accessing services during traditional hours was sometimes difficult due to transportation issues and work schedules. The Super Service Saturday program will be evaluated after the pilot is completed to determine if Super Service Saturdays are continued or expanded to include more locations, dates and services.

More information and a complete list of services can be found at http://www.coconino.az.gov/superservicesaturday or by calling 928-679-7120. Registration is required for some of the services. Regular fees apply.

Independence Day closures

FLAGSTAFF –– All Coconino County offices will be closed Wednesday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed on Wednesday, July 4, records will remain open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please dial 911 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 Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) Animal Management will have an officer available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 4. 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 County’s parks and natural areas will remain open during the holiday, but administrative offices at Fort Tuthill County Park will be closed and limited staff or services will be available. The Fort Tuthill Bike Park is open. The public is encouraged to visit one of the County’s parks for a morning run, afternoon hike or to view local wildlife.

The County remains in Stage Three Fire Restrictions below the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and the use of fireworks is prohibited throughout the County. For more information on restrictions go www.coconino.az.gov/ready.

2018 Coconino County Fair early bird ticket sales began today

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Parks & Recreation is hosting the 69th annual Coconino County Fair, on Labor Day Weekend, August 31 – September 3, at Fort Tuthill County Park. The Fair is a community event where people exhibit animals and handcrafts. There are also various entertainment acts, carnival rides and games.

Starting July 1, fairgoers can purchase early bird Coconino County Fair admission tickets and carnival wristbands for a discounted rate at coconinocountyfair.com. The promotion ends July 31. Discounted carnival wristbands are available until they are sold out.

Early bird admission tickets will be $5 each for adults and $3 each for youth (ages 6 – 12) and seniors (65 and older). Kids, 5 and under, are not charged admission at the Fair. Carnival wristbands, which allow people to ride unlimited carnival rides for one day, will be $25 each, while supplies last. There is a limit of ten wristbands that can be purchased at one time.

To enter exhibits such as artwork, photography, crafts, homegrown vegetables and flowers, clothing, quick breads, cookies, cherry pies, candies, preserved foods, quilts and more, go to coconinocountyfair.com. Entries are free except for livestock. Participants will compete for red, white or blue ribbons with special awards, including cash prizes.

The 2018 Fair Book is now online for people to view categories and enter their exhibit information. There are a limited number of printed Fair Books available at the Parks and Recreation Administration office or participating locations in Coconino County.

For more information on the County Fair go to coconinocountyfair.com or call the Coconino County Parks and Recreation Department at 928-679-8000.