Arizona Newspapers Association

Public
Notices

Public Notice

County: Gila
Printed In: Arizona Silver Belt (Globe-Miami)
Printed On: 2026/10/01

Public Notice:

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
GILA COUNTY, ARIZONA
Date: September 9, 2026
PRESENT: Ronald A. Christensen, Chairman; Jos M. Sanchez, Vice-Chairman; Cruz Salas, Member; John F. Nelson, County Manager/Clerk; and, Daisy Flores, County Attorney.
The Gila County Board of Supervisors met in Regular Session at 10:00 a.m. this date. Patti Wortman led the Pledge of Allegiance and Mariano Gonzalez delivered the Invocation.
The Chairman's summary of current events was addressed. Chairman Christensen advised that due to recent heavy rain storms, flooding has occurred in various areas throughout Gila County causing damage to structures and roads. He recommended declaring a state of emergency within Gila County at this time. Chairman Christensen called upon Carmen Corso, Fairgrounds Manager, to speak to the issue. Mr. Corso reported that a large amount of rain fell upon the Roosevelt Lakes Estates area to the Sportsman's Haven area earlier this morning causing damage to five mobile homes and several roads. He advised that due to continuing rains, more areas may be affected throughout the County. Chairman Christensen asked for a motion to declare a state of emergency within Gila County. Upon motion by Supervisor Salas, seconded by Vice-Chairman Sanchez, the Board unanimously declared a state of emergency within Gila County. Chairman Christensen directed Marian Sheppard to prepare a resolution declaring said state of emergency. (A copy of Resolution No. 03-09-02 declaring the state of emergency is permanently on file in the Board of Supervisors office.)
Daisy Flores advised that last year Gila County suffered the loss of Officer Doug Johnson, who worked for the Payson Police Department. Ms. Flores stated that Officer Johnson was promoted from Detective to Sergeant just before he died at the age of 37. She provided a history of Officer Johnson's professional background and stated that he was very respected throughout the community and especially by his peers. On behalf of Gila County, Ms. Flores presented an Officer Recognition Award to Officer Johnson's father in honor of Officer Doug Johnson's contributions to his community. Mr. Johnson thanked Ms. Flores for the award and stated that it was honor to accept the award from Gila County on behalf of the Johnson family. Payson Police Chief Gordon Gartner also offered words of praise for Officer Johnson. He thanked the Board of Supervisors and Ms. Flores for publicly recognizing Officer Johnson.
Chairman Christensen presented agenda item number four, the appointment of John F. Nelson as the Administrator of the Pine-Strawberry Water Improvement District (PSWID). Chairman Christensen asked Ms. Flores to publicly verify that the Board of Supervisors has the authority to appoint Mr. Nelson. Ms. Flores affirmed that the Board of Supervisors has the authority to appoint Mr. Nelson as the Administrator of the PSWID. Supervisor Salas stated that Mr. Nelson will do an excellent job of overseeing the business of the PSWID. Upon motion by Supervisor Salas, seconded by Vice-Chairman Sanchez, the Board unanimously appointed Mr. Nelson as the Administrator of the PSWID. The Board directed Mr. Nelson to gather information on PSWID finances and other business matters and report those findings at the next regular Board meeting. As information to the public, Chairman Christensen advised that the Board has managed other special districts in the past until new boards of directors were elected. Chairman Christensen called for public comment at this time. Mr. Martin Wennandy asked for an explanation as to the PSWID Administrator's scope of authority. Chairman Christensen stated that the Administrator will present any proposed actions to the Board of Supervisors for approval. Mr. Wennandy asked if the public would receive notification of meetings that pertain to the PSWID. Chairman Christensen replied that all meetings will be held according to statute. He clarified that some meetings will be held within the community; however, when it is a matter of paying PSWID bills, a meeting most likely will not be called. He assured Mr. Wennandy and the audience that the Board wants the involvement of all concerned citizens for any PSWID-related matters. Mr. John Breninger addressed the Board and stated that he was a member of the PSWID Board of Directors. Mr. Breninger advised that prior to the start of today's meeting he submitted a letter to the Chief Deputy Clerk which is addressed to the Board. Mr. Breninger also advised that earlier this morning he met with Mr. Nelson to address his concerns, as follows: 1) All issues concerning the District are to be publicly noticed because the public's involvement is important; and, 2) continue to allow Mr. Breninger to act as the PSWID Agent with the responsibility and authority for the contract to conduct a hydrological study that is ongoing. Mr. Breninger stated that when the study is completed, he will submit the information to the Board of Supervisors. He recommended that the results of the study also be disseminated to the public. Chairman Christensen reassured the audience that radical changes concerning the PSWID will not occur. He stated, 'The Board will carefully look at the direction in which the community wants the District to take'. Mrs. Bernice Wennandy asked if the Board knows when the election will take place for a new board of directors. Chairman Christensen replied that an election date will not be established until the Board has time to gather more information from the public, either through a survey process or other means of communication. He also stated that the election will most likely take place during the next General Election in order to limit election expenses. Chairman Christensen reiterated that the Board will make every attempt to involve the public before any matters are decided which pertain to the PSWID. Mr. Forest McCoy asked if it would be possible to conduct an election in November 2003. Chairman Christensen advised that there is insufficient time to prepare for an election in November 2003. Mr. McCoy stated that some sources of water for the PSWID were identified prior to the dissolution of the Board of Directors and he expressed a concern that choosing a new board of directors will be placed on the 'back burner'. Mr. Breninger advised that the earliest date that a special election could take place would be March 2004. Chairman Christensen stated that the Board would consider whether a special election may take place. Chairman Christensen closed the meeting for public comment at this time.
Carmen Corso, Fairgrounds Manager, addressed agenda item number on behalf of Steve Besich, Deputy County Manager. Mr. Corso requested the approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the Arizona Division of Emergency Management and State Agencies and Political Subdivisions participating in U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office for Domestic Preparedness, reimbursement grant programs. Mr. Corso advised that seven local agencies applied for grant funds, as follows: Gila County Sheriff's Office, Gila County Emergency Services Division, Gila County Public Works Division, Globe Police Department, Globe Fire Department, Payson Police Department, and Payson Fire Department. Mr. Corso advised that there is $823,000 of available block grant funds; however, the identified needs of the above-named local entities total $946,010. Supervisor Salas asked Mr. Corso to read aloud each entity's identified needs and requested funding amount. A brief discussion ensued between Mr. Corso, the Board and Mr. Dan Adams regarding grants awarded by the state or federal government. Upon motion by Supervisor Salas, seconded by Vice-Chairman Sanchez, the Board unanimously approved the IGA.
Sherri Martindale, Gila County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate)/Foster Care Director, and Christine Rocha, Gila County Program Coordinator for the Tobacco-Free Environments Program, requested the Board's adoption of Proclamation No. 03-02 proclaiming September 22, 2003, as 'National Family Day - A Day To Eat Dinner With Your Family'. Ms. Martindale and Ms. Rocha advised that studies indicate that children who do not eat dinner with their families are far more likely to become involved in substance abuse. Ms. Rocha advised that this Proclamation is supported by the Gila County Attorney's Office, Probation Department, Superintendent of Schools Office, Tobacco-Free Environments Program, CASA Program, and the Southern Gila County Coalition Against Substance Abuse. Each Supervisor commented on the importance of eating dinner as a family and offered their support of this Proclamation. In conclusion, Daisy Flores stated, 'Statistics show that families are not eating together. I hope the families really take heed and have dinner as a family'. Upon motion by Vice-Chairman Sanchez, seconded by Supervisor Salas, the Board unanimously adopted Proclamation No. 03-02. (A copy of the proclamation is permanently on file in the Board of Supervisors office.)
Paul Kosierowski, Acting Chief Probation Officer for the Gila County Probation Department, requested the Board's approval of a restructured salary plan for Gila County Juvenile Detention Center (GCJDC) employees. He advised that GCJDC employees are currently the lowest paid juvenile detention workers in the State by an average of $2,300 per employee. The restructured salary plan would move GCJDC employees to the 5th salary position in the State, excluding Pima and Maricopa Counties. Mr. Kosierowski explained how a formula was derived for the new salary positions. The cost per position to move to the new salary is as follows: Line Officer $4,129; Shift Supervisor $4,379; and, Support Position $4,003. The added costs for staff would be partially offset by revenue increases from GCJDC contracted agencies. The remainder of the increase would come from collection of detention fees at the local level. Mr. Kosierowski stated that the total cost of the salary increases minus the projected revenue would net out to a negative $1,312. The shortfall of $1,312 would be offset by collection of fees from Gila County youth. In fiscal year 2003, over $17,000 was collected. He advised that if revenues fall short of projections, staffing levels will be reassessed. Mr. Kosierowski advised that the contractors will agree to an increased daily cost. He also advised that Robert Duber II, Presiding Judge of the Gila County Superior Court, reviewed and approved the restructured salary plan. David Patterson, Finance Director, stated that he also approves of the restructured salary plan. Upon motion by Supervisor Salas, seconded by Vice-Chairman Sanchez, the Board unanimously approved the restructured salary plan for GCJDC employees.
Sheriff John R. Armer requested the Board's approval to include Sheriff's Dispatchers and Detention Officers in the Correctional Officers Retirement Plan (CORP), which is a 20-year retirement system. Sheriff Armer advised that hiring and retaining good, trained and qualified personnel is difficult. He stated that this action will be a win-win situation for both the employer and the employee. An excerpt of a letter written to John Nelson from Sheriff Armer justifying the benefits of this requested action is as follows: 'This fiscal year, the employee contribution to the Arizona State Personnel Retirement System rose to 5.7%. Employee contribution to CORP stands at 2.9% of payroll. An actuarial sets Gila County's 'buy in' to CORP at $54,937. Savings realized from the reduced employer contribution of payroll is $46,288, leaving a net cost of $8,649 for FY 2004 and a projected savings in FY 2005 of the full $46,288. The benefit to Gila County goes beyond the monetary savings. The additional personnel benefit of a 20-year retirement plan to covered Sheriff's employees may mean the difference between an employee remaining or departing from County service. This is increasingly important as the competition for qualified and competent personnel in these fields is becoming very fierce. San Carlos is scheduled to open their facility later this year. Their annual starting pay will be $31,000 compared to our $23,670.' David Patterson stated, 'This is a good plan and timing is everything. Last year this would have cost us more because of an increase of 5% in the State Personnel Retirement System contributions. This will save us money.' Upon motion by Supervisor Salas, seconded by Vice-Chairman Christensen, the Board unanimously approved the inclusion of Sheriff's Dispatchers and Detention Officers in the Correctional Officers Retirement Plan.
Chairman Christensen addressed the approval of Consent Agenda action items. He requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda with the exception of item f, ratification of the Chairman's signature on Thompson Draw I Final Plat No. S-02-3 that will be approved separately.
Upon motion by Supervisor Salas, seconded by Vice-Chairman Sanchez, the Board unanimously approved the Consent Agenda with the exception of item f, as follows:
A. Approval of FY 2003 Law Enforcement and Boating Safety Fund Grant No. 2303 Participant Agreement between the Gila County Sheriff's Department and the Arizona State Parks Board in the amount of $101,976.62 for the period July 1, 2003, to June 30, 2004.
B. Approval of Amendment No. 1 to Contract No.E7203007 between the Clerk of the Superior Court and the Arizona Department of Economic Security increasing the budget amount that is utilized to provide child support enforcement and family law commissioner services.
C. Approval of an Amendment No. 1 to Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Contract No. 064-03 increasing the contract amount to $80,897.
D. Approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Gila County Community Action Program and the Town of Payson to continue providing services to the residents of the Town of Payson for the 2003-2004 fiscal year.
E. Approval of a 48-month contract with Expanets for post warranty maintenance on all DefinityTelephone System hardware and software, including telephone sets, in County facilities in the Globe area.
F. This item was approved separately from Consent Agenda items.
G. Approval of a Special Event Liquor License Application submitted by the Modified Motorcycle Association of Arizona to serve liquor at a group recreational event on September 19-21, 2003, at the Gordon Canyon Baptist Conference Center.
H. Approval of August 18, 2003, BOS meeting minutes.
I. Approval of the August 2003 monthly departmental activity reports submitted by the Payson Regional Justice of the Peace, Globe Regional Constable, and the Clerk of the Superior Court.
J. Approval of personnel reports/actions for the weeks of August 26, 2003, September 2, 2003, and September 9, 2003, as follows:
August 26, 2026
Departure from County Service:
1. Clerk II - Recorder - 08-15-03 - General Fund - Julie Miller - Hire 10-28-02 - Abandonment of position
2. Laborer - Solid Waste Management - 08-23-03 - Enterprise Fund - Chad Graziano - temporary position
Hire to County Service:
3. Epidemiologist - Health Services - 08-27-03 - Health Services Fund - Matthew Bolinger, M.D.
4. Fairgrounds Caretaker - Fairgrounds - 09-01-03 - General Fund - Glen Hassard
5. Teen Court Secretary - Probation - 08-27-03 - Diversion Consequences Fund - Anna Runion
Temporary Hire to County Service:
6. Voter Registration Support - Recorder - 08-20-03 - General Fund - Carol Ann Pote
7. Clerk II - Recorder - 08-14-03 - General Fund - Paula McCormack
8. Project Manager - Engineering Services - 09-02-03 - Engineering Fund - Jerry Farr
Position Review:
9. Return to full time - Director of Nutrition Services - Health - 08-07-03 - Health Services Fund - Kristie Studdard
10. Change fund codes - Laborer - Summer Youth Program to Constituent Services/Roads - 08-25-03 - Constituent Services/Road Fund - Joe Gonzales
11. Change fund codes - Deputy Probation Officer -
Probation - 08-25-03 - J.I.P.S fund to Diversion Intake fund - Elizabeth Simpson
12. Increase hours - County Engineer P/T - Engineering - 08-20-03 - Engineering Fund - John Beene - 19 hours/week to 24 hours/week
13. Anniversary date increase - 08-25-03 - Jule Bocardo-Homan, Ruben Casillas, Mike Hawkins, and Celina Corona
Request Permission to Post:
14. Project Manager - Payson Engineering - position vacated by Dan Olson Sheriff's PERSONNEL ACTION ITEMS -
Departure from County Service:
15. Detention Officer - Globe S.O. - 08-19-03 - General Fund - Rachel Butler - Hire 07-12-00 - Terminated for cause
16. Deputy Sheriff - Payson S.O. - 08-20-03 - General Fund - Clifford Sproul - Hire 10-07-02 - Separated without prejudice
Hire to County Service:
17. Detention Officer Lt. - Globe S.O. - 09-02-03 - Jail Enhancement Fund - Gloria Stuhmer
Departmental Transfer:
18. Deputy Sheriff Sergeant/Detention to Detention Of-ficer Lt. - Globe S.O. - 09-02-03 - General to Jail Enhancement Fund - Dennis Buller
Position Review:
19. Withdrawal of resignation - Detention Officer Payson S.O. - 08-19-03 - General Fund - James Carroll
20. Reclassification - Jail Operations Manager to Detention Captain - 08-18-03 - General Fund - James Eskew
21. Anniversary date increase - 08-25-03 - Robert Wade, Craig Smith, John Teeter, and Jeffrey Slider
September 2, 2026
Departure from County Service:
1. Clerk II - Recorder - 08-31-03 - General Fund - Daphne Seaney - temporary position
2. Criminal Investigator - County Attorney - 08-22-03 - General Fund - Michelle Dyer - part-time position
3. Consultant - County Attorney - 08-22-03 - Grant Fund - Howard Shapiro - services no longer required
Hire to County Service:
4. Bailiff/Interpreter - Superior Court - 09-08-03 - General Fund - Timoteo Campos - replaces Osvaldo Ramirez
5. Clerk II - Recorder - 08-25-03 - General Fund - Vicki Pena
6. Clerk II - Recorder - 09-08-03 - General Fund - Sadie Jo Tomerlin-Dalton
7. Director - Economic Development - 09-01-03 - Grant Fund - Scott Flake
Temporary Hire to County Service:
8. Laborer - Solid Waste Management - 08-30-03 - Enterprise Fund - Michael Cooper
Departmental Transfer:
9. Victim Witness Advocate - County Attorney to Grant Writer - Public Works - 09-08-03 - General to Public Works/Internal Services Fund - Diana Jones
10. Community Nutrition Worker to CAP Case Manager - Community Services - 09-08-03 - Grant Fund - Maria Brusoe
11 Legal Secretary II - County Attorney to Admin. Asst. to Board and President - Gila Community College - 09-01-03 - General to College Fund - Andrea Renon
12. JP Clerk III to Court Supervisor - Globe Justice Court - 09-08-03 - General Fund - Mary Navarro
13. JP Clerk III to Court Specialist - Globe Justice Court - 09-08-03 - General Fund - Delia Benavidez
End Probationary Period:
14. Road Maintenance Worker II - Consolidated Roads - 09-08-03 - Road Fund - David Slaughter
15. Fuel Management Technician - Fuel Management - 09-08-03 - Fuel Management Fund - Terry Solberg
Position Review:
16. Reclassification - Human Services Field Representative I to II - Public Fiduciary - 08-25-03 General Fund - Eva Perez
17. Anniversary date increase - 08-25-03 - Stacey Espinoza and Mary Andrade
18. Anniversary date increase - 09-08-03 - Sylvia Hernandez, Michae Snively, Barbara Waddell, Esabia Pacheco, Alberta Lancieri, Becky Barajas, David Conti, Carmen Corso, Leona Bowman, Elizabeth Brandt, Gloria Aguirre, Jim Edmiston, Walter Grantham, and Evart Bunger
19. Anniversary date increase - 09-22-03 - Gayle Dossey, Raquel Dunman, Wallace Pottle, Ernie Davis, Steve Sanders, Cheri Heppler, Joanne Zache, Vivian Allison, and Lois Atkin
Request Permission to Post:
20. Road Maintenance Worker II - Public Works - position vacated by James Vickers
21. Account Clerk/Typist - Emergency Management Sheriff's PERSONNEL ACTION ITEMS -
Departure from County Service:
22. Dispatcher/Comm. Supervisor - Globe S.O. - 09-07-03 - General Fund Amelia Cons - Hire 12-20-93 - Resigned for other employment
23. Deputy Sheriff - Globe S.O. - 09-01-03 - General Fund - Daniel Alonzo - Hire 08-31-92 - Retirement
Position Review:
24. Reinstatement - Detention Officer - Globe S.O. - 09-08-03 - General Fund Angela Ramirez
25. Anniversary date increase - 09-08-03 - Angela Ramirez, Susan Aceves, George Scott, William Gaddis, Paul Cruz, Terry Hudgens, and Michael Johnson
26. Anniversary date increase - 09-22-03 - Leonard Kerszykowski
September 9, 2026
Hire to County Service:
1. Constable Clerk I - Globe Constable - 09-15-03 - General Fund - Rachel Petty - 20 hours/week
2. Clerk II - Recorder - 09-10-03 - General Fund - Catherine Corso
3. Clerk III - Administrative Services - 09-02-03 - General Fund - Bethel Bennett - part-time position
4. Project Manager - Engineering - 09-09-03 - Engineering Fund - Jerry Farr - temporary to regular status
Temporary Hire to County Service:
5. County Surveyor - Assessor - 09-05-03 - Assessor Surcharge Fund - Evart Bunger - Special project
End Probationary Period:
6. Road Maintenance Worker II - Consolidated Roads - 09-22-03 - Road Fund - Wesley Wilson
Position Review:
7. Change fund code - Deputy Probation Officer - Probation - 09-08-03 - Juvenile Standard Fund to J.I.P.S. Fund - Brenda Newton
Request Permission to Post:
8. Community Nutrition Worker - Health Services - position vacated by Maria Brusoe
Sheriff's PERSONNEL ACTION ITEMS -
Departure from County Service:
9. Dispatcher-911 - Payson S.O. - 08-28-03 - General Fund - Margaret Mansoor - Hire 11-05-01 - Resigned - reason unknown
Position Review:
10. Correct error in salary - Detention Officer/EMT - Globe S.O. - 08-25-03 - General Fund - Noreen Valdez
11. Sheriff's Pay Plan (A copy of a letter from Sheriff John R. Armer to John Nelson, County Manager, justifying the Pay Plan is permanently on file in the Board of Supervisors Office.)
K. Approval of Finance reports/demands/transfers for the following:
August 19-25, 2003:
$577,696.73 disbursed for County expenses by claim numbers X135955-X136091, and X341052-X341385, and hand-issued claim number X341051 for $8,684.64.
August 26, 2026 - September 1, 2003: $563,834.48 disbursed for County expenses by claim numbers X136092-X136220, and X341386-X341702, and hand-issued claims, as follows: X341703 for $4,488.08; X341704 for $3,369.60; and, X341705 for $310.30.
September 2-8, 2003:
$255,799.42 disbursed for County expenses by claim numbers X136221-X136280, and X341708-X341923, and hand-issued claim number X341706 for $5,152.55. (An itemized list of vouchers is permanently on file in the Board of Supervisors office.)
Upon motion by Supervisor Salas, seconded by Vice-Chairman Sanchez, the Board unanimously approved item f of the Consent Agenda, as follows:
F. Ratifying the Chairman's signature on S-02-3, Final Plat for Thompson
Draw I, a subdivision located approximately 15 east of Payson, south of
Highway 260 on Forest Road 405.
There being no further business to come before the Board of Supervisors, Chairman Christensen adjourned the meeting at 12:14 p.m.
(s) By: Ronald Christensen, Chairman
ATTEST:
(s) By:
John F. Nelson, County Manager/Clerk
Published in the Arizona Silver Belt on 10-1-200, No. 4105
Belt

Public Notice ID: 2135031.HTM