Board of Supervisors - Regular Meeting

Importantly, can you please place your phones on silent or vibrate just out of courtesy? And uh secondly, if you come up on call to the public, please state your name and address for the record and you will have three minutes to speak. Um with that said, welcome to our Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors dated March 18, 2026. At this time, I'd like to call the meeting to order. And Ivonne, will you lead us in the pledge?

To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. Just so you know, Iman was one of my favorite former students. Incredibly bright and and she's become a great leader. Uh I'm not surprised and thank you for what you do, Ivon. Okay. At this time, I'd like to go to item B, adoption of the agenda. Mr. Manager,

Mr. chairs, members of the of the board, we have a couple of changes on item F1, exe executive session. We're going to move that item to a special meeting on Monday. Um, we're also going to move item J2 to Monday on our special meeting and then remove item four. item 4 a from uh the consent agenda please.

Okay. So at this time I'd like to entertain a motion to adopt agenda allow chair to deviate remove executive session remove uh items J uh two and remove item 4 A. [snorts] I move second. I have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor?

I. All oppose. Motion carries. Thank you, gentlemen. Now, we'll go ahead and move on to item C, call to the public. Our first slip is uh Chief Adams. A Miss J. J was actually the the item you guys were included in. Okay. So, that one's been tabled. Yes.

Okay. So just even though um good morning members of the board, sorry about that. Um Adam Meisa, chief of rear medical and fire district 82 Pendleton. Um just want to make sure that on the next agenda there was a little bit discussion amongst the fire chiefs that the agenda item said fire districts and so we can make sure that that's recorded as Rear Equal Medical and Fire District and Ngala Suburban Fire District. Um that way there's that clarification. So um that was one thing and the other thing is um good morning. Uh I'm here in support also of emergency management. I just kind of want to [clears throat] say that with them working with them um they provided many many avenues of training for us propane training um even by national helping us to bring in bational training for the bometos. Um we've brought in training equipment training props air and light units. Um the conduit of availability for us to reach farther than the fire district is all because of emergency management. Without them, we would um have less opportunities, right? So, we're a small county. Most people don't know that the fire districts do struggle. Um somebody once told me, "We didn't even know you guys had issues. We're just very quiet about our issues." um we don't like to put them out there, but emergency management is a powerful tool. Um I I heard there was some concerns about it possibly eliminated and I am the chairperson for the Santa Cruz County Fire Chiefs Association. So, not only do I do I sit on that board, I sit on the board for the Puma County Fire Chiefs. I sit on the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association board and I also sit on the um well, more of a representative on the Arizona Fire District Association. So,

when we do this collaboration, such as when you go out to your meetings, a lot of what they do helps us out. I've got a wealth of knowledge with Ray coming as a former emergency management, but also Tucson Fire. So's been helping him out and learn from him. She's a great asset. Brenda's awesome. She's she's livable and happy and it's a really good. So, I just kind of want to show support. I know my time's almost up um for for their office and what they're doing and stuff. And then hopefully later on we can have more conversations about public safety in Santa Cruz County. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Thanks for all you do, Adam. Cynthia Colbert.

Good morning, supervisors, staff, and members of the public. My name is Cynthia Colbert, and I live on Luna Court in Rio Rico. So, I have two issues that I want to address during my three minutes of aotted time. The first one is how disappointed I am in our county supervisors and board members. You have officially let our county be bought out by money from South 32. I know that sometimes money talks, but I have a feeling that this is a big payday for South 32. In my opinion, they have donated so much money to the county so that the powers that be will choose to overlook any water, air, and soil reports that might affect the mine's ability to continue with their horrific mining operation. This makes me really sad and disappointed. The second item I would like to address is the presence of ICE in our county. This is my third time standing before you regarding this issue. The county needs to come up with a plan on what we should do if we feel threatened. I checked the county website yesterday and there is still no mention of anything having to do with ICE. This would seem to be the best place to keep citizens informed and up to date. I also suggested having handouts available to make citizens feel more assured about what their options are. Come on board. It's time to step up. We cannot afford just to sit back and think, "Not here, not us." We need to be prepared before it's too late. Thank you.

Thank you. Susan Phobian,

Susan Phobian, 20 Kent Avenue, Rio Rico. Gentlemen, thank you. In the year 2000, you approved the placement of my septic line on the neighboring property. You opened the door to the eventuality of the owner of the property to cut and cap it. In the four and a half months living without plumbing, I was never given the names of companies that could build a new septic line for me. I could have easily called around, reviewed bids, and selected a contractor based on whatever criteria I felt important, timeline, cost, terms. I was denied that because the county gathered the bids. I never got to review them. I don't know how many there were. All I got was my name on a contract I had never reviewed or agreed to. I paid for a set essentially a second septic line. I had a perfectly good one for 25 years until it was destroyed due to your planning. I tire of hearing that you are not liable. That's your stance and you're not backing off. Of course you're liable. Please remit to me my costs that you requested. I submit. I have a second issue. In view of all the things that happened, that same neighbor has now built on my property. I spent a day here at the county going through offices trying to find out what to do about the trespassing issue. Evidently, it's the first time it has ever happened in the county because no one had any idea what to do about it. Every office I went to, and I went to

all of them, referred me to another office, no office had the slightest idea how to handle the fact that somebody built a structure on my property. You have been adamant about defending the rights of the property owner for destroying my septic line. Congratulations. Is there nothing left for me and my property rights? Proverbs 28:5, "The evil do not understand justice, but those that seek the Lord understand everything." Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you, Chris. We're moving.

[clears throat]

Good morning uh supervisors and everybody

here in this room. My name is Chris Wov and I give him Sonoa today. speaking about the just released environmental impact statement on the Hermosa mine plan of operations. Due to uncertainties about the level of environmental impacts, the EPA already issued a 20page scoping document in 2024. This is rarely done, but the EPA clearly emphasized, quote, the importance of adaptive management and monitoring because of the amount of water and waste involved. The need for adaptive management already surfaced today when the US Forest Service finally corrected the blatant mistakes in ADQ's air permit about lead emissions from underground hall traffic. Numbers were of two orders of magnitude. Nevertheless, South 32 claims compliance. However, it appears that other pollutant sources have been reduced in undisclosed ways. This history of malpractice requires oversight by the EPA before an AEIS is issued. Oversight on ADQ happened before. It's not the first time. Recently also monitored exceeded of antimony and selenium in surface and groundwater are due to metal mobilizations. ADQ downplayed past and future metal mobilization just to allow granting of acryer protection permits. Today the US Forest Service reveals large-scale metal mobilization on

antimony arsenic and lead when water and air interact with mining rock. This mobilization coincides with advancing underground mine workings or maybe even its failing water treatment plant. One thing is clear, the so-called early investment bribes or the distracting benefits and protection proposals must be put on hold until ADQ's inadequate permits include citizen approved and federally managed protection measures. The EPA and the US Forest Service are backing this up with their own data. Basic conclusion, the EPA through ADQ under the bus. Thank you.

Thank you, sir. Ernie Edwards. [clears throat] Thank you. Good morning. Morning, sir.

Ernie Edwards, Lake Patagonia. Congratulations. You have found a way to show the residents of this county that the word collusion got your attention at the last meeting. You reacted strongly to the suggestion that multiple governmental bodies were coordinating their decisions in ways that limited the public's ability to respond. The single cword seems to spark more outrage from this board than any of the documented environmental and community risks that we have been raising for years. These are far more serious issues affecting our water, our roads, our property values, and our safety. There are no protections presented by this board. But the community's concerns are not about a word. They're about the dewatering cone of depression that will alter groundwater levels across a Patagonia basin cenoid creek whed. They are about exceeded coming out of the water treatment plants and flowing down the hill. They are about the road decision that will increase heavy truck traffic past Lake Patagonia and through Ngalas and reduce safety. These will directly affect property values for families who live along these corridors. These are not abstract fears. These are measurable, predictable impacts described in the technical record. These issues never seem to provoke the same level of urgency from this board. Instead, we are handed an early actions agreement that is being described as progress when in reality it is an empty basket when it comes to protections. It possibly funds community projects, but it does not address groundwater drawdown. It does not address traffic safety. It does not address long-term environmental risks. It postpones every meaningful safety uh every meaningful safeguard to a future CBPA that still has no defined protections, no enforcable commitments

or consequences, and no timeline. The community sees this clearly. The protections we need, independent monitoring, binding conditions, real oversight are not in this agreement. They are not in any agreement you have signed and they are not being demanded by this board. The outrage you expressed at being criticized does not come close to the outrage felt by the residents who will live with the consequences of these decisions. The impacts to water, roads, property values, and public safety are real. The protections being offered are not. The community deserves more than symbolic agreements and delayed promises. We deserve leaders who focus on the substance of the risks, not just the language used to describe them. Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Darlless Sylender. Good morning. I'm Darla Seander. I live at Lake Patagonia. The last board of supervisors meeting opened by recounting to the audience how they visited third grade classes and read to the students. That was really very heartwarming. Young children enjoy it when an adult reads to them. I'm sure it was very gratifying to look into their innocent, trusting faces wrapped with attention while you read. What I want to address here though is Hermosa mine and why the board is ignoring the serious warnings that have been brought to their attention time and again by concerned citizens and experts in this field. Chris, the assistant county manager, gleefully recounted the community projects that Hermosa says they will fund. But once again, the elephant in the room is being ignored. We see absolutely no transparency when it comes to the board taking steps to address the dewatering cone of depression, toxin exceeded, the exponential increase in heavy truck traffic, air pollution from mine exhaust. The citizens are entitled to know what specifically is being done to address these important not to be ignored issues. How in good conscience can you choose to ignore these serious warnings? Few of us are educated in this field of science. However, the prudent, intelligent one would know to call on those who are experts that can give qualified scientific unbiased analysis. It makes one wonder what hold does Hermosa Mine have over you? What could Hermosa possibly do to get you to brush

aside these grave concerns? How can you be convinced these issues are not even worth being discussed? Hermosa is just in the beginning stage of operation and already water toxins and water levels are being affected. What is in store for us when it is in full operation? One shouldn't have to be reminded that this is the desert and that water is a precious commodity. Why are allowances made for Hermosa mine? These dangers are long-term and far-reaching. How are you going to explain to citizens why you stood by and did nothing when it wasn't too late to protect the citizens and the environment? You could calm the citizens fears by agreeing to and enforcing what has previously been stated. independent monitoring, binding conditions, real oversight, transparency, no agreement until dangers are understood and properly addressed. Maybe you will find time in your busy schedule to come and read to the students at Patagonia. I wonder if you'll be able to look those into those innocent, trusting faces and tell them that you are going to let them drink toxinladen water. Thank you. Thank you. Ray Ser Ray Ser 37 Santa Gatrudis Lane to Mccakery first representing the Santa Cruz Lane Road Association. Uh to thank you. Um we did um the county sent some people out did some road trimming um creating some fire buffers for us. Thank you very much. Um it uh the pothole crew came out and fixed our potholes and it did some mitigation measures as well. So we thank you for that. Uh several

residents have asked me to thank you again for the trails. Uh they use one term which is magnificent. They're out walking it today before it gets too hot and they're really looking forward to the uh extension of those trails as part of the master plan uh to get it all linked up. uh changing hats for the community here for emergency management. Uh threat profiles changed a little bit. We're doing explosive training today. Um so you may see people searching parts of the building today. That's part of our exercise. And then if you're here in the building or near the building somewhere around 11 o'clock, you may hear a loud bang that that's okay. It's part of our exercise. We're doing some energetic materials release in the upper parking lot. Just wanted to let you know. Don't Don't fear. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. J. Thompson. Morning. Morning.

Morning, supervisors, staff, and community members. My name is Jay Thompson, a 20 plus year resident of Rio Rico. I'm here to clarify what the CBPA update and early actions community investment agreement truly means for us. As seen through the community eyes, tough acts to follow what we heard be before. [clears throat] But also, I want to talk about what they don't mean. This agreement is presented as a step toward community protection, but it's not a protections agreement. It's a benefits funding agreement that funds community projects, emergency services, child care, health facilities, parks, and housing based on the University of Arizona's gap analysis that has major gaps reported months ago. These are real needs, but they're not safeguards. The early actions agreement contains no groundwater protections, no air quality protections, no independent oversight, and no enforceable protection commitments. And South 32 also holds significant control in that every project needs their approval via statement of work. Any change requires their sign off via change order and they can terminate a local government from the agreement if they believe it's in quote impending or obstructing the process. You know, this creates a chilling effect on anyone that might want to ask tough questions. Information sharing is limited to what is in quote suitable for public review. While reminding everyone that this is voluntary on their part, South 32 also is not required to provide needed information. So, the community may not get the data needed to access to assess impacts on water, air, and health. The agreement explicitly states that real protections will come later under a future CBA CBPA, not now, not here. The CBPA update cites complexity, more time needed, and ongoing discussions. History with good neighbor agreements like this show this language means the process is stuck and protections are not coming soon. The well protection agreement came

from the EIS and protects South 32 more than it does the impacted citizens. Will South 32 admit to any other impacts they need protections for? Come on. In short, benefits now, protections deferred, possibly indefinitely, while the mine advances. Supervisors, this is the moment to draw a clear line. You can support the community investments and insist there are any agreements tied to this mine include real community engagement addressing real impact independent monitoring, transparent reporting, enforcable consequences for non-compliance. These safeguards cannot wait for a future CBPA that may never materialize. We are not asking you to be for the mine or against the mine like when some of you take both sides in public. We get it. But that signals to the community that you will not be taking enforcable actions. We are asking you to stand for the community with real enforceable protections with consequences by ensuring protections are not postponed while the mine moves ahead. Thank you for your time.

Thank you. Thank you sir. Jim Manwary.

Good morning, Jim Manwearing. Uh, Tutar Court in the Patagonia area, Patagonia Lake area rather. So, I've been coming to these meetings for a while and I pretty much see the p same pattern every meeting. We have citizens citizens come up with extremely wellre prepared presentations. It's obvious a lot of time is spent preparing these presentations and some of them are very impressive. Others are sincere requests for your help. And yet when it's your turn to speak about what you've been doing, we hear about how you helped with the beat and go game, had a coffee or a slice of pizza somewhere, or read some children's books. Not once in any of the meetings I've been to have you spoken about the work you may have done addressing the concerns using the information you were presented with in a excuse me in a previous meeting. While the things that you talk about are nice things to do. They're the kind of things that people around you do on a volunteer basis on their own time. You were once accused of inaction which perhaps understandably upset you. But your response was but look at all the meetings we've had. Meetings are not actions. Meetings are not results. Meetings are what are used to decide what results are needed and what actions can be taken if to get those results. When you have a meeting, you're still at least two steps away from accomplishing any actual work. If you don't tell us how you followed up, what are we to think? So, I encourage you when it's your turn to talk about what you've done since the last meeting, stop telling us about the fun things you've done since the last meeting and start telling people that elected you, what work you have done to address the issues brought to you. Otherwise, there's really no point to these meetings. Thank you.

Thank you, sir. Anyone else wishing to come up on call to the public? Okay, we'll go ahead and move on to item D, current events. Supervisor Dr. Davis, good morning, sir. Good morning. So, yeah, I'm going to start with my updates. Mr. May, um, so I got a chance to attend the meeting with Devandri Gad that is here. Is there any way that I could bring her to the mic just to like because she so she can talk a little bit on the project on the Motuma hotel project that she's working on just briefly.

Good morning, Supervisor Davis. The the problem is is that it's I I it's not an item that's on the agenda. Okay. uh it would be better if it was something that was on the agenda so that people are made aware of in advance. Okay. Uh beyond that, you certainly have the discussion in in other aspects of that. So,

okay, that sounds good. So, yeah. So, the county manager, the deputy county manager and myself, we got to attend this meeting at NCD and it was related to the this project that Ivan Gado that she's here uh is working on. It would be a project on called Multisuma Hotel. It's they're trying to do like senior um housing veterans and uh it's a really good project and basically the county uh we're supportive of that. So we really it would be built downtown. So we really think it's a good project. So basically I want you to know that we're supportive of that project. Also, Patrick uh Patrick Roles from Congresswoman Adelita's office came yesterday and they're going to have a art contest. Uh I'm going to have a meeting with uh Miss Maya Donald Lee on Friday and so we can try to spread the word hopefully and the first prize would be for for a high school student to visit uh win a trip to Washington DC. So, it was a good productive meeting. I I did get to read to the students um and I really enjoyed it. I last week I I attended two places to two the last one was Thursday at Calvasus. I got to read to two different groups like kinder and uh first grade and fourth grade. So it's really nice to see how they respond to the same thing different. I read to those kids like I read to my to my kids. I took some some books that I read to my kids and and it was it was really good. I also I was also invited to Lincoln um Lincoln school to talk about um career, college and readiness. So I visited like seven classes. A student took me around. It

was like 20 minute sections and uh they was talking about different careers. Uh it was really good. What else did I did I So the the there was a meeting done from AOT. A dot was was involved. The the US Mexican the US consulate in Mexico Michelle Ward the port authority committee. There were a lot of people and they were talking about the deconini port of entry how there the project that it's a big project but it would have a big impact not only like in no galis Arizona but it's like a national asset the contribution it's going to have to the rest of the US so there was a meeting actually right now there's a meeting taking place it couldn't go because because we're having the same meeting but it's also another project they're very supportive and I think it would bring a lot of make Ngalis sonora and ngalis Arizona work together there would be commerce and that's a project that I'm also very supportive and those were some of my updates.

Thank you sir vice chairman standing. Yes sir. Good morning sir. [clears throat]

Good morning. Um couple things that have been happening. I want to congratulate the city of Ngalas uh for the America 250 grand opening. I know there was uh um Councilwoman Montiel and Parala were instrumental in making that happen. Um that that was well attended and well done. Um congratulations to Chief Amesa on the training tower inauguration. Um it was it was spectacular. Um, thank you. And I'm sure that's going to um it's going to help not only what what you mentioned or what Chris mentioned during his uh his opening statements, it's going to help the entire entirety of Southern Arizona. So, congratulations and thank you on that. Um, I did I did have the opportunity to um attend the Coreo Magnet School A+ School of Excellence um ceremony. Um, I for those of you who don't know, I was in education for 35 and a half years and um, it's still dear to my heart and I always like to see what some great schools are doing. Um, let's see. Taste of TubeBac uh, was this past Sunday with the Tubac Rotary. They do an incredible job. Incredible restaurants throughout the entire community. And just uh, a couple things uh, regarding the ICE statement. Um, I know that we had it and I I just received a few uh texts from Shannon that we did have an in information that was directly from the governor's office. Um, I don't know what happened to it, but we are looking into it because it was supposed to be on there and it's directly from Governor Hobbes on what can happen or, you know, and and what people's rights are. So, I just wanted to make sure I mention that. Um, I am working behind the scenes. I I don't often um say everything that's happening

regarding water, regarding the mine and so forth. U so I will do so now. Um this Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, there's going to be three or four of us from the county. Uh and I know some some folks from the community that [snorts] have expertise in the area of water. We're going to go we're going to be heading to a growing water smart conference on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. I'm sure that'll have some impacts moving forward with the CPBA. Um, this past week I also went and joined numerous people from throughout the state, uh, rural counties. It's called the rural water working group [clears throat] and, uh, I know Jay was there and, um, I know Robin was there and, uh, Anna couldn't make it. She was not feeling well. Uh but we met with I met with three senators and one uh representative regarding water regarding the concerns associated with water. Um was the mind brought up in in a little bit? Yes, it was. It was more of a broader sense. Um but it was brought up and it continues to be brought up um with the rural water working group. So those are just a couple things that are happening behind the scenes. Um, as far as the early action items, yes, that's what they were, early action. And and like I said, I can't remember if I've said it in this venue, but uh I would argue that there and not the protections that many of us here have talked about today when it comes to water, air, soil, and human health. Um, but I would argue that there are some protections involved in those early action items when you're talking about emergency management, when you're talking about uh um not housing um fire districts. Um that falls to me within uh um both both uh protections and benefits. I think it's been said many many times and I'm going to continue to say it that protections are the priority at this point and

The reason there's been, I would say, limited movement to this point on on uh um protections is because of waiting for the e final EIS to come out because the there there was to be no duplication um between the CPBA and and what has already come out in the FIS. U we had a two-hour meeting yesterday where we discussed upcoming events to where um citizens will be involved. I know I don't know how much I can discuss on that, but there's going to be uh a meeting in the near future in in Patagonia and we're going to take what has already been said in the past. Um we're going to say what has been done regarding those topics, what has not been done regarding those topics, and what should be done regarding those topics. So although people uh in the audience and and everyone's entitled to their opinion feel that there's no focus on protections in my opinion that is all that is going to be focused on in the very near future um with uh regards to the CPBA. So thank you sir.

Thank you. I have a few items to report. Uh, one, and most importantly, I want to welcome our county recorder back. Uh, Miss Anita Moreno. I you had an accident and, uh, it's good to have you back. Welcome back. Um, I want to also congratulate Adam Aesa and his staff and everyone involved because he came to me years ago with the vision and uh when you see someone come with a vision, the drive and and it and it happens. This training center is going to be great for our community, great for uh internationally, a great training center so we don't have to send our our uh individuals out of town for training. I commend you. Congratulations. Um um Miss Donley, Amaya Donley, I want to thank you and your uh your staff for organizing ReadAcross America. That is an excellent uh program. Good job. Um Soie, thank you for the training. uh appreciate the emergency management training. Uh Ray, thanks. Thanks for continuing to be involved. We really appreciate it. Thank you very much. And [clears throat] lastly, I last Friday, I didn't attend the 250th anniversary because I was uh asked to go to an event with uh Senator Mark Kelly up in Phoenix. And [clears throat] they are currently put putting out feelers uh for the possibility of uh I'm running for president. So, uh we'll see how that transpires. Uh that is all I have to report.

Last thing. Yes, sir. Last thing. And uh happy birthday to uh Chairman Mera uh yesterday. Happy birthday, sir. Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate it. Thank you. Uh we'll go ahead and move on to item two uh manager report. Mr. Manager, Mr. Chair, members of the board, I have one item to report on. Um March 9th, uh we were notified that the Peg Canyon Roundabout Project was selected as one of 20 projects uh to move forward for Congresswoman Adorita Community Project Funding Program. Um it's not a guarantee of funding, but it's it's it's in the queue uh to get funded. So I will I'll provide more updates as it become available. Thank you.

Thank you, sir. Okay, we'll go ahead and move on to item E, department reports and activities. Item one, finance, cash and investments, expenditures, and revenue reports. Mr. Chavez, good morning, sir.

Good morning, Mr. Chairman, members of the board, and members of the public. The cash and investment report for the general fund has an overall balance of 23,685,080 with an investment amount of 16,700 767,38. The road fund has an overall balance of 5,470,068 with an investment amount of 5,186,189. The flood control district has an overall balance of 3,313,861 with an investment amount of 312,557. And our jail district fund has an overall balance of 8,16,195 with an investment amount of 4,454,733. Total for all funds overall balance is 64,859,6736 with an investment amount of 28,868,075. We have an estimated end of the month balance of 10,868,270.

Any questions, gentlemen? I have a question related to something else. Go ahead. So, this is [clears throat] the the the first time that I that I get a pair of glasses. I can read well. I'm supposed to see good on the distance, but I I don't I don't see Mr. Castillo. Well, but do you have it uh Mr. Manager, do you have any updates when it comes to the button for the animal control?

Uh Mr. Chair, members of the board, we're we're Yeah, we got a there's a button out there that's already established. We just got to figure out how people could uh connect that to our treasures office so they could uh be able to donate uh funds to a credit card. So that's in the works. Thank you. Mr. Sher, can you say something else? Yes.

So [clears throat] I've been working I've been going to Arizona at work. They've been doing a great job. They've been very active. Um every time that I go and visit, they're doing something new. So side if you wouldn't mind could you I know you were maybe not ready can you come to the mic and tell us all those great news everything that you're working on all the team is there a problem with that Mr. May we got department updates coming up oh we so we should wait updates that's fine go ahead we'll go ahead and move on to item two department updates [clears throat] okay

Mr. Mr. Chairman, members of the board, I apologize. I still have I want to follow up with some um um sales tax u updates for for the board and for the community as well. Thank you. Uh sorry, you're coming.

So, we uh we're an we're consistently analyzing our our sales tax revenue and currently our our local sales tax year to date has a 24% increase compared to uh last year year to date at the same time. Now that that sales tax is comprised of many different funding uh streams including retail uh including restaurants, including hotel taxes. But the the reason that this has increased uh significantly, it's due to the Arizona prime contracting tax that's imposed on contractors that are modifying real property. So what that means is any new construction mainly that has a significant effect right now would be the the the wall the border wall. So the county benefits from from that from the contractor uh purchasing supplies those taxes regardless of where they purchase those supplies and equipment those taxes roll back to the county. I just want to emphasize that that's the reason why there's a a larger increase on on that gear to date. Um, our state share sales tax right now is currently at a 7% increase year-to date compared to last year, which is trending well.

7%. That's our state shared sales tax. That's the sales tax that's shared between all 15 counties. And then our our highway user revenue fund, which is uh for short, it's a her fund. That's the the road fund. that's uh trending at 6.3% increase year-to- date. And um the same there's also the funding stream of the overweight fees that has decreased from year to date uh to 3.4% of a decrease compared to last year. So we're seeing less of of traffic probably on on on the uh trucks coming in from the border. And then our vehicle tax which is comprised of uh vehicle new vehicle registrations and ongoing registration that currently is tracking at 4% decrease compared to last year.

Any questions Mr. Chairman members of the board? Very informative. Thank you sir. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you.

Okay we'll go to item two department updates. Go ahead. Good morning, um, supervisors, uh, county management, members of the public. Thank you, Dr. Davis, for mentioning Arizona Network. Thank you for being very involved with with what we do and with the work that that we do. We appreciate you being there almost weekly and thank you for the support. Thank you for the contacts that you provide to us. I'm going to provide quick updates of what what we've been doing and what we foresee coming. Uh tomorrow and Friday we have Triple A landscaping conducting hiring event at our office. They have hired a total of 130 um community members here uh to go to their company here in Phoenix and in Tucson. They are going to be here to hire another 20. All right. So, we're very appreciative of them and they pay for room and board. They come for the the people that are going to be working. They come for them on Monday and they deliver them back to Noales on Friday afternoon. So, that's one. And then we have Trident Seafoods coming May 14th. This is huge for our community because um we used to have about five six seafood companies from Alaska come in and recruit um individuals from from our community and they had stopped doing this for about five years. But now that there's some issues with the HB2 visas, they're coming back to hire um tunogales. They're in Yuma County as well and they plan to hire about 15 individuals to go and assist for about three months. Um they're hiring for seafood processors. They will be assisting with flights. Um

room and board will be will be provided along with meals. $17 per hour and $25 for overtime. So that's that's some of the events that we have going on. Now we've we've talked about some of the work agreements that we have with NUSD and CERS jobs for progress. They're finally taking in place. By Monday, we are going to have 10 NUSD students that are going to be working that they're going to be doing um on base, no, not on base, work-based learning, sorry. uh while while um in their CT classroom. So, some of these are automotive technicians that are going to be working with Jim Click, Hornford, and then we took on um uh one for firefighter that's going to be working at the Ngala station, uh station one, and then with PBS auto auto body shop. And on March 20th, very important to say that we're get we have a meeting with the CTA director at Rio High School so that we can start implementing this as well with them. And um also we met with um project executive Victor with Sun Construction to start a workbased learning at the Ngales High School construction trades uh CT classroom. Construction is huge right now. We just got a report from the office of economic opportunity. Uh, construction is the number one employment that we're going to be seeing in in the next few years, construction and trades. So, we wanna we definitely want to make sure that we train our our youth and our community to be prepared for for these jobs. And with that, oh, also I want to mention that um Chairman Mao received an email um on Friday from Anna Hunter, DS administrator, letting um letting us know that we passed uh 20 out of 20 metrics uh for WA. So, we're very happy for that and we and that's thanks to our um Arizona Network staff. We have great staff that want to help

the community and that we want to move forward. And with that, I do want to introduce one of our premier um participants, Jessica Reese. I just want her to give a a quick um update and of what she's doing and her her transition with Arizona. Thank you. Sorry. Good morning everybody. My name is Jessica and I was one of the participants here at Arizona at Works. I wanted to take a moment and say how truly grateful I am for all the support they've given me being able to go to school at Carrington College in Tucson, Arizona. And that has meant so much to me and I couldn't have done it without their help. From assisting me with gas money and to making to making sure I had what I needed to get there. Your support made me a difference in my life. I also wanted to share that I found out about this program with the help of my sister and from the very beginning the process was so fast and smooth. I felt encouraged right away and that gave me the confidence to move forward. And then a very special thank you to Mary and Zida and the whole staff of the Arizona works for standing by me every step of the way. Their support, encouragement, and belief in me helped me stay focused and finish and helped me finish my school my schooling. I truly appreciate everything they've done for me and for giving me this opportunity. That means me more that I can put it into my own words. Thank you. C

can I ask you something? If I may ask, what are you studying? Um, so right now I'm working as a physical therapy technician at Sawita. Oh wow. I have almost a year and three months already. She completed her her training. Now she's Oh, that's great. Congratulations. Thank you. Appreciate it. Any questions? No. Good job. Thank you so much. Keep it up. Mary work. Any other departments wishing to come up and

Mr. Banderas? Good morning.

Good morning, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. So, I wanted to provide a few updates on a few projects that we've been working on, and I'll kind of jump to the animal control uh one first. So, we have a page up uh on their website that gives some instructions on uh how you could possibly donate right now and kind of how those funds will be used. We are working with the vendor to stand up the credit card processing. That takes a little longer. Uh we have to make sure it's PCI compliant. there's some uh additional steps that that that we need to take right before we kind of launch that, but I've talked to Micio and I've talked to Jesus about this already. So, it's it's in the works. Um I don't want to give you a date yet because I'm working with Shannon. There's some rebranding that's happening. So, um we want to make sure that we kind of roll roll that out um at the same time. So, more to come on that, but um people can find out um how to currently donate um on the um website for animal control. Um and I also want to um give you guys an update on the sheriff's department's uh radio system. Um so, that is pretty much complete. Uh we haven't signed off on it completely yet. They are up and running. So, they've been operational for for about two months, I would say. Two two two months, right? Working out the kinks on that. But a huge thank you to everybody that they that helped out um specifically the sheriff's department staff, their dispatchers. They had to go through complete um training on on the new system. But what what this allows them to do now is to have a a a redundant but um robust system that not only you know I know that when under sheriff would come he his biggest concern was always monsoon season and and that's you know approaching here quickly right we've built redundancies

in case uh equipment takes takes lightning hits things like that um but the other huge benefit is that there's mutual aid channels on this now so um agencies that jump on board uh on this system which is um it's called a winds which is operated by DPS um department they they'll be able to communicate amongst each other right so there's channels that are set up that in case you know agencies need to communicate uh they'll be able to do that right and um if he minister if you want to give any more than that

I think covered Okay, great. And then the last update um is we've been working with Puma County on a uh regional broadband uh and feasibility study. Um they're almost done with that. Um they'll present to you guys on May 20th. I think it was the earliest we could kind of fit them in. So, um, but that's kind of been a year-long process where we've kind of, um, done some studies, uh, across the county, well, across the region really, um, and trying to see where we could, uh, you know, improve our broadband, uh, not not only improve it, but where certain services lack and where certain ser technology is going to serve serve us best, right? So that that that is coming. So just kind of wanted to give you guys a heads up. I know it's it's been a while since uh I talked about that, but they'll come present um uh with the help of um our consultant uh Kimley Horn. Uh they they'll come down on May 20th and and provide a a more in-depth update on that. So that's all I have.

Any updates on any beads funding? No, that that's still kind of held up. Um, there were some awards that that I I guess preliminary preliminary awards that were kind of handed out, but they haven't really released a whole lot of information beyond beyond that. So, not anymore on that. Thank you. It's still there. Thank you, J. Thank you, sir. Thank you, sir.

Any other departments wishing to come up? Okay, Mr. Chair, we have that standing item uh the early actions.

Yeah. Yeah. Go ahead. Item A, update on early actions. Morning, Chris. Good morning, uh, Chairman Mera, Supervisor Fanning, Supervisor Davis, public that are in attendance. Uh, thank you for this opportunity to speak. At our last meeting, we were asked by the public to provide regular updates on the early actions outlined in the early actions community investment agreement. In response to that request, I'll now be providing these updates on a monthly basis. Because this is our first update, I want to highlight four wording changes that were made to the exhibit A to the agreement. Um, I'll just be very specific in what they were. And obviously, the agreement is is in the board packet also. So, the city of Ngalas requested the following additions. In exhibit A, item three regarding fire and EMS services. Ngalas added two words to the project description. The words equipment and training. So, now it reads expand fire and EMS infrastructure equipment and training. And also the in the parenthesis where it mentions whose response one, who it affects directly, we included nogalis also. Okay, so that's three of the words. And then the fourth one was on our updating our current housing study. Um, we put countywide and so now Ngalas wanted to make sure that they're included in that. So they put Nogal, we put Ngalas in there also. And I just want to make it very clear that [clears throat] and I think I said this uh two weeks ago, but anything that says countywide in that in that agreement includes the town of Patagonia and Ngalas. Okay? Because everybody's inside in the

county. Um additionally, I'd like to note that we are actively moving forward with the projects. Okay? Okay, we're working on the scopes of work and establishing the appropriate reimbursement process through our respective government entities. Uh there is one thing I'd like to clarify that was made during the call to the public. Um there's a mention towards South 32 having the ability to or is required to approve the projects. I just want to reiterate that all projects are approved by all signitories. So it's not just South 32. So, if we're going to do if we're going to do our updated housing study, both Ngalas, town of Patagonia, and South 32 will be signing off on it because everything we do within this group is on consensus. Okay? So, I just wanted to make that point. And then the next one, I just want to reiterate, you know, my door is always open. Uh, email, however you anybody wants to communicate with me about these topics, I'm more than happy to meet with anybody. And that's it. Do you have any questions? Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for uh opening your door for everyone. Appreciate that.

Thank you, sir. Thank you.

Okay, item three. We'll go to B first because these uh young ladies have to go back to school, I believe. Um Miss Donley, you want to come up, please? Uh we are recognizing two individuals that participated in the spelling be a couple weeks ago and we are super proud. First, I want to take the honor of recognizing Isabella Felix, an eighth grade student from Patagonia Middle School for her exemplary achievement as a champion of the 2026 Santa Cruz County spelling B, earning the honor by correctly spelling the championship word in the 10th round of the competition. Congratulations. Can you please step up? [applause] Secondly, we have our runner up, Shulamthi Batu, a seventh grade student from Kotamundi Middle School for her exceptional performance as the runnerup of the 2026 Santa Cruz County Spelling B. Congratulations. Also, step up, please. [applause] Congratulations. I'm very proud of you.

Thank you so much. Let's take a picture. [snorts] Just a couple of quick words about these young ladies. The spelling bee is is not an event for the weary. It takes courage. It takes discipline. And um these young ladies are the epitome of those characteristics. I think Shulamei has been in the spelling bee how many times?

Three times already. Have you Isabella? Um not not the count. Oh, not the county B. Okay. So, just a quick note, Isabella is traveling to Phoenix with her family for the state B uh Saturday the 21st. So, we wish her all the best and we'll follow up with her and see how she does. So, thank you very much for the recognition. [applause] [laughter] They declined to share a few words. Good luck in Phoenix. Yes. Good luck, Isa. Good luck.

And next we have uh recognition for Adam Aisaga, the fire chief for Rio Rico Medical and Fire for his outstanding leadership and service to this community and for his vision in developing a training tower to enhance emergency response capabilities. Adam [applause]

Can I get the sh Members of the board, board survivors, thank you for the recognition. Um, it is a team effort. Uh, my team put in countless of hours of work. Um, we are going to be scheduling some community open house for uh individuals that want to go see the tower at a later time. We'll probably have some beverages and things like that, but we are looking to get it kicked off. In actuality, today um we have the fire facilities who built the structure or the vendor um doing the inservice training with our firefighters. So, I told them, "You can either come here with me or be over there doing training." And they were like, "All right, chief. We're going to go train." So, thank you very much.

Congratulations. [applause]

[clears throat]

And lastly, we have uh Edgardo Munos for his exemplary dedication, leadership, and significant contributions to the community through his We Love Ngales initiative, including community engagement, improvement efforts, and the promotion of civic pride of this community. Uh it's amazing what you do. Uh you know, you spend a lot of late hours at meetings or events and and you know, uh we really appreciate what you do for this community, Glo and the cycling community as well. You've done a lot for our youth. Thank you. [applause] So, uh, good morning. Thank you. H I want to sincerely thank the county for this recognition. It truly means a lot to be seen and supported uh in the work we are so passionate uh about. We love Nogales was born from a single idea to highlight the beauty, the

culture and the strength of our community. Uh this recognition is not just for me. It belongs to every person, entrepreneur, business, organization and young leader who believes in Ngales in Santa Cruz County and contributes to making it better a better place. We are proud to be part of this community and we remain committed to continue this work with even more energy, collaboration and heart. Thank you for believing in what we do. They only motivate us to keep going and continue broadcasting our community to the world. Thank you. Thank you. Well said. Thank you. [applause]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I like it. I like it. Can I say something really quick, too? So I want to thank Egardo publicly because a lot of students have reached out to me looking for a place like to do something related to the senior project like a performance and stuff and I have sent so many students and he always receives them. Was it sat this Sunday, right? There was a beautiful event. Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Yes. So, so they the the this Arnold, this student, former student of mine, asked me for a place I connected with Edgardo. A lot of people played that that uh that was Sunday, right? Sunday. They they played, they had music, seniors playing everything. So, I really want to thank you for always opening the doors for basically all the students that come, send them your way, and they're always welcome. So, thank you for that. Okay, thank you.

A couple other things that I'd like to take note of. Um, the Ngalas Bicycle Classic uh has a lot to do with Edgardo's leadership and it's gone through its struggles and and and he's always had the vision and continued to make it a a bigger event and I want to commend you. Uh you also have the marathon too going on. uh you have some uh great activities going on in this community and you always welcome everybody and anybody and we appreciate that. Thank you.

Great. Thank you. Thank you, sir. And thanks for uplifting our community. Thank you for all you do. Okay, we'll go ahead and move on to item G, the study session report on Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce by Olivia Ainsa Kramer, President CEO. Welcome, Olivia. Thank you. Thank you.

Good morning. Morning.

Good morning. I think I'm going to need a stool. Okay. Did you happen to have one? Good morning, Mr. Chairman, board of supervisors and general public. is uh I want to thank the city ma uh excuse me the county manager and the supervisors for extending the invitation to the Ngalis [snorts] Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce to update you on the many things that we have been doing as a chamber of commerce and also as a visitor center. Um right now I was very pleased to hear Mr. Chaveis um when he acknowledged that the sales tax has has gone up not only because of the construction but also because of the lodging sector that is very important for for Santa Cruz County. Uh the chamber of commerce the Ngala Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce has been formed since 1914. That doesn't mean that I have been there since then okay but it has been there I have been there for many many years. Uh right now I'm pleased to let to Let me just go ahead and get this. I don't know if I'm doing it right.

Yes. Okay, there it is.

Um, after after the post pandemic, we saw the many struggle struggles that uh the business community in Santa Cruz County were facing and we came out with a plan of creating the small business resource marketplace. that marketplace is not only to help businesses to sell or to give the service but also to be able to to uh participate in a larger uh projects like like the ones that we're seeing right now with in Santa Cruz County uh not only because it's coming on the border wall but many other projects that are coming in local business are very important to participate in these projects and with this uh resource marketplaces that we created Not only we form and we not only support them to create more presence but also how to submit bids, the resources for financial resources, any other any other opportunity that they might be able to to um participate in in different projects, not only local local but also state or federal. Like we have already two businesses, local businesses that they got certified certific certificated to participate on the federal programs. That is one one hotel and another one is a dealership. So that was something a big accomplishment because it takes a lot of effort to go ahead and a lot of work and time to go ahead and participate on something like that. Right now we are uh helping um about 10 businesses and mostly on the construction side that are going to be participating with the state on submitting their local businesses uh excuse me their local uh bids to participate in some of the projects. So that that is why this marketplace the

resource marketplace has been able to to participate with the businesses and encourage them to growth and also to participate in analy a lot other projects that might be coming to Santa Cruz County and also the state. As I submitted my report to the board of supervisors in the last quarter of uh 2025, since 2020, we had been able to help 648 businesses to get licensed to get um designated in the procurement and different businesses that are participating not only with the local school districts but also mayor private sector purchasers that are coming to Santa Cruz County. One of them is McKenzie, the the one that I is building the the Chase Bank for the city of Ngalas. They being able to utilize local businesses due to the certification that they got to submit the bids and participate on local procurement uh sectors that we have. So we're very proud of that and that's is that is something that business appreciate because now they are not limited to go ahead and say okay I'm just waiting for people to come in and get you know my use my store or use my services but now they are looking forward to participate in another uh another projects that I might have. The key components for this marketplace is like you see in the presentation is not only the educational workshops but also the mentorship and technical assistant the procurement and opportunity readness readiness that they have. So this is something that we we we break a lot because we see the difference and like you said Mr. Um, Chavez, I mean, that's so good that local projects that are coming, federal, state, and local projects that are

coming to Santa Cruz County are being able to utilize local businesses. Not only creates sales tax, but also revenue tax and also we keep the jobs in Santa Cruz County. Uh I I I want to go ahead and hold on that because uh that's something that I would like to uh to have Miss Lisa Gonzalez to talk a little bit about that program because it's also not only that we are creating this vendor readiness program through the chamber, but also with the new things that we as a chamber are going to bring. So I'm going to go ahead and give her the opportunity to do that. Um, like I said, we've been doing uh a lot of outreach with different projects like with the border with the federals. We had a meeting with them. We also um in we also advocated to see if they there's something else that we could go ahead and engage as a chamber of commerce to support our business community. Sorry. Um it's very I mean it's very satisfying when I see that other organizations or agencies are participating with the local students through the chamber of commerce. We also created the small business fellowship and internship program where we recruit students uh from Santa Cruz County that they can go ahead and experience how to participate on local businesses. And uh we've been placing these students in different industries like hotels, like restaurants, like uh nonprofit organizations and even at the Chamber of Commerce visitor center. We also have students doing their internship there, learning about lodging, tourism, and also learning about what Santa Cruz County has to offer because once they leave Santa Cruz County, they need to

break the beauty of this county. We need to go ahead and be able to sell our community as a very beautiful and with a lot of prosperity that we are having done in many projects that we're having right now. So that's another program that we have through the chamber of commerce. Um a lot of uh a lot of our outreach that we have on the tourism side is through uh digital digital digital digital I'm sorry and marketing. Uh I would like to stop right here and have Miss Lisa Gonzalez present about uh the programs that we have and then come back to introduce you all the projects that we have on the tourism side if you don't mind. Good morning everyone. My name is Lisa Gonzalez. I am uh the vice chair of the Ngalas Chamber of Commerce as well as the chair of the economic development committee. In that capacity, uh we decided that we were going to work last year with South 32. I know that's a bad word in here a little bit, but it's like an arranged marriage. Perhaps we didn't choose them, but we are married to them, so let's just go ahead and make the best of it. Um, working with South 32, we created a vendor readiness program last year and that helped us to identify the needs within the county, not only for South 32, but with also with other employers uh for businesses and employees to come in and help them meet their business requirements. Um, as an example, South 32 provide us with a list of immediate needs, short-term needs, and long-term needs. and that range from ice delivery services to furniture delivery services to computer services. Those are services that are needed by the county, the city, Mariposa Health,

um lots of other industries within the county. So, taking those needs, we were able to put together a program that helped us go out and identify potential business uh partners, potential business uh startups, help them get licensed, help them get insurance, [snorts] help them have an online presence. And through that vendor readiness program, we feel like we've created a really great um kind of template so that going forward, we can continue to do more business development outreach. And in that regard, we're going to go away from what we had been doing with our government affairs breakfast meetings and we're going to do a business launching service. So soon we'll be starting our business development, business launching uh breakfast series and we're going to go from start from from startup to success. So that means we're going to ask you the county, we're going to ask the city, we're going to ask um other vendors, other insurance providers, uh attorneys to come in and really help us help businesses start up and then go through the entire process of becoming a business. So once you've started, how do you get online? Once you're online, how do you recruit employees? Once you have employees, where or when you're recruiting employees, where are you going to advertise for employees? If you're an employee, where do you h how do you um prepare to interview? Do you have the proper attire? So, we're going to do a soup to nuts program to help not only employers but employees to start and grow and and get jobs and also to help businesses work together and collaborate together so that they can learn from each other, learn best practices so we can be a stronger community. And along those lines, what we really want to focus on is business attraction. and in our business attraction um desires.

We're really hoping that the county can help us and we can all collectively work with the port authority and with the city and with the county and with and with Sego and with other entities to create a package of information that potential uh builders, potential developers, potential employers would be looking at when they're looking at potentially locating in Santa Cruz County. So, we know, say for instance, everybody says that they want us to have a Trader Joe's. Well, we know Trader Joe's isn't going to come here unless we can identify that we have X amount of residents, what their financial income is, um, where the employees are coming from. And right now, to my knowledge, we don't really have a good resource for that data. So what we're hoping to ask you for is your help in creating and m gathering that data, maintaining that data and putting out that data so that we can collectively as a community choose the businesses that come to to Santa Cruz County. Um not just be chosen, let's be the choosers. And our I think Puma County has a slogan that's pick Puma. Well, we're choose Santa Cruz and it needs to be something that we all do together because we need to have all of our voices in the choice. I hear a lot in these meetings about businesses or entities that people do not want to have come to Santa Cruz County. Let's put that aside for a moment and let's work together to choose who we do want to come here and let's build the best county we can.

Okay. Any questions? Oh, any questions? Any questions? No, I just wanted to clap after that. I got inspired. I I love the choose Santa Cruz County and I love the fact that turning the tables will choose. Yeah. And if we have the right data, we just have to be smart about how we do it. And we've already spoken with the community development department. We've spoken with uh the deputy county manager. So, and we are committed to having a regular ongoing meetings so that we can make sure that we are not just talking that we're actually gathering the data that we need and we're going out and seeking who we want to be our neighbors. Thank you. You're welcome. Question.

Uh, but did you have any other questions in regards to the business? Well, something really quick when it comes to that data that you're talking about. We already like we had had some internal conversations because I think there's a way and there's a study that could be done where where we consider people from Mexico, not only people from Santa Cruz. There's a way that it could [clears throat] I mean there's somebody who provides that service. We we already look into it and yeah, unless we consider those numbers, it's not only Santa Cruz. That's when we have that data and we know the this vendor and stuff but yeah we have to keep working on that. Go ahead.

Okay. Thank you. Um, in regards to tourism, as you already know, the Chamber of Commerce also holds the visitor center at at our office and u they've been well the the visitor center was at one time the first one to be in Santa Cruz County. Now we have other partners that are also visitor centers through the county. But uh I'm very pleased to inform you that the Ngala Santa Cruz County Tourism Center has been official designated as a department of tourism as a part of their designation uh program. This is very very relevant to any visitor center because um they are guidelines they are um requirements to in order for us to get the accreditation. So finally the Ngala Santa Cruz s Santa Cruz County Tourism Center is already a bit officially through the Department of Tourism as their their visitor center. With that said, um it's very important because of the resources that they are going to be providing the Arizona Department of Tourism is going to be uh on their website with all the information about Santa Cruz County and also because we are going to be participating through the Arizona official state travel guide which exceeds the distribution of 400,000 um distributions through the state and through the nation. So that that was very important for us. Um with that said, like I said before in my report that I submitted to the to the supervisors just for the 2025 the people that visited our visitor center. Unbelievable. We're over 24,000 people that stopped by through our visitor center which is a makes a huge difference. We are seeing a very

different trend of tourism coming to Santa Cruz County. Number one, we used to see a lot of Canadians stopping by the visitor and requesting information about southern Arizona or Mexico. That changed a lot. That changed a lot. Now we have a lot of national domestic visitors coming just for relaxing for vacationing which is really good because they they not only stay in hotels but also they experience restaurants or any other attractions through Santa Cruz County which is really good. Those numbers that I just mentioned um I would like to just give it real briefly on individual categories. 4,000 local visitors, 5600 instate visitors, 5,300 out of state visitors, 27,000 27 uh00 international visitors and virtual, which is a huge change of how we're doing business now. 7,100, which is really good. why we need to keep the digital and also the website um um presence and activity because that highlights I don't know if all of you had had the experience to visit the website for tourism which is visit no ngalisaz.org org. We wanted to put it put it visit Santa Cruz County, but it was taken by California that domain. So that's why we couldn't have it on Santa Cruz County. So that's why we had to put it in Ngalisac.org. I invite you to go ahead and visit that website. It has a lot of information about the many, many things and attractions and resources that we have in Santa Cruz County. that also contains a calendar of events that are placing there and a lot of uh the visits that we get into that page. They come to visit what things to do over the weekend or

during the week which is really good because all all the events of course we're going to put the events that are relevant to tourism. So that's something that we've been uh offering through Santa Cruz County because you don't need to be a member of the chamber. this is for all of us because it's Santa Cruz County. So, I invite you to visit that website. Also, um we've been approaching a little bit different the way that we promote Santa Cruz County by digital marketing activities and as well as participating in different uh different resources like magazines. Right now, we are participate collaborating with the Arizona RB Outdoor Life and our visitor center is right there. anytime that somebody wants to visit this area, what do we do? We refer them to to that website. We also created a new um uhformational brochure for Santa Cruz County which has been in a lot of demand by other visitor centers and this is another thing that we are creating to go ahead and promote Santa Cruz County. the uh we also participated with the magazine the local magazine which is discover magazine that Ngalas International uh they place. So that's another one that we also participated and as well as souvenirs for Santa Cruz County and I brought some for you.

Thank you. With that said, um we are trying to promote in a very different ways Santa Cruz County because a lot of the people that come here, they think um well locals think that visitors are not coming because we are in a war zone to that difference of what we think that people are going to be asking. They they call they want information. They are not asking how bad it is on the border. You know what the main attraction is for visitors? The wall, the border wall. So when they stop by the the visitor center, they ask us, we want to go ahead and take a picture of the wall. We don't have a wall that we said. We have a fence. And they feel excited. They feel you. I mean, when you hear the comments of people coming to Santa Cruz County, it's really encouraging to hear them how happy and how they how much they like this county. That's why we take a lot of pride by promoting Santa Cruz County. We have good people. We have good um weather and we have a beautiful beautiful scenery. So that's how we promote Santa Cruz County. We work very closely with the different uh partners like the wineries, like Santa Cruz uh fairgrounds, like Tuba Chamber. We have different partners that we are collaborating. the precedio that's another great partner that we have that we've been contributing and promoting Santa Cruz County. uh we uh in when we talk about digital not only we have the website but also we have uh all the platforms social media platforms like uh we have the Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, we have every single platform that we can to promote Santa Cruz County but we put the beauty the beautiful and positive that we have in this county and that's why by us recruiting students to work at the visitor center is very important because when they leave

Ngalas, when they leave Santa Cruz County, they're going to be the ambassadors of how talk how to talk good about your community. That's another way we're doing it. Uh right now, Mr. Chavez was talking about u the sales tax and bed tax and the estimated taxes that we had on on our community. I have to say that on the just for the month of January at the state level the numbers on tourism taxes they increased just for one month 3.9% at the state level okay which is great and I have to share with you it was a good thing that this happened okay because in last year in the last quarter when the the waiting time at the border were incremented to two or three hours that benefited Ngalas in Santa Cruz County. Why? Because the majority of the time, a lot of those visitors, Mexican visitors were coming and leaving Ngalas and go someplace else to do all their shopping to go ahead and visit. Unfortunately, because they had to wait for a long time here at the border. That benefited Santa Cruz County with our partners like the legend sector. They were very happy to see in 2025 larger numbers and increment numbers that they have not seen before the pandemic. So that was very good because not only they stay in hotels, they consume in local uh retails and also restaurants, gas, everything. So that benefit a lot Santa Cruz County. That was something really good that we saw and they experienced that they don't need to go north, they can stay in Santa Cruz County. So that's another good news that I have to share with you because uh it's making a great difference for our community. As a chamber of commerce, we

also been seeing a a large traffic of businesses uh that companies that they want to either open a an office here or they want to relocate or they want to come and offer their services. And we're seeing more and more new businesses uh coming to the community. So we as a chamber of commerce, we're there to give all the information. Like all these vendors that are coming to service the wall, they've been coming to the chamber. We cater to them whatever they need. So that's the important role that we play also as a chamber of commerce. Another great news that I have to share with with all of you is that the Arizona Department of of Tourism certifies us as a certified autism center. we have to put our staff to go through a training to get that certification. Also, right now we have our staff going through the Arizona Tourism University, taking classes, workshops to train how to attend and help the business, excuse me, the tourism because it seems that it's just that coming and just giving information. That's not the that's not the way you have to do it anymore. You have to sell your community. You have to embrace what you have. So, we've been sending our staff to the Arizona Tourism University to get certified in different areas. That's the other thing that we're doing right now. Um, I I I I submitted through the report that I sent and I sent you the the performance marketing insights as you can tell and the supervisors have the report in the city in the county manager. Um, our numbers have been going up not only on visits on the website but also in any platform that we have. we have more

partners that are attracting to come to our center to go ahead and perform and to participate with all of us. So that's very good because we're working together. We're working and promoting what it means to be in Santa Cruz County. I know I'm giving you a lot of information. And I probably already bore you with this, but another another outreach that we did through the Department of Tourism because they have different marketing uh um initiatives right now. We partner with the untraveled um agency to promote Santa Cruz County. That was something that we were hesitant at the beginning because we said, are we going to see traffic coming in? Because the majority of our attractions are outdoors. Why did we this did this partnership with this company? Because global they have 200 million mil 200 million millennium travelers in 2022. Why is important for us to participate on something like that? Because everything they do is um outdoors. the trails, the bird watching, the the the parks, the national parks, all of them are these millenniums are looking for something like that. So that's why it was important for us to participate on this and the results that they had given us is attracting a lot of uh uh international international visitors not only from let's say Europe or everything but we've been getting a lot of uh visitors from Mexico. That's the difference that we're having. not the Canadians anymore. Now we're having the Mexican visitors coming to do biking, bird watching or staying at the at the lakes. Patagonia Lake has been doing very very well. And as a matter of fact, we're preparing for the mariachi

festival May 16. Okay. So, and also with the Santa Cruz Fairgrounds, it's very important that we attract the cattle industry to come and participate with them too. And they've been seeing the numbers in a very positive way. So that's why we are doing a bit a very different outreach than what we used to do just to wait for visitors to come in. We participating with the Arizona Department of Tourism. We're participating with different visitor centers not only through the state but also through California and through Nevada by sending informationational and and participating by them promoting each other so we can go ahead and get the the exposure that Santa Cruz County has a lot to offer. If you have any questions, anything that I can

answer for all of you?

I have a few things. Um, you forgot one thing. uh when you said that what we have to offer um you didn't mention good food. Sorry. Um you [laughter] need to mention that. Uh no um I want to say uh thank you. Uh I when when I was working for the school district and reached out to the chamber um for information for our new teachers. You you came through every year. So thank you. Um I want to also say I met with West Ed yesterday and they said they had just gotten off a meeting with you. So, thank you so much for I'm sure you gave them some incredible input there. And then lastly, the flyers that you had. I I'd like to have some for the county here so that when people come in um you know, we have them throughout some of the different departments um you know, for people who are especially who are moving here new to the area, but also those who have been here for a while, maybe they don't have an idea of all of the happenings and all of the great things about our community. So, if if you could uh I'll stop by or if you can bring some by and that way we can get them throughout the the county complex.

Happy to do so. Thank you so much for all you do. No, and we have to take a lot of I mean I I really love this county. We have so many things to do and and we have such a good people that we need to embrace all that and good food. Yes, I like that. Please [clears throat]

Olivia, so you said you work for with 648 businesses, right? First of all, thank you for coming. So what are the like in the near future? I don't know like 5 10 years from now. What are the biggest changes that that you see that you can see based on business or tourism and what are some of the opportunities and challenges? And the opportunity that we have right now as a as a chamber of commerce and also on the tourism side is that we are very focused on the negative. And I think if all of us we go ahead and talk about the beauty that we have, not only because we have a a growing county, but also because there's a lot of opportunities and on the on the technical on the technical careers. Number one, I I I love the the the the the interview that we had yesterday because I know that that is going to come out with something good that is going to give good results for for the workforce in Santa Cruz County. I think the opportunity that we also have is that through education, through our schools, they are playing a an essential role. How to how to train, how to train and how to learn about our community, not only but what we have to offer, but also the businesses where your mother was, where your father was, what do you do before, I mean, they used to leave Santa Cruz County and they didn't even know when they will ask him, "What is there to do?" nothing. Can you imagine if we hear a student saying something like that? Now we have if we start in an early early stage and we start showcasing what we have in the different area sectors, I think it's going to be really great opportunity for all of us and we learn from children, we learn from for youth. So I think this is a big big opportunity. The challenge that I see

right now because we are experiencing already AI. I have clients not with the chamber but in my personal business that uh we are gonna have to be doing some changes because they are implementing AI which is going to eliminate s certain positions. The trade careers are the ones that are going to be safe but we need to be very careful with that. And I think Santa Cruz County, we need to be proactive and innovate how we're going to approach that. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for the presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you very much. Um, you you said you assist 625 businesses. Are those 625 members or just assisting period?

They were 648 businesses. In order for you to participate in in this programs that we have as a chamber, we don't open it just for the members. We open it for the public. If you succeed as a business, we have a successful community. And what is going to happen? They're going to see the value of belonging and affiliate with the chamber of commerce. It's not only our chamber, but also the Tubac Chamber and any chamber in the state, I mean in the country. I think they play an essential role for any community. So, this is open to the public.

And how how many members do you currently have? Over 375, Mr. Chairman. And we're growing. We are growing because they see a value. And that's important because if how you're going to just be donating money if you don't give a report, if you don't give uh results, I think they need to have a value for what they're paying. and uh compared to right after uh co uh h how uh how your visitors numbers uh been in the last couple years

before co we had a very very good numbers remember that we were the the the the gateway to Mexico okay because we used to see a lot of Canadians coming or sometimes from the back east that they had uh homes in Mexico they used to come right now we're not seeing that okay but in after the pandemic the numbers started going down but we saw a trend that all the information that they were requesting were digital or through the website okay that that was something that we saw a lot that um after the pandemic but now people are coming back Like I told you, in 2025, our numbers increase not only through visitors coming in, but also digital or making phone calls. And now we have um partnership. I I'm I I don't want to say something that is not true, but I will say that 90% of the visitor centers that we have in the state, we're partnering and collaborating with them to promote Santa Cruz County.

Thank you. Any other questions? Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have a question. The chamber acts as a conduit for businesses when it comes to issues related to county or city. What are the top five issues that that the businesses have in regards to uh the county or or the city? That is uh it's a very tough question because depending on the industry that you are in but um I would say that if I needed to put them in that order I would say that workforce um qualified uh labor we have in that second issue is the barrier English barrier and like a lot of times I tell them even if you speak it like me with an accent I mean the Sophia Vera doesn't want to leave me so that's why I keep it okay but I have to say language barrier I think is a is very very it's it's a challenge that people have and also the third one which is really important and we've been working on that to see how we can approach that customer service customer service

any other questions thanks you for coming thank you thank you very much for the Thank you. Thank you. Anything you need and I Mr. Fanning I will go ahead and bring you that. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you again. Next we have I believe item two government 101.

Good morning chairman, members of the board and members of the public. My name is Castro. I am the director of emergency management and today here I will be presenting on our department and the importance okay statutory we are responsible for a couple of things I know it's a very long um definition but basically each county um has to appropriate uh extended funds such such as contracts and distribution of equipment, supplies and materials as well. Each county has to establish an emergency management um jurisdiction accordance to the state and the federal um emergency plans. The direct the each county has to appoint a director who will be responsible for the organizational the administration and the operational support for the programs. And then at the end the one of the most important things that they they ask on a monthly basis, hold on one second. So the organizational structure is uh my department currently has three staff members. However, we actually perform on our workload is larger than what it seems. So, we actually are crossrain in different sections because in a normal county, for example, as Puma County, each section like planners, the specialists, people that do exercises, they have their own division. We, us three, we do all of the divisions. So, we are crossrains. we are all we are able to cover multiple roles

at at once um in order for us to maintain some type of continuity of operations. So I don't know if you guys are aware but emergency management has four phases. It has mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. So emergency management is basically um it's an organization that we prepare for we respond we recover from any major impacts or emergencies such as something natural man-caused as for example a hurricane and or a wildfire any accidents like on the freeway or any cyber attacks. We actually report to the county manager and the board of supervisors. Emergency management is a 247 mission. So regardless of the hour, our team has to always be prepared to respond, to coordinate resources, and to support the community. So we have a director and then we have a planner and a specialist. So we are responsible to maintain certain plans such as the emergency operation plan, multi-jurisdictional hazardous mitigation plan, the local emergency planning committee plan and then we have no our own Ngalas wash plan which that one was created because of the importance of the wash, the community wildfire protection and the continuity of operations plan. So I would like to address three of the plans that I think that are very important. The emergency operations plan is a plan that we created here within emergency management. This plan is guides the community the community employees. It prepares it prepares us to respond to any emergency

and then it helps us recover. So that is the plan that we currently have in place that all county employees actually participate in. The other plan that is also very important for the community is the multi-jurisdictional hazardous mitigation plan. This is a this is a plan that is developed by multiple local government or jurisdictions. So in this case, Ngalas, the city of Ngalas and the city of Patagonia have participated in this plan and here we identify the natural hazards and we create strategies to reduce their impacts before any disaster occurs. And then the last two plans that we are currently working on as we speak is the community wildfire protection plan and the continuity of operations plan. The community wild protection plan and the the coupe which is a continuity of operations plan. Those plans have we have never created them uh before. So this has taken my current current predecessors a long time either to obtain the funds because it's a very expense th those are very expensive plans and also the time because like I mentioned we have we are limited in staff and these plans uh need a lot of assistance. So, the community wildfire plan that we are almost finished and is going to be sent soon to Bob um is it protects the community um from wildfires, reduce hazards and it coordinates efforts to protect people, property and natural resources. And the continuity of operation plan is a plan that is a critical for our organization. And so in case of an emergency we have to leave this building we are able to work remotely and we are able to operate especially those departments that are statutoily mandated to do things um to do things or mandated to do things. So this slide is very important to us because since 2014

this is the revenue that we have brought to the county. Um it's a combination of local resources grant and grant revenue that play a critical role in what we do in our operations. So all of these revenues have come in the different wide range of essential essential needs. For example, they have brought us equipment, training, conferences, operating supplies, PP which is personal protective equipment, salaries and staffing. One of these grants which is the The EMPG um has allowed us to fund approximately half of our operating supply and personal costs for many years now. Without that grant um I don't know if we would be able to be up and running. So grant funding is also um has also supported in real lifetime emergencies. I think it's important for us to address that when CO 19 pandemic and title 42 migrant operations happened the county did not have any resources to conduct the emergency. So therefore the office of emergency management applied along with the along with puma um puma emergency management department for some grants and we were able to obtain certain reimbursements. So I think those are things that are that are very important for you guys um to take into consideration. Without these grants, I don't think we are able to either train or operate in Santa Cruz County. Some of the key functions that we do is we have a local emergency planning committee. Um that is an important meeting that uh that is an important committee that is run under ADQ. We have been one of the top three performing um LEAPC's in the nation and we are very proud of that. The attendance is very good. We also participate in EPA border 2025

commission and Arizona Mexico commission along with as Adam mentioned the fire chiefs association. We have a community emergency response team that is a team that we have of volunteers that we are barely start starting to ramp up. These volunteers will help us in case of an emergency, maybe dispensing water, setting up shelters, doing any of the runs that we need during that emergency. Um, one of the other things that are very important for our department is we are the only agency within Santa Cruz County that is able to trigger the integrated public alert and warning system. That is that is the message that you guys get either on the phone, telephone or text message that will give you like an Amber alert. And myself, my staff and Shannon, Shannon is our PIO. We are the only ones in Santa Cruz County that are able to trigger that. Um along with that, we have the wireless emergency notification system that I have placed some flyers on on the table in the front. this system we it's a free system that we would like everybody to enroll um in case of an emergency. What we end up doing is we send up a not notification and individuals then are warned on what is what is happening or either if there's an accident how to reroute the accident. Um also we have trained law enforcement our county employees um on evacuation. Evacuation to us is very important when it comes to the east side of the county. That is when that is where we have all the wildfires. So we have created these these tags and these tags are given to the sheriff's department and over police department where we physically go to the residents and we tag the the house and then we geofence it or we place a a dot

on the dispatch communication system and then we know exactly where we have gone. Other things that we do, we manage um the Arizona Department of Homeland Security grants. With that one, we obtained a Santa the Santa Cruz County radio system which is currently up and running at this at this moment. We also we also work with ADQ like I mentioned in regards to a grant which is called the hazardous material emergency preparedness. Under the under that grant, we have done the live propane over the road transportation liquids training and we have been able to send um fire staff to various conferences. Currently we have stockpiles materials of different resources that we are able to assist in case of an emergency like F500 or absorbance. And these materials help the fire department in case of an emergency. And we are able to have them in hand in case they are unable to place them or they might not able to have them on hand. So like I mentioned, we managed the title 42 transportation crisis. We have done a lot of outreach with ICE homeland security. Um and we have coordinated many things with them as long as well as the unattended children crisis. We thought one one of those were one of that emergency was one of the worst ones here for the county as long as with as long as as as along with the health department. We have managed the point of distribution the pod for the co 19 vaccine and we also did the blitz for the all the high schools and here at the county. So we are we review and rewrite

incident action plans for the entire um community. Those are plans that we do for every single event that happens within the community. We work along with the Union Pacific Rail Cart um uh Union Pacific Union Pacific Railroad um because we do a rail car training that that is an international training that we teach also the Mexican officials in case of an emergency because it runs through both the city of Ngalas and we coordinate with American Red Cross. Um we have set up shelters and we have set up training in regards to how to um set up some type of CS anything that is needed in case of an emergency. These are some pictures of the trainings that we have conducted in the past. The first the first three trainings the first pictures that is the live propane training. As you can see we have a prop that is in the middle picture. They turn on the prop and then we have the firefighters approach the prop and then they teach them exactly what they have to do and what they they don't have to do. Um, also there's a there's a vehicle that is on on fire. That is a new prop that emergency management has obtained and it is currently sitting at the Rio Rico Fire District um training site. That is the same prop as as a pro propane tank. We're going to be training the individuals to assist in that in that type of emergency. The last picture on the bottom is the community the search team that we have the which is the community emergency response team. We actually have a class and we have one of our instructors here which is Bengto, Chief Benedto. He has helped us um guide this training and we're barely getting volunteers.

So I want to talk about the equipment that we usually have um in stock there. We have a sim table. It's a 3D projection system that we are able to project flooding, wildfires or any other emergency that will give a a realtime notice on the individuals when we are training like on a tabletop or a drill. We have a ACUM portable radio bridging system. That is because the SO and MPD they are unable to communicate. So that bridging system will we we we can connect both of the radios and then they get to get um they get they get on the same channel and then they are able to speak to each other. We have normal PPE. We have a Zoom row and I'll I'll be showing a picture of that. That is basically a decontamination showers or first aid or we can use it for anything that has to do with decon. We have CPR anytime kits that is able to be checked out by anybody and then we manage the EEDs for the county. So the the ACUM portable unit is the one on top where we connect with different radio frequencies and they are able to speak to each other. The zoom row is the one on the left hand side that either can be used for decon or it can be used for any other thing like a shelter or a check-in station or anything else. And then the zim the sim table is on their right. um it has sand and then once it's projected you can see by Google maps you can see the actual site and then you can project the distance and how long or the distance that you need to be away from that incident the duration the wind and and everything that is connected to that emergency equipment that we have that I think is very important and it's something that my current predecessor actually obtained through shushkap grant

is the Santa Cruz County interoperable radio system. That that in itself cost around $400,000. Um we were having a lot of issues when the border patrol agent I don't know if you guys are remember the border patrol agent passed away because he was shot. He he connected to different radio frequencies and we were unable to um get to him in time. So he passed away and due to that um he decided to obtain a grant. This this coverage of uh the coverage of the radio system is is higher than a lot of the ones that we currently have today. Um we just completed testing because since the range is longer um we completed the the testing in January and now we're going to as long um with Juan we're going to be using that channel um for with the Patagonia and Sonoita fire departments. So they're going to be using that channel fairly soon as soon as it gets adopted. The last slide that I want to talk to you guys about are Mexican counterparts. So our agency coordinates with the Mexican counterparts during during border related emergencies. Um we closely work with them during emergencies. Um we share information, we coordinate resources and we maintain some type of communication between agencies. So our role with them is basically facilitate communication with Mexican respond responders and local US agencies at a timely ma manner. So this is important to me because our role to facilitate between the Mexican responders and the US agencies is very important and and we need to make sure it's done properly. So by working together maintaining crossber communication we we help manage working

effectively and we are able to combine resources. So the first the first picture that you see on top is is when we along with the health department worked by vaccinating um Mexican Mexican um our Mexican counterparts. That was co vaccine vaccinations that we did. We brought people, we parrolled them in, we brought them in, they got vaccinated, and then they went back to Mexico. The the other picture in the middle, that's a Union Pacific Railroad training that we gave to Nogalis Sonora Fire Department, Noal Sonora Fire Department. The bottom picture is another meeting that we have coordinated with um border 2025 where we are assisting in trying to finish some international plans. And then the one on the right that I think it's the most important one is recently we have had a couple of fires on the border on the Mexican side where they have been extremely close to um the actual line or to the US customs and that's a picture that that we took with the drone. Um we placed some holes through the continuing port of entry. Um it wasn't we weren't able to do that. So we went all the way to the Mley port of entry. We placed the hose through the building and we made sure that all the counterparts were where they were supposed to be. Um, but we helped them with resources. In this case, it was with water. They lacked the resources with water and they they lacked the training as well. So, they really appreciated all the work that we did and I want to give a thanks to the Ngalas Fire Department because they are the ones that are assisted us in that training or in that emergency. And the last thing in closing, I just want to take a moment to thank my staff. Their hard work um and willingness to take

multiple roles because it's only three. Um is it's essential to our success and also I would like to thank management because with their continued support and believing in me, they give me the opportunity to serve in my role. Thank you.

Any questions? Thank [clears throat] you. Thank you to you and your team. It's an incredible team and and people you kind of go some sometimes you might go unnoticed not by not by those who know but by those who may not know until something happens. Then you're you're on the spot. And I have I have complete confidence in you and your team. Um and and all the first responders. I know you work with all of them in the county. and thank you for mentioning Ben. Ben, thank you so much for all that you do, you know, within the community as well. Um, I've had the opportunity to work with you. Um, I love your hands-on approach and I love your collaborative efforts. Um, and I think the latter, the collaborative efforts, I think, are what is going to continue to keep us in the know and and ready in case anything happens. I was part of uh one of the trainings that we had people from all over the state, you know, whether it be coaches, whether it be um the great state of Maricopa. Um we had the training here. So that's a testament to you and your team. So thank you.

Thank you. I I personally want to thank you because uh you you know you took over a great leader who did an amazing job and you know there wasn't a drop off. you obviously continue to communicate with Ray and and you guys run a great ship. Uh we really appreciate what you do. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um Sie, can you talk a little bit about the mutual aid agreements that we have with different uh organizations?

So, there's different mutual aids. The one that I believe you are speaking about is in regards to there's a document. So, we work under the Arizona Department of Home uh military affairs and and there's a mutual agreement that needs to be signed by all the community members or or the community jurisdictions. This this mutual aid will then give us the right away for us to obtain funds from the state and the federal government which I believe the town of Patagonia still has not yet signed. Um but the city of Ngalas and and Santa Cruz County have signed in case for example the Globe emergency that happened a couple months ago with the flooding. Globe had not signed the mutual agreement which made it harder for them to obtain reimbursements or funding. So in this so what we have done now is we've made sure that all jurisdictions are aware that we need to have this mutual aid agreement in order for us to operate and receive funding. Even though we have to pay everything upfront, we are eligible for other re reimbursements as we speak. [clears throat]

Any other questions? No, I just want to say like thank you. Uh a lot of the times you guys are in the background, but when an emergency comes, I mean, you guys are there. And it's good to see that you're working with Chief U Guerrero. He's a good guy. I known since he was little. Yeah. So, I'll uh thanks all the staff even though you guys are three. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. This time I'd like to entertain a motion to recess general session and move into jail district. So move. Second. Have a motion in a second. Any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor? I.

All oppose. Item one, discussion possible action for authorization to fill vacant a detention sergeant position and B detention corporal position. This time I'd like to entertain a motion to approve a move. Second motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor? I. All oppose? Motion carries. And at this time, I'd like to A motion to adjourn jail district and move into board of equalization. I move second motion and second. Any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor? I.

All oppose. Motion carries. We are now in the board of equalization discussion possible action to approve the tax year 2025 and 2024 notice of claim appeal decision for tubec management company LLC as presented by the board of equalization. you want to just go ahead and uh

Good morning members of the board. Uh we're just trying to uh we're just hoping you guys uh go along with the recommendation from the board of equalization. Uh it was an adjustment that we had to make. So uh we want to move for you guys to um make sure that you take them into consideration as to what they decided. Any questions, gentlemen? Okay. Thank you. Okay. All in favor? I I All oppose. Motion carries. At this time, I'd like to entertain a motion to adjurnn board of equalization and move into action items. So move.

Second. Any questions, discussion? Hearing none. All in favor? I. All oppose. Motion carries. We're now back in general session. Action item one, discussion. Possible action to approve proclamation declaring April 13, 2026 through April 20th, 2026 as International Dark Sky Week. Mr.

Yes, sir. Um, this was a recommendation from uh the team in in Tubac and I wholeheartedly support it and hoping that we can uh u move the dark sky um into other portions of the uh county. Um I'm hoping that next meeting I can have that proclamation and I can read that out loud or at least you know at the beginning of April that would be great. But uh it's it's a very well-run group and they have done incredibly well actually. Wow. Ask and th shall receive. And if it's okay. All right. You got 30 seconds. No, I'm just kidding.

Give me about a minute and a half.

Okay. All right. The proclamation, International Dark Sky Week, April 13, 2026 through April 20th, 2026. Whereas the aesthetic beauty and wonder of a natural night sky is a shared heritage of all humankind. And whereas the experience of standing under a starry night sky inspires feelings of wonder and awe, encouraging a growing interest in science and nature, particularly among young people and visitors from outside the local communities. And whereas light pollution has significantly established economic and environmental consequences with significant negative impacts on the ecology and human health of all communities. And whereas 80% of the world's population lives under a dome of light pollution, excessive artificial lighting at night that disrupts natural darkness and may never experience the visual wonder or e uh ecological and health benefits of living under a dark sky. And whereas light pollution represents a waste of natural resources amounting to three dollar three billion uh dollars per year of wasted energy in the United States and contribute to diminished energy security. hand. Whereas Arizona hosts 10% of the world's largest telescopes, including the world's largest optical telescope and many of the world's most revered observatories, including the LOL observatory, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Whipple Observatory in Santa Cruz County, the Large Binocular Telescope Observatory, Kit Peak National Observatory, and the Vatican Observatory. And whereas optical astronomy, which is both hinder uh hindered and endangered by unfettered light pollution, represents a statewide capital investment of more than 1.3 billion and an annual [clears throat] economic return of over 250 million, including an indirect attachment to more than 150,000 jobs through the aerospace and defense sector. And whereas Santa

Cruz County hosts smaller observatories such as the Fairborne uh Winer and Tanagra observatories and attracts a huge number of amateur astronomers who visit and enjoy the night sky. And whereas Tubac joined a select group in the world when it was designated an international dark sky community in September 24, 2024. And whereas Dark Sky International, the globally recognized authority on light pollution, recognizes International Dark Sky Week to raise awareness of the effects of light pollution, provide free education, resources, and solutions to the public and encourage the protection of an enjoyment uh of dark skies and re uh responsible outdoor lighting. Now therefore, we, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, in partnership with the Board of the Santa Cruz Valley Citizens Council, Arizona, do hereby declare April 13th through the 20th, 2026 as International Dark Sky Week. Be it further resolved that the Santa Cruz County, Arizona, asks each resident to join us in observing and pondering the this important week and in raising awareness and support for protecting our precious dark skies passed and adopted this 18th day of March, 2026.

Is that a motion? Uh move to approve. Second. Have a motion and a second. Any discussion?

Yeah, real quick. Um, I know that my wife and I go out at least two or three times uh a week. Um, and we look up in the dark sky and had we lived anywhere else, it would probably be very difficult to see all the wonder in the sky. And we stay out there or we try to stay out there. I can't say that. We always do. We try to stay out there as long until we either see a shooting star or a uh uh satellite. Very easy to to to spot when they're zipping through the sky. Like I said, we try to stay out there. Sometimes we just don't see it. But it being able to do that in Santa Cruz County where some of the more rural communities that would be impossible. So it's it's something I think that many of us take for granted. Thank you, sir.

Thank you. Thank you. Yeah. Versus like the Midwest where it's gloomy and you never see stars and we we we are blessed here. John, how many times you go out and eat? In a week. Week two to three. I'm not exaggerating. [laughter] What a life. Okay. [laughter] All right. All in favor? I.

All oppose. Motion carries. Thank you, gentlemen. Item three, discussion, possible action that ratify execution of contract for special deputy on March 6, 2026 with Central for Rural American Justice by and through Celeste Robertson for litigation of a pending criminal case with upcoming hearing and trial in the amount of $15,000. I move. Second. I have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor? I.

All oppose. Motion carries. Okay. I believe all we have is the consent agenda. At this time, I'd like to entertain consent agenda. And we're removing item four, I believe. 4. 4 A. 4 A. Okay. entertain a motion at this time. I move second. Have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor? I. All oppose? Motion carries unanimously. Uh at this time, I'd like to entertain a motion to adjurnn. I move. Second.

Have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor? All oppose. We're now adjourned. Thank you.