Tag Archives: Coconino County

Board of Supervisors Adopts Final Tax Rate Schedule for Fiscal Year 2024

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) unanimously approved and adopted the tax rate schedule for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 24) and Tax Year 2023 for all special taxing jurisdictions for which Coconino County has authority to collect taxes. Arizona Revised Statues mandate that an ordinance levying taxes for FY 24 be adopted no later than the third Monday in August 2023, and with this administrative action the Board has concluded the 2023-24 budget process.

Special taxing jurisdictions, often referred to as special districts, are created to fill a need and to enable the provision of services in an area that might otherwise be limited from receiving those services for various reasons, including size, location, financial limitations or unavailability of other government support. The formation of a special taxing district creates a funding stream to pay for the desired or necessary services by placing the responsibility on those who benefit from that service.

Within Coconino County, special tax districts include the Flood Control District, Coconino Community College, ten public school districts, 17 fire department districts, and special districts such as the Williams Hospital District and the Forest Lakes Domestic Water District. The County also acts as the taxing authority in the cities of Flagstaff and Williams.

“This tax rate adoption is the culmination of extensive work by our County Finance Director, the County Treasurer, Assessor, our Superintendent of Schools, and last but not least our County Attorney’s Office,” said Patrice Horstman, Chair of the Board and Supervisor for District 1. “It is a lot of work, but necessary in order to meet the important priorities of our communities.”

The FY 24 budget, which took effect on July 1 of this year, sustains the County’s approach to 10-year budget planning and continues the County’s low property tax rate, one of the lowest in the state, maintaining service levels to the community while also considering the impact to the taxpayer.

74th Coconino County Fair Early Bird Tickets available

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FLAGSTAFF —Early bird tickets are available for the 74th annual Coconino County Fair that runs from September 1-4. The early bird tickets and wristbands are available until July 31 online and at Bookmans.

The ticket costs are:

  • Adults – $8
  • Youth (6 – 12) – $3
  • Senior (65 and older) – $4
  • Early Bird Carnival Wrist Bands (all-day pass) – $30

You can purchase wrist bands at www.CoconinoCountyFair.com or cash only at Bookmans Flagstaff Entertainment Exchange, 1520 S Riordan Ranch Street.
*Processing fees may apply
**Some rides may require additional tokens; $2 processing fee online

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions to Begin Thursday in Coconino County

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FLAGSTAFF — With the potential for continued warm, dry, and windy conditions throughout Northern Arizona in the coming days, both the Coconino National Forest and the Kaibab National Forest – Williams Ranger District will begin Stage 1 Fire Restrictions this Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) and County Manager’s Office have directed Emergency Management (CCEM) to do likewise in all unincorporated areas of the County.

Under the County’s Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or a developed recreation site. The use of tracer rounds of ammunition or explosive targets is also strictly prohibited. Fireworks are always prohibited on all National Forest and State lands.

Using a device that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.

Fire restrictions are implemented to help prevent human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions. Decisions about fire restrictions are based on a combination of carefully measured factors. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels, enduring drought, and available firefighting resources.

Additional restrictions could be forthcoming if conditions warrant. Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the region receives significant, widespread precipitation.

The public is reminded to always be extra cautious when recreating on public lands, regardless of restrictions. Violations could result in mandatory appearance in a federal court, fines, or jail time.

For information on Coconino County’s Stage 1, 2, and 3 fire restrictions please visit: https://coconino.az.gov/2595/Fire-Restriction-Information.

Information about all Arizona state and federal fire restrictions, including an interactive map, can be found at wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions. Additional information about the stages of fire restrictions, Forest Orders, and general forest conditions are available for the Kaibab National Forest at fs.usda.gov/kaibab and the Coconino National Forest at fs.usda.gov/coconino.

Fire weather watch issued for Tuesday

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FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR NORTHERN ARIZONA
Fire Weather Watch issued June 25 at 1:12PM MST until June 27 at 8:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has issued a Fire Weather Watch due to strong winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect from Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening.

* AFFECTED AREA…Locations near Alpine, Camp Verde, Chino Valley, Congress, Cottonwood, Paulden, Payson, Strawberry, Pinetop-Lakeside, Prescott, Sedona, Seligman, Show Low and Whiteriver. This includes portions of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Coconino National Forest, Kaibab National Forest, Prescott National Forest and Tonto National Forest.

* WINDS…Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as 7 percent.

* IMPACTS…The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.
Click HERE to sign up for Coconino County Emergency Notifications and alerts.

Congratulations Lt. John Jamison and Lt. Adam Simonsen

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FLAGSTAFF – Congratulations to John Jamison and Adam Simonsen how have been selected to fill the two vacant Operations Lieutenant positions at the Sheriff’s Office. Lieutenant Jamison will lead the Flagstaff Patrol District and Lieutenant Simonsen will lead the Administrative Sergeant, Search and Rescue, and PIO/community programs areas.

Lt. Jamison and Lt. Simonsen sworn in by Sheriff Driscoll.

Lieutenant Jamison has an extensive career in law enforcement. Lieutenant Jamison has been with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office since 2006. Prior to joining the Sheriff’s Office, John worked for the Williams Police Department for 14 years where he held several assignments, to include Police Officer, Detective, and Sergeant.

Lieutenant Jamison has 31 years of law enforcement experience, consisting of 5 years as a deputy/officer, 3 years as a detective, and 23 years as a Sergeant. As a deputy with CCSO, he was assigned to the Northern Arizona GIITEM Gang Task Force for 2 years. He was the community deputy in Munds Park where he forged partnerships with residents and professionals. He was a key part in starting the Munds Park Neighborhood Watch, which is still one of the most active Neighborhood Watch groups today. John took an innovative approach to addressing community concerns, which made a significant difference in the safety of the community.

Lieutenant Simonsen has been with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office since December of 2020. Prior to joining the Sheriff’s Office, he worked for the Kingman Police Department for 11 years where he held several assignments, to include Police Officer, Detective, and K9 Officer. Prior to working for the Kingman Police Department, Lt. Simonsen worked as a Detention Officer for the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office for approximately 3 years, where he was promoted to Detention Corporal.

Lieutenant Simonsen has significant experience in several different areas. His training and certifications throughout his career include Bicycle Patrol Training, Supervisor/Leadership Training, General Instructor Certification, Field Training Officer, Taser Instructor, Basic and Advanced Forensic Interviewing, Criminal Interdiction School, K9 Handler School (Narcotics and Patrol), and Pepper Ball Instructor Training. While at the Kingman Police Department, Adam earned the Distinguished Service Award, Department Commendation, Officer of the Year, Lettie Crocker Award (Community Chosen Award), and the Good Conduct Award. Lt. Simonsen is also an Eagle Scout.

We look forward to Lieutenant Jamison and Lieutenant Simonsen’s continued Service to Community in their new role as Lieutenants in the Operations Division at the Sheriff’s Office.

Memorial Day Holiday Closures in Coconino County

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County’s Administrative Offices and Superior Court will be closed in observance of the Memorial Day holiday on Monday May 29, 2023, and will reopen for business on Tuesday.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Records Division will be available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Animal Services office will have an officer available between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Contact them at 928-679-9756 to leave a message for a return call. Dial 9-1-1 for emergencies.

Parks and Recreation offices will be closed, but all County parks and natural areas will be open for recreation.

Visitors to the area, especially our National Forests, are asked to always be smart with fire. Even though there are currently no fire restrictions in effect, exercise caution with campfires. Keep them as small as practical. Avoid fires during high winds. And never leave them unattended. Stir a campfire with dirt and water until it’s dead out and douse all charcoal barbecues. If there’s still smoke, there’s still heat.

Notice of Public Hearing Regarding Board Proposal to Incur Long-Term Debt

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FLAGSTAFF — In June, The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) will be considering a long-term debt proposal in Coconino County.

The long-term debt will be used to finance the costs of road, transportation, and public safety projects in and for the County, acquisition of equipment, land and buildings, and construction, maintenance and improvements to County facilities, properties, and infrastructure.

The total estimated financing cost will be $89.9 million consisting of an estimated principal amount of $80 million and total estimated interest of $9.9 million.

The public hearing is scheduled to take place during the Board of Supervisors regular meeting on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., Arizona time. The Supervisors will hear this item as part of a public hearing during the regularly scheduled meeting via webinar technology using Zoom Teleconference.

The Board will receive oral comments at the hearing and will receive written comments at any time before 8:00 a.m., Arizona time, on the day which the resolution of intention with respect to the Agreement will be considered, which will be no earlier than June 21, 2023.

The Board’s mailing address is:
Coconino County Board of Supervisors
c/o Lindsay Daley, Clerk of the Board
219 E. Cherry Ave.
Flagstaff, Ariz. 86001

Written comments may also be submitted to the Clerk of the Board at boardcomments@coconino.az.gov. Residents must include their full name for their written comments to be considered.

The full text of the Public Notice follows below:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSAL OF THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS OF COCONINO COUNTY, ARIZONA, TO INCUR A LONG-TERM
OBLIGATION NOT SECURED BY THE FULL FAITH AND CREDIT OF SUCH COUNTY

 

For purposes of Section 11-391, Arizona Revised Statutes, the Board of Supervisors (the “Board”) of Coconino County, Arizona (the “County”), will hold a public hearing on June 6, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., Arizona time, via webinar technology using Zoom (Zoom information below), regarding a purchase agreement (the “Agreement”) to be secured by a pledge of the revenues from excise taxes that the County now or hereafter levies, except for any taxes hereafter levied for an inconsistent purpose; excise taxes and transaction privilege (sales) taxes imposed and collected by the State of Arizona (the “State”), or any agency thereof, and returned, allocated or apportioned to the County, except the County’s share of any such taxes which by State law, rule or regulation must be expended for other purposes; vehicle license taxes distributed or deposited to the County’s general fund; and amounts remitted to the County by the U.S. Department of Interior (or any successor entity) pursuant to the federal Payment in Lieu of Taxes program, to finance the costs of road, transportation and public safety projects in and for the County, acquisition of equipment, land and buildings, and construction, maintenance and improvements to County facilities, properties and infrastructure.  (More detail about the foregoing will be provided in analysis provided to the Board at the hereinafter described hearing.)  The Agreement is estimated to be in the principal amount of $80,000,000 and, with total estimated interest of $9,941,153, to have a total estimated financing cost of $89,941,153.

The Board will receive oral comments at the hearing and will receive written comments at any time before 8:00 a.m., Arizona time, on the day on which the resolution of intention with respect to the Agreement will be considered, which will be no earlier than June 21, 2023.  The Board’s mailing address is Coconino County Board of Supervisors, c/o Lindsay Daley, Clerk of the Board, 219 E. Cherry Ave., Flagstaff, Arizona 86001.  Written comments may also be submitted to the Clerk of the Board at boardcomments@coconino.az.gov.  Please include your full name with the written comment.

To join the Zoom meeting, please use the following url: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83163671115

Or Telephone: Dial 888 788 0099 (Toll Free), Webinar ID: 831 6367 1115.

Additional information regarding meetings of the Board can be found at the following url: https://www.coconino.az.gov/AgendaCenter.

Dated: May 21, 2023
Lindsay Daley
Clerk, Board of Supervisors

Editor Recommendation: If you use the ZOOM method, use a computer without a camera, disconnect plug-in cameras, disable or cover any built-in cameras. Disconnect microphones unless you plan to speak. Make sure your anti-virus is up-to-date.

Coconino County Provides Successful Test Platform for SpaceX Starlink Mobile Units

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County continues to lead the effort in connecting students with SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed internet across Northern Arizona, including multiple tribal communities within the region, and now on school buses.

With continued focus on education, Coconino County collaborated with Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) and Page Unified School District (PUSD) to identify and select routes with an emphasis on connecting students who must ride the bus more than one hour to and from school. SpaceX provided Coconino County with two of their Flat High Performance Starlink kits that are installed on the buses, enabling students to stay connected and complete homework during their transit.

“The opportunity to deploy new technology to connect underserved rural communities is a tremendous achievement,” commented Supervisor Fowler. “The collaboration between SpaceX and Coconino County illustrates what can be achieved when the right people come together at the right time. We are incredibly thankful to our partners for the opportunities they have enabled by delivering enhanced connectivity throughout our most underserved communities.”

Coconino County began conversations with SpaceX when District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler and Coconino County’s Chief Information Officer Matt Fowler both met with the company in 2019. This resulted in securing a private donation for the County to utilize Starlink and make high-speed internet accessible to rural areas of Northern Arizona. Coconino County successfully became an early customer, purchasing and launching Starlink internet in a 45-household trial on May 6, 2021. Shortly after, the County identified K-12 students living on the Navajo Nation without access to the internet or existing speeds less than 5 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload. The County Information Technology Department engaged with the Board of Supervisors and the Flagstaff Unified School District, seeking collaboration opportunities to identify eligible students living on the reservation.

To date, Coconino County facilitated approximately 300+ implementations of Starlink internet services for a free 2-year period, which was made possible by private donations. This provides students the ability to connect with education providers and continue their studies remotely.

“This journey would not have been possible without the continuous teamwork from SpaceX, County Management, our Board of Supervisors, FUSD and PUSD. We rely heavily on our public and private partners to offer internet where it historically has been unavailable. This is truly an exciting moment,” commented CIO Matt Fowler. “We have amazing community partners, and this opportunity to embrace new technologies has greatly benefitted students in our region,” commented Deputy CIO Helen Costello.

Arizona Secretary of State Visits with County Board of Supervisors and Election Officials

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FLAGSTAFF — Arizona Secretary of State, Adrian Fontes, visited Flagstaff on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 to meet with members of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board), County Recorder Patty Hansen, and County Elections staff. Secretary Fontes has visited or plans to visit all 15 Arizona counties to hear directly from local officials about their present and future needs to prepare for the 2024 election cycle and beyond.

 

Among the topics covered during the Secretary’s discussion with the Board members and staff were election staff safety, election integrity, and expanding voter access especially to rural and minority communities in Coconino County.

 

“Elections are bottom-up here in Arizona, counties run our elections,” Secretary Fontes said during his visit. “My office has built a team that reflects that ethos.”

 

Key to Secretary Fontes’ efforts to assist counties is his ongoing effort to revise and refocus the Elections Procedure Manual, a document released by the Secretary of State’s office in odd calendar years that helps ensure election practices are consistent and efficient.

 

To better help counties, Secretary Fontes is requesting funds from the State Legislature for six full-time Secretary of State staff positions to work hand-in-hand with County Recorder and Elections offices that have seen unprecedented turnover. The Secretary also endorsed a bill sponsored by State Senator T.J. Shope (R-LD16) that would expand confidentiality protections for elections staff and volunteers statewide.

 

Other integral parts of Secretary Fontes’ election preparation plans include the creation of a Chief Information Security Officer position to provide counties with the technical assistance and training they need to address physical and cybersecurity threats, and Election Certification Training which will be held in several locations throughout the state in the summer and fall months.

 

“Like many in the state, Coconino County is working preemptively to combat misinformation about the safety and security of our election process and elections in general,” added Patrice Horstman, Chair of the Board and Supervisor for District 1. “Neither Coconino County, nor our Sheriff’s department will tolerate intimidation and threats to voters or our election workers. The Board of Supervisors and Elections Department have worked to increase voter confidence and to actively increase voter access.”

 

For more information about the Coconino County Recorder, please visit: http://coconino.az.gov/Recorder and for information about the Coconino County Elections Department please visit http://www.coconino.az.gov/elections

Coconino County Officials Endorse New Presidential Designation of Grand Canyon National Monument

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FLAGSTAFF —— On April 11, 2023, Coconino County Chair Patrice Horstman and District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler, joined eleven tribal leaders of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition, alongside Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), to launch an effort to call on President Joe Biden to use his authorities under the Antiquities Act of 1906 to designate the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument. The proposal builds on Coconino County’s long established and ongoing commitment to permanently protect the region from mining and uranium development.

The Monument designation would protect 1,102,501 acres adjacent to the Grand Canyon by making the current 20-year moratorium on mining permanent across the vast landscape of the Grand Canyon region. This moratorium would protect the water and land, while allowing the area to continue to be used for existing activities like ranching, logging, hunting, and outdoor recreation, so that generations of residents and visitors can continue to enjoy the tremendous natural resources and beauty of the region for decades to come. The monument designation would also honor the deep cultural and spiritual ties of the many tribal nations that inhabit the region.

“Protecting the pristine Grand Canyon landscape has been a longstanding position of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors since adopting resolution 2008-09 to oppose uranium mining near the Grand Canyon within Coconino County,” said Fowler. “This designation won’t have an effect on recreation, hunting, or visitation, but it will safeguard our natural resources, our clean drinking water, our wildlife habitats, and our region’s very fragile natural watersheds.”

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors have long recognized the critical importance of protecting the land and water from the risks of contamination created by uranium mining, which has already left a toxic legacy on portions of tribal lands in the area, and they have worked persistently to engage our federal representatives in putting permanent protections in place. The county applauds the efforts of Congressman Grijalva and Senator Sinema to preserve this special region.

The Antiquities Act of 1906 was the first U.S. law to provide general legal protection of cultural and natural resources of historic or scientific interest on Federal lands and set an important precedent by asserting a broad public interest in the preservation of these resources. Some of the country’s original National Parks, including Grand Canyon, were originally designated as National Monuments by President Theodore Roosevelt under the Act.

“Protecting the greater Grand Canyon area and keeping it forever free of mining would recognize the historic, cultural, and religious importance of this special place and protect the beauty and water sources for many tribal members and the western communities that rely on Colorado River water,” added Patrice Horstman, Chair of the Board and Supervisor for District 1. “It would allow Arizona, the United States, and the whole world the ability to keep our Grand Canyon even grander for now and for all future generations.”

The Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition consists of leadership representatives of the Havasupai Tribe, Hopi Tribe, Hualapai Tribe, Kaibab Paiute Tribe, Las Vegas Band of Paiute Tribe, Moapa Band of Paiutes, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, Navajo Nation, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, Yavapai-Apache Nation, Pueblo of Zuni, and the Colorado River Indian Tribes.