COCONINO COUNTY — At the Tuesday, Dec. 10, special session of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board), the Board voted unanimously to rezone twelve undeveloped parcels, preserving over 2,400 acres of land as open space.
The rezoning decision is the culmination of over a year of research by the County’s Community Development staff, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Parks and Recreation Department, and the Parks and Recreation Commission.
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved changes to Chapters 1 and 2 of the Coconino County Unified Health Code and the adoption of the Ordinance for the Regulation and Prohibition of Unlicensed Establishments within Coconino County …
… at the November 25, 2024, meeting. These changes, requested by Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Environmental Health, will assist in the regulation of unlicensed food vendors in Coconino County.
Celebration of Life for Professor Emeritus Miguel Vasquez to be held on Nov. 3 at NAU
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors officially approved a proclamation on Oct. 15, 2024 “Celebrating and Honoring the Life of Dr. Miguel Vasquez,” who passed away on Sunday, Oct. 6.
“WHEREAS, Coconino County and the communities within lost a cultural leader, mentor, and teacher on October 6, 2024 with the passing of Dr. Miguel Vasquez …” according to the opening of the proclamation read by the brother of Miguel Vasquez, David Vasquez.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors will read a proclamation at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 honoring life of Miguel Vasquez, who passed away on Sunday, Oct. 6.
Vasquez Ph.D, Professor of Anthropology (Emeritus) Northern Arizona, was a founding member of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC).
A native of San Francisco, he recently retired as an applied anthropologist who worked with Latino, Mayan, Native American, African American, and disabled adult communities for almost 50 years. He was recognized as an NAU President’s Distinguished Teaching Fellow. In his 32 years at NAU, he taught nearly 12,000 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels, according to his biography on the county’s CHAC website.
In recognition of the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” the County acknowledges how Latinos and Latinas are pioneers of change who are shaping the future, with the spirit of innovation, resilience, and unity that defines the Hispanic experience.
The FY25 Budget includes strategic investments in public health and safety, flood control, forest restoration, operational capacity, and includes place holders to leverage federal funds to meet strategic and program goals across Coconino County operations.
COCONINO COUNTY — After unanimous approval from the Board of Supervisors (Board), Andy Bertelsen will be Coconino County’s next County Manager. Bertelsen is currently Deputy County Manager and will begin his new role on July 1.
“Andy has a wealth of experience in public service spanning over 25 years in Northern Arizona,” said Jeronimo Vasquez, Chair of the Board and Supervisor for District 2. “He’s an incredible Deputy County Manager, and we look forward to his leadership into the future. I’d also like to thank County Manager Steve Peru for his many years of service and his continued commitment to our community.”
“With the generous support of the EAC Help America Vote College Program grant, the Coconino County Elections Department successfully organized a sticker design contest,” said Eslir Musta, Coconino County Elections Director. “This initiative not only deepened our partnership with Northern Arizona University but also motivated NAU students to join us at the polls, spreading these stickers far and wide. Furthermore, by integrating English, Navajo, Hopi, and Spanish languages into a single design, we celebrated and embraced the linguistic diversity of our community.”
“Paul Babbitt’s commitment to preserving and protecting public lands and maintaining a voice for local government is inspiring,” said Jeronimo Vasquez, Chair of the Board and Supervisor for District 2. “His contributions to Northern Arizona will never be forgotten or taken for granted.”
“After receiving valuable community feedback regarding the 2022 ordinance, we brought together our public safety partners and the Coconino County Attorney’s Office to take a critical look at ways to improve the ordinance. Together, we proposed changes that place emphasis on preparedness, such as creating defensible space, while maintaining the requirements needed to help reduce the likelihood of wildfires,” said Tim Carter, Deputy Director of Coconino County Emergency Management.
“The safety of everyone who uses Lake Mary Road remains a top priority for County leadership and for our community,” said Jeronimo Vasquez, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We would like to thank all of the stakeholders who participated in the process that helped make this resolution a reality.”
COCONINO COUNTY — At the February 6, 2024 meeting of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board), the Board unanimously approved an official proclamation designating February 2024 as Black History Month in Coconino County …
… joining in the nationwide celebration and recognition of the history of the African Diaspora and African Americans who continue to be contributors to the achievements of the United States.
In designating February as Black History Month, the Board is committed to remember the courage, resilience, and teachings of those who helped build our nation and for those who continue to strive to fight for freedoms, stand against prejudice, advance the cause of civil rights, and strengthen families and communities.
“We appreciate the opportunity to recognize the great contributions from African Americans not only to American society, but also to the county’s local history like those who relocated here for jobs in the lumber industry and helped develop towns like Flagstaff into modern communities,” said Jeronimo Vasquez, Chair of the Board and Supervisor for District 2. “It is extremely important that we take this time to acknowledge our county’s diversity and continue to learn about all parts of our history.”
COCONINO COUNTY — In their first official action at their first meeting of 2024, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors appointed Adam Hess of Bellemont to represent District 3 through the rest of 2024.
Hess, a 27-year-veteran of the United States Army and long-time resident of Coconino County, was appointed by the Board after an extensive recruitment process that began with the announcement of Supervisor Matt Ryan’s retirement in October 2023.
COCONIO COUNTY —The Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved the implementation phase of the Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Youth Behavioral Health Project (YBHP) at their December 12, 2023, regular meeting.
The YBHP, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will offer preemptive behavioral healthcare for youth utilizing a hub and spoke youth-based and youth–led model. YBHP facilities and services will provide emotional, physical, and social support services for youth aged 12-18.
As a result of the Board’s approval, CCHHS will move forward with the final planning and construction of an innovative, youth behavioral resource center facility in Flagstaff, and begin planning for services in outlying communities including Page, Williams, Tusayan, and Fredonia.
FLAGSTAFF — At their regular meeting on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) concluded the District 3 vacancy process by unanimously naming their top candidate to serve the remainder of retiring Supervisor Matt Ryan’s term.
After brief comments regarding the candidates, interviews, and selection process, the Board named Adam Hess of Bellemont to represent District 3.
“We feel Mr. Hess is the best candidate to hit the ground running in this very short appointment,” commented Jeronimo Vasquez, Chair of the Board and Supervisor for District 2. “His leadership experience from his military service and his desire to return to where he grew up and serve his community will enable him to represent District 3 immediately upon official appointment.”
COCONINO COUNTY — In their return to regular in-person meetings on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) began by electing a new Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson to lead the Board through the remainder of their current session.
In two unanimous votes, Supervisor Judy Begay from District 4 was elected Vice-Chairwoman and Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez from District 2 was elected to serve as Chairman. This will be each Supervisor’s first term serving in these leadership roles.
COCONINO COUNTY — 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.
At their regular meeting on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve fee changes for the Coconino County Fair, effective starting with the 2023 fair.
The Coconino County Fair ticket prices have not increased since 2008, and the changes reflect growth, increasing costs, and staffing needs.
At their February 6, 2023 special session, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved the Coconino County Parks and Recreation Fort Tuthill County Park Management Plan.
In the fall of 2022, the public was able to provide comment on the draft of the Fort Tuthill County Park Management Plan, which were factored into the final draft. The plan’s table of contents include the natural environment of the park, cultural resources and history, public use and facilities, and long-range planning. These topics address issues as varied as dark skies, weed control, emergency use, water conservation, preserving open spaces from damage, and preserving historic structures.
At their first meeting of the new year the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) took time to acknowledge the upcoming International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, 2023 and unanimously approved a first-of-its-kind proclamation to recognize and honor the memories of victims and survivors and bring awareness to the historic atrocity of the Holocaust to successive generations.
At the Jan. 10, 2023 special session of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, the Board unanimously approved a proclamation to designate January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in Coconino County.
According to the US State Department, Arizona is a hub for illicit activity and a transit point for labor and sex trafficking due to our state’s geographic location and network of Interstate freeways. Locally, in the past five years various law enforcement and victim service agencies have encountered over 600 confirmed victims of human trafficking. Furthermore, numerous sting operations during that time have identified almost 500 individuals suspected of attempting to purchase sex with an underage victim.
“The exploitation of human beings for sex trafficking is a terrible crime and we must raise awareness and educate ourselves on this matter so that we can take action to end this travesty. This is an issue that affects all of our communities,” commented Chair of the Board Patrice Horstman.
All ballots in Coconino County have been counted and unofficial results have been posted on the Elections Office website at www.coconino.az.gov. The next step in the election process is for the Board of Supervisors to canvass and certify the results and transmit them to the State.
“The canvass is a culmination of all the data generated during an election cycle,” according to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. “The canvass process aggregates and confirms every valid ballot cast and counted, including mail, uniformed and overseas citizen, early voting, Election Day, and provisional ballots.
Many voters in Page are aware that former Page Justice of the Peace Donald G. Roberts passed away suddenly prior to the November 8 election. Due to the timing of his death, his name had already been printed on the election ballots.
Although there were other write-in candidates that applied and were approved to run in the election, the preliminary election results indicate that a majority of voters in Page precincts voted for Judge Roberts posthumously to recognize his many years of service and commitment to the Page community.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved receipt of a Department of Justice grant in the amount of $250,000 to create a Family Treatment Court program in the County.
This specialized court, operated through the County’s Juvenile Court, is a voluntary court-supervised program for parents with an open dependency case in which the state Department of Child Services (DCS) has removed the children from the household. In Coconino County, it is estimated that 85% of family court cases involve a substance abuse allegation, requiring DCS to intervene.
This federal pass-through grant enables the County to provide substance abuse treatment support and fill a Peer Recovery Support Specialist position to provide lived-experience consultation to program participants.
“I want to thank our family court. This is another example of how Coconino County keeps families together for the well-being of the whole community,” said District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler.
At a special session of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors on November 1, the Board approved a proclamation recognizing the month of November as Native American Heritage Month and highlighted several issues that impact our Native communities.
“This month we pause to celebrate and honor remarkable Native Americans who contribute to our communities,” stated District 4 Supervisor Judy Begay. “We should all rejoice in our diverse culture and celebrate the accomplishments, contributions, and sacrifices made by Native people throughout our history.”
During the Coconino County Board of Supervisors regular meeting on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 the Board unanimously agreed to allocate community initiative funds in the amount of $5,000 to the non-profit Glen Canyon Conservancy for expenses associated with the Navajo Bridge Star Party this Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1.
“This event started very small, just an idea, and has grown into a huge party on the Navajo Bridge,” stated District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler, “Now that things are opening up and people are gathering together again, we’re excited to bring it back after a brief absence.”
There are educational events in the evenings both Friday and Saturday featuring lectures from Dr. Henry Fowler of Navajo Technical University at 6 p.m. and George Rhee of UNLV at 8 p.m. The talks will focus on identifying Navajo star constellations and the historical Navajo teachings about the stars. On Saturday at 11 a.m. visitors can take a guided hike through the historic Lonely Dell Ranch, a settlement that dates to the Great Mormon Migration deep into Arizona.
“I encourage the public to attend and join us on the Navajo Bridge for the only Star Party held above the Colorado River!” added Supervisor Fowler.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors adopted the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 budget during a Special Session on Tuesday, June 28.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a $408.8 million budget for FY 2023 during a Special Session on Tuesday, June 28. The FY 2023 budget includes strategic investments for public health and safety, mental health services, flood control, forest restoration, prosecutorial diversion, staffing resources, and leveraging significant federal funds to meet strategic and programmatic goals across Coconino County operations.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors adopted map Scenario F (April 12) during their regular meeting as part of the Board’s statutory responsibility to reapportion county supervisory districts.
The Board adopted the final map after beginning the redistricting process in Fall 2021.Every ten years, according to A.R.S. § 11-212, county supervisory districts must be redrawn so that each district is substantially equal in population. The Board adopted map Scenario F from five proposed draft maps submitted for public comment in March. The draft maps under consideration by the Board of Supervisors are available at coconino.az.gov/redistricting.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors announced the appointment of Theresa Hatathlie to fill the vacant seat in Legislative District 7 during a Special Session on Thursday, January 6, 2022.
The Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to appoint Ms. Hatathlie.
Ms. Hatathlie is a lifelong resident of Coalmine, Arizona. She currently serves as the Logistics Coordinator for Yee Ha’ólníi Doo Navajo and Hopi Families Covid-19 Relief Fund. Hatathlie was previously employed by the Tuba City Unified School District as Human Resources Director. She has also represented the Western Navajo Agency of the Navajo Nation as a Board of Regent for Diné College.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors will hold a Special Session on Thursday, January 6, 2022, beginning at 9:00 a.m., to discuss and take possible action on the Legislative District 7 State Senate vacancy.
Democratic Senator Jamescita Peshlakai resigned from the position on December 22, 2021, to take a position with the U.S. Department of Interior.
Arizona Legislative District 7 spans across Apache, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Mohave, Navajo, and Pinal counties. Nine tribes comprise the district including Hualapai, Havasupai, Kaibab Paiute, San Juan Southern Paiute, Navajo, Hopi, White Mountain Apache, San Carlos Apache, and a small portion of Zuni Pueblo.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors proclaims November 2021 as Native American Heritage Month.
At its November 2 meeting, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors proclaimed November 2021 as Native American Heritage Month. As part of the Proclamation, Supervisors recognized Arizona’s 22 tribal nations and their cultures, also specifically recognizing the six tribal nations in Coconino County. The Board also showed special recognition to their two colleagues, Supervisor Judy Begay and Vice Chair Lena Fowler, who belong to the Navajo Nation and currently serve on the Board.
Today, September 7, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors signed the Coconino County Proclamation designating Sept 15-Oct 15, 2021 as Hispanic Heritage Month.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors tentatively adopted the County’s $276 million Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 budget during its public meeting on June 8. The FY 22 budget includes approximately $28 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) specifically for Coconino County, which passed Congress in March. The Treasury Department released preliminary guidelines for eligible uses of the ARPA funds on May 11, 2021. Coconino County will utilize all ARPA funds in alignment with these requirements.
“This budget is incredibly unique. It includes the largest one-time payment from the federal government that Coconino County has ever seen, which also means our process is unique,” commented Chairman of the Board Matt Ryan. “While the Board of Supervisors has held the standard budget hearings, we also heard from departments about additional needs that could be potentially met by the American Rescue Plan Act funding. The final guidance, however, has not been released in-time for us to consider it during the hearings. It is anticipated that the final guidance will be released in late July, therefore specific expenditures will be aligned after receiving this. The Board will undertake a process at that time to consider what can be potentially funded with ARPA funds.”
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 25 changed course on the County Manager Recruitment process opting to interview Steve Peru, an experienced, local candidate for the position.
Peru is the former Coconino County Manager and Clerk of the Board and current Chief External Affairs Officer of the Coconino Community College and President of the Coconino Community College Foundation. The Board will interview Peru on Tuesday, March 2.
The Board of Supervisors expressed the need for continuity of leadership and experience in Coconino County issues during the COVID-19 pandemic as primary driver for the change of direction in the County Manager recruitment.
After interviewing the qualified candidates for the District 2 County Supervisor vacancy and reviewing multitudes of public comments, Jeronimo Vasquez was unanimously appointed to the position by the Coconino County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 12.
Newly appointed Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez is a long-time resident of District 2 and graduate of Coconino High School and Northern Arizona University. Supervisor Vasquez is currently the 21st Century Community Learning Center Coordinator at Killip Elementary School in the 2nd District.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 4 approved a plan to move $3 million of County projects to construction this spring to help support and stimulate northern Arizona’s local economy, which has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Public Works Stimulus Plan will allow local and regional contractors to break ground on capital improvement, pavement preservation, road resurfacing, and other projects during the coming construction season.
The Board of Supervisors will be considering a long-term debt proposal in Coconino County.
The long-term debt will be used to fund all or a portion of the County’s unfunded liabilities with respect to the Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System.
The total estimated financing cost will be $24,001,952, consisting of an estimated principal amount of not to exceed $18,075,000 and total estimated interest of $5,926,952.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors met on Feb. 4 to hear from the public and decide upon next steps to fill the District 2 vacancy following the resignation of former Supervisor Liz Archuleta.
After hearing from several members of the public and reviewing approximately 75 emails from residents, the Board decided upon process to fill the vacancy.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors has appointed Cheryl Mango-Paget as Coconino County Superintendent of Schools effective immediately.
Mango-Paget has served as the Associate Superintendent for Coconino County since 2012, holds a certificate to teach in schools in the state of Arizona, and holds Arizona administrator and superintendent certifications. Mango-Paget has classroom experience as a teacher and administrator, and expertise and passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education (STEM).
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to name District 3 Supervisor Matt Ryan as its next chairman.
Supervisor Ryan said he was honored for another opportunity to represent the Board and residents as chairman.
The Coconino County Board Board of Supervisors’ meeting will be held via webinar technology using Zoom. To join the webinar, please use the following url: webinar: https://zoom.us/j/92457395786 Or Telephone: Dial or 833 548 0282 (Toll Free), Webinar ID: 924 5739 5786.
The meeting can also be streamed and viewed on the County YouTube site: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=coconino+county
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors adopted the Fiscal Year 2021 budget during its public meeting on June 23. The budget, effective July 1, focuses on service delivery and response to the COVID-19 pandemic and responsible financial planning in light of declining revenue.
“The Board of Supervisors spent considerable time over this year weighing priorities and deliberating this year’s budget,” said Chairwoman Liz Archuleta. “Coconino County is financially strained from a dramatic loss in state and local sales tax as we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The County has demonstrated great fiscal responsibility in this budget to meet the service needs of our community during these challenging times.”
COCONINO COUNTY — The following is a statement from the Coconino County Board of Supervisors regarding the closing of the Grand Canyon National Park. “For the safety and health of Coconino County healthcare providers, residents and visitors, the Coconino County…
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors named District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta as Chair of the Board during the regular meeting March 24. She replaces District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler. Supervisor Archuleta will serve as Chair for the…
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors adopted the County’s $215 million Fiscal Year 2020 budget during its public meeting June 25 This year’s County budget includes additional investments in capital financing, flood control and forest restoration. Some…
District 4 Supervisor Jim Parks selected as vice-chair The Coconino County Board of Supervisors named District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler as Chair of the Board during the regular meeting June 18. She replaces District 1 Supervisor Art Babbott. Supervisor Fowler…
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors and the Boards of Directors of the Coconino County Jail District, the Coconino County Flood District and the Coconino County Public Health Services District will hold a special session, executive session and…
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors and the Boards of Directors of the Coconino County Jail District, the Coconino County Flood District and the Coconino County Public Health Services District will hold a special session, executive session and…
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors and the Boards of Directors of the Coconino County Jail District, the Coconino County Flood District and the Coconino County Public Health Services District will hold a special session, executive session and…
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors and the Boards of Directors of the Coconino County Jail District, the Coconino County Flood District and the Coconino County Public Health Services District will hold a special session, executive session and…
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors and the Boards of Directors of the Coconino County Jail District, the Coconino County Flood District and the Coconino County Public Health Services District will hold a special session, executive session and…
District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler appointed vice-chair The Coconino County Board of Supervisors named District 1 Supervisor Art Babbott as the next Chair of the Board. He replaces District 3 Supervisor Matt Ryan. Babbott will serve as Chair for the…
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors and the Boards of Directors of the Coconino County Jail District, the Coconino County Flood District and the Coconino County Public Health Services Districtwill hold a regular and work session starting at…
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors and the Boards of Directors of the Coconino County Jail District, the Coconino County Flood District and the Coconino County Public Health Services District will hold a special session, executive session and…
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors and the Boards of Directors of the Coconino County Jail District, the Coconino County Flood District and the Coconino County Public Health Services District will hold a special session, executive session and…
COCONINO COUNTY — “The Coconino County Board of Supervisors were deeply saddened to learn that Senator John McCain lost his battle with brain cancer this past weekend. Senator McCain was a tremendous statesman and dedicated public servant for the country…
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors and the Boards of Directors of the Coconino County Jail District, the Coconino County Flood District and the Coconino County Public Health Services Districtwill hold a regular session on Tuesday, Aug. 14…
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors and the Boards of Directors of the Coconino County Jail District, the Coconino County Flood District and the Coconino County Public Health Services Districtwill hold a special work session at 10 a.m.…
COCONINO COUNTY — 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,”…
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors and the Boards of Directors of the Coconino County Jail District, the Coconino County Flood District and the Coconino County Public Health Services Districtwill hold a regular session at 10 a.m. Tuesday,…
