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Public Notice

County: Santa Cruz
Printed In: Nogales International
Printed On: 2026/07/08

Public Notice:

Board of Supervisors May 27, 2026 9:30 a.m.
The Board met in a Regular Meeting at the Santa Cruz County Complex, 2150 N. Congress Drive, Room #120, Nogales, AZ. Present: Manuel Ruiz, Chairman; John Maynard, Vice-Chairman; Robert Damon, Supervisor; Greg Lucero, County Manager; Holly Hawn, Attorney; Melinda Meek, Clerk. Also present: Jennifer St. John, Carlos Rivera, Axel C F Holm, Tara Laynez, Roy Simpson, Dean Smith, Patricia Ross, Ben Lomeli, Earl Wilson, Fred Johnson, Jonathan Mabry, Carol DeFazio, Lisa Reed, Leonard Fontes, Tony Sedgwick, Larry Marshall, Aurora Duron, Sheriff Estrada, Todd Harrison, Linda Mayro, Louie Chaboya, David Molina, Paula Schaper.
The Meeting was called to order and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, led by Axel Holm.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA: County Manager, Greg Lucero, requested that Report item D5 - Patagonia Public Library and Action item E4 - Resolution #2003-20 be tabled for I week.
Supervisor Damon made a motion to adopt the Agenda tabling the items as requested by the County Manager for 1 week; second by Vice-Chairman Maynard; motion carried unanimously.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC: Dean Smith, Political Director of the Communications Workers of America #7026. informed the Board that they were contacted by Santa Cruz County employees interested in becoming unionized in order to establish a collective voice to address nepotism and disparate treatment Issues. Mr. Smith introduced Aurora Duran, Santa Cruz County Liaison.
Mr. Smith stated that they have met with Chairman Ruiz, Vice-Chairman Maynard and the County Manager and have provided them with a proposed resolution for union recognition. Mr. Smith stated that Chairman Ruiz had indicated that he would vote in favor of the resolution only if it were legal to do so. Mr. Smith provided a copy of the proposed resolution to Terry Goddard, Arizona Attorney General, who informed him that, if requested to do so by the Board of Supervisors, his office would render a legal opinion.
Mr. Smith stated that Supervisor Damon has not responded to repeated requests to meet and discuss the issues. Mr. Smith stated that, "this atmosphere fosters the nepotism and disparate treatment that Your workers complain about."
Mr. Smith informed the Board that a union doesn't exist without official recognition and encouraged the Board to officially recognize the union as addressed in the proposed resolution and urge immediate action.
Chairman Ruiz clarified that he did not commit to voting in favor of recognition; rather he indicated that the Board needed to seek legal advice prior to taking action oil the matter.
REPORTS:
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: Chairman Ruiz reported that he and Supervisor Damon attended yesterday's Memorial Services at the Nogales Cemetery honoring fallen heroes; Presidential Candidate, Senator Joseph Lieberman, will be in Santa Cruz County on Friday at the Americana to meet with elected officials at 2:00 p.m. and a panel discussion will follow at 3:00 p.m.
MANAGER: County Manager, Greg Lucero, reported that he attended last week's Provisional Community College Board Meeting where the College Board approved the Intergovernmental Agreement with the County that is on today's Agenda for consideration; he attended the SEAGO Administrative Board Meeting
FINANCE: Finance Director, Jennifer St. John, reported $4,179,002 in the General Fund; $1,626,037 in the Road Fund; $586,462 in the Flood Control District Fund; $8,525,391 total for all funds; $3,839,002 estimated end of month balance, compared to $3,412,070 cash at May 2002, a difference of $426,932.
SHERIFF: Sheriff Estrada reported that the current jail population is 8 1, 74 males and 7 females; 11 inmates have been sentenced to the County jail and 3 to the Arizona Department Of Corrections; 76 have been charged with felonies and 5 with misdemeanors; 8 (10%) are undocumented aliens; 4 have been committed to the County jail on a daily basis and 4 on a weekly basis.
72 persons were booked in during the past week; 214 calls for service were received, of which 62 we[ e 911 calls.
Sheriff Estrada also reported that the DUI detail was set up over the graduation weekend; 15( citations were issued and 9 DUI arrests were made. A 32-year old female Mexican national died on Saturday near the Bracker Elementary School.
ACTION ITEMS:
AZ DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY CONTRACT FOR WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT PROGRAMS: Deputy County Manager, Carlos Rivera, stated that this is a preliminary Contract because the State has not finalized disbursement formulas; this Contract reflects 8% of last year's allotment with the understanding that once the disbursement formulas are finalized, revisions will be made and final agreements will be presented to this Board for action.
Supervisor Damon made a motion to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement Contract #E5704012 between the Arizona Department of Economic Security and Santa Cruz County~ second by Vice-Chairman Maynard; motion carried unanimously.
APPLICATION FOR LIQUOR LICENSE: KINO SPRINGS: The License having been duly posted and no objections received, Vice-Chairman Maynard made a motion to approve the Application for Liquor License for Kino Springs, Nogales, Arizona; second by Supervisor Damon; motion carried unanimously.
AZ AUTOMOBILE THEFT AUTHORITY GRANT AGREEMENT: Attorney Hawn noted that the FTE percentage needs to be corrected but that the remainder of the agreement is in order.
Supervisor Damon made a motion to approve the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority Grant Agreement with the correction to the FTE percentage; second by Vice-Chairman Maynard; motion carried unanimously.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY PROVISIONAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT IGA: County Manager, Greg Lucero, informed the Board that the County is currently involved in a legal dispute as it relates to out-of-county tuition and how it is disbursed~ the County has taken the position that the money should be returned to the County; the IGA before the Board states that if the money is returned to the County, the County will funnel it through the Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College District who will then contract for college courses on behalf of Santa Cruz County.
Vice-Chairman Maynard made a motion to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement between Santa Cruz County and the Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College District; second by Supervisor Damon; motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION #27003-18, SANTA CRUZ VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA:
Linda Mayro, Pima County Cultural Resources Manager, encouraged the Board to approve the Resolution. Ms. Mayro stated that designation as a national heritage area is truly an honor, which recognizes the nationally significant and distinctive landscape that defines
American heritage and identity and is an opportunity for economic development in Southern Arizona.
Ms. Mayro informed the Board that the Pima County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a similar Resolution on 5/12.
Larry Marshall, Pimeria Alta Historical Society & Friends of the Santa Cruz River, encouraged the Board to approve the Resolution as it supports both cultural and natural history.
Jonathan Mabry, Center for Desert Archaeology, Inc., presented the Board with letters of support from the Superintendent of the Tumacacori National Historical Park, the Acting Director of the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, the President of the Tubac Chamber of Commerce, the President of the Patagonia Area Business Association, the Project Director of the Nogales/Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce and WestWordVision.
Mr. Mabry explained the benefits of National Heritage Area designation and encouraged the Board to approve the Resolution.
Resolution.
preservation.
Roy Simpson, Tumacacori National Historic Parks, encouraged the Board to approve the
Axel Holm, Pimeria Alta Historical Society President, expressed the importance of historical
Ben Lomeli, Friends of the Santa Cruz River President, informed the Board that the Friends of the Santa Cruz River wholeheartedly support the Resolution before the Board.
Resolution,
Fred Johnson, Santa Cruz Tourism Council Chairman, encouraged the Board to approve the
Vice-Chairman Maynard made a motion to approve Resolution #2003-18 related to the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area; second by Supervisor Damon.
Under discussion, Vice-Chairman Maynard stated that he believes this is a great opportunity to preserve the past and ensure the future of the Santa Cruz Valley.
Motion carried unanimously.
hereby;
RESOLUTION NO. 2003 - 18
RELATING TO SUPPORT FOR THE APPLICATION AND DESIGNATION OF
THE SANTA CRUZ VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA, AND TO
SUPPORT THE PROCUREMENT OF GRANT FUNDS FOR THE
PREPARATION OF A FEASIBILITY STUDY AND APPLICATION TO THE
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE FOR THE DESIGNATION OF THE SANTA CRUZ
VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA BY THE UNITED STATES
CONGRESS.
WHEREAS, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors recognizes the importance of
acknowledging our rich cultural heritage and the events and places that have shaped the history of Santa Cruz County and southern Arizona; and
WHEREAS, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors has reaffirmed the planning, and the implementation of actions that celebrate our cultural heritage and preserve important cultural and natural sites and landscapes; and
WHEREAS, the Santa Cruz Valley forms a unique and diverse region in the southwestern United States and encompasses a mosaic of cultures and history as well as spectacular natural, scenic, and recreational resources that reflect a unique contribution to the collective American identity; and
WHEREAS, the Congress of the United States has the authority to designate National Heritage Areas that encompass a region where natural, cultural, historic, and recreational resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally distinctive landscape shaped by geography and cultural traditions; and
WHEREAS, the National Park Service has been the lead Federal agency since 1916 that is responsible for preserving nationally significant natural and cultural resources for present and future generations; and
WHEREAS, the National Park Service is the lead federal agency for the application and
approval for designation of National Heritage Areas; and
WHEREAS, the National Park Service is designated to assist local governments and the management entity in planning and implementing projects that further the goals of the National Heritage Area;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors
I . Supports the future designation of the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area, and2.2.Supports the procurement of grant funds from potential grant funding sources such as the Rotary Club and others to develop a feasibility study and management plan for the proposed Heritage Area, and
3. Directs the County Manager and staff to work with regional and area civic organizations such as the Rotary Club, community groups, the Arizona State Museum, the Arizona Historical Society, and other agencies and local jurisdictions in the planning and development of a feasibility study, management plan, and application to the National Park Service for the proposed Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Area, and
4. Directs the County Manager to contact other organizations and to invite their participation in the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area planning, and
5. Directs the County Manager to contact our Congressional delegation for their support and sponsorship of legislation for the designation of the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area.
PASSED AND ADOPTED ON the 27(h day of May, 2003.
RESOLUTION #2003-21, PHELPS DODGE SAFFORD, AZ MINE PROJECT: County Manager, Greg Lucero, informed the Board that this Resolution is being brought before them as requested by the Graham County Board of Supervisors and supports the proposed land exchange alternative with the Bureau of Land Management.
Supervisor Damon made a motion to approve Resolution #2003-21 in support of the Phelps Dodge Safford, Arizona Mine Project; second by Vice-Chairman Maynard; motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. 2003-21
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE PHELPS DODGE SAFFORD,
ARIZONA MINE PROJECT
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of this Body to enhance the quality of life for its citizens; and
WHEREAS, the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") is charged with determining and securing the best use of public lands; and
WHEREAS, we firmly believe that the best use of the public land proposed for the Phelps Dodge Safford Mine Project is to facilitate the development of the copper ore body contained there and on the adjacent property already owned by Phelps Dodge; and
WHEREAS, the development of this mine will provide valuable resources vital to the many facets of our country and it's economy; and
WHEREAS, Rural Arizona continues to face severe economic times; and
WHEREAS, the economy, of not only Southeastern Arizona, but the State of Arizona as a whole, will be enhanced drastically by the Phelps Dodge Safford Mine Project, thus creating jobs that are so desperately needed for our citizens; and
WHEREAS, the most efficient and beneficial method of enhancing the Local and State is by use of the proposed land exchange alternative, which is the best use of our public lands; and
WHEREAS, tax revenues to support local schools and government services will increase substantially due to the Phelps Dodge Safford Mine Project and will be even greater if the land exchange alternative is chosen by the BLM; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of Arizona will benefit greatly from the acquisition by the BLM of environmentally sensitive lands in Arizona from Phelps Dodge in exchange of desert lands owned by the BLM near Safford; and
WHEREAS, if land exchange alternative is not chosen, the BLM will miss the opportunity to own and preserve these environmentally sensitive lands and Phelps Dodge still can operate on the BLM property under a Mine Plan of Operations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this body supports the Phelps Dodge Safford Mine Project utilizing the land exchange alternative; and
THEREFORE, BE, IT RESOLVED, that based on the benefits of this project, for not only the citizens of Southeastern Arizona, but the State of Arizona as a whole, we strongly urge the Department of Interior to facilitate this application in the most expedient manner in an effort to enhance the economy; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this body will cooperate in any means possible to that end. We pass this Resolution No. 2003-21 in coordination with Graham County resolution # 2003-10.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors this 27"' day of May, 2003.
BOND FOR DUPLICATE WARRANT #4-546198 payable to AB Dick Products, dated 1/22/03 in the amount of $144.14 was approved as submitted. (JM/RD; c.u.)
PERSONNEL: The Board waived the hiring freeze to fill a vacant Deputy Sheriff position. (JM[RD; c.u.)
MINUTES of 4/29/03 were approved as submitted. (RD/JM; c.u.)
Meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m. (JM/RD; c.u.)
STUDY SESSION 2:00 p.m.
The Board met in a Study Session at the Santa Cruz County Complex, 2150 N. Congress Drive,
Room #120, Nogales, AZ. Present: Manuel Ruiz, Chairman; John Maynard, Vice-Chairman; Robert
Damon, Supervisor; Greg Lucero, County Manager; Holly Hawn, Attorney; Melinda Meek, Clerk. Also
present: Jennifer St. John, Carlos Rivera, Susan Fernandez, Sheriff Estrada, Caesar Ramirez, Manuel Cota,
Lt. Gerardo Castillo, Carol DeFazio, Tivo Romero, Fernando Matiella, Joy Dillehay, Karl Moyers, Solange
Gutierrez, R. E. Lopez, Laura Upson, Aurora Duron, Dolly Legleu, Gary Shadrick, Luis Granillo, Oscar
DeLaOssa, Jorge Berrelez, John Turner, Myra Ochoa, Jim Lamb, Ben Stepleton, Fernando Ayon, Dean
Smith, Paula Arrquist, R. Sagullo, Augustin Huerta, David Lundstrom, Susan Handley, Jorge Hernandez,
Robert Huerta, Delfina E. Bauch, Maru Duarte, Louis Chaboya, Alycia Valenzuela, Lupita Perez, Octavio Garcia, Raul Rodriguez, Manuel Castro, Bob Napier, Irma Martinez, Vanessa Quintero, Clariza M. Baron, Vanezza Gallego, Judy Pena, Irma Mendoza, Nils Urman, Cristina Paz, Suzie Sainz, Mary Dahl.
SHERIFF DEPARTMENT SALARIES: County Manager, Greg Lucero, stated that he was requested to look at alternatives to address salary increases for the Sheriff's Department - the issue presented to management was establishing parity with the Nogales Police Department.
Mr. Lucero stated that the County is projecting $1 million in new revenue (increased property tax and sales tax revenue); new costs include $80,000 in health insurance, $200,000 in property liability insurance, $140,000 for State Retirement, $300,000 in anticipated state cost shifts, $291,000 for a proposed 4% cost of living adjustment - a total of slightly over $1 million.
Mr. Lucero stated that the average salary, comparing all Arizona Counties, for Deputy ranges from $29,841 - $43,489; the salary range for Deputy in Santa Cruz County is $28,059 - $37,88 1. After deleting Maricopa and Pima Counties, the average Deputy salary ranges from $29,321 - $42,394. After deleting all Counties with a population greater than 100,000 the average Deputy salary ranges from $26,966 (Santa Cruz County $28,059) - $38,318 (Santa Cruz County $37,881).
The entry-level salary for Nogales Police Officers is $30,008; entry-level salary for Sheriff Deputies is $28,059. Mr. Lucero provided a spreadsheet showing actual W-2 compensation for Sheriff Deputies, Sergeants and Lieutenants for 2002 including overtime, propay and uniform allowance and an additional spreadsheet showing income plus additional perks including comp-time, health club memberships, cell phones and vehicles. The ability to Contract for private security is also available but Mr. Lucero has not been provided with those figures. Mr. Lucero stated that the average income for a Deputy Sheriff in Santa Cruz County is $40,238; the average compensation package for Deputy Sheriff in Santa Cruz County is $45,318.
The entry level salary for Nogales Police Officers is $30,008 which poses the question, are deputies leaving the Sheriff's Department to work for the City because of compensation?
Mr. Lucero was requested to develop alternatives to address the shortfall and are as follows: reduce COLA to all other County employees from 4% to 2.35% and increase Sheriff's Post Certified employees from 4% to an average of 7%; eliminate 2 Lieutenant positions and reallocate savings to cover salary increases; seek voter approval for a County Jail Tax District and reallocate savings to cover salary increase; centralize Dispatch Services with the City of Nogales and reallocate savings to cover salary increases and conduct a Management Audit.
ELIMINATE 2 LIEUTENANT POSITIONS: Compared with similar sized Arizona Counties, Santa Cruz County has 2 more Lieutenants than the norm; Santa Cruz County has 4 Lieutenants, which is comparable to Mohave and Pinal Counties; Mohave and Pinal are 4 times large in population than Santa Cruz; the number of Sheriff's Department employees for Santa Cruz is 70, Mohave 236 and Pinal 322; elimination of these 2 positions would free up approximately $120,000 that could be applied towards salary adjustments.
JAIL DISTRICT: The County has available 2 forms of taxation (sales or property tax) to pay for new construction or maintenance and operation of a jail facility, but both require voter authorization; the current maintenance of effort or expense must be maintained; the Statutes do permit indirect costs as an allowable expense and such costs could be used to offset salary increases.
CENTRALIZE DISPATCH OPERATIONS: Under Home Land Security, Federal grant funds have become available for improving communications systems for public safety; these funds could be used to construct a centralized dispatch operations center and partnering with the City of Nogales would save over $ 100,000 but would eliminate dispatch operations under the Sheriff's Department.
MANAGEMENT AUDIT: A Management Audit would review and assess elements in comparison to national standards to identify possible cost savings.
Supervisor Damon asked who would receive the salary increase; Mr. Lucero responded that the salary adjustments for the Sheriff's Department would only apply to post-certified employees; Dispatchers, Detention Officers and all others would be included with other County employees.
Vice-Chairman Maynard asked for an explanation of pro-pay; Mr. Lucero responded that pro-pay is a stipend that is given to Sheriff's Department employees in recognition of their being first responders to emergency calls. If Sheriff's Department personnel acquire CPR certification they receive pro-pay in the amount of $1200 per year.
Supervisor Damon asked if only Lieutenants are permitted to work on private security contracts or are the Deputies also able to; Mr. Lucero responded that he has requested a listing from the Sheriff's
Department of the private security contracts to include a breakdown of who is receiving compensation but has only been provided with a limited number.
Supervisor Damon asked if the County receives reimbursement for County vehicles being used while providing private security; Finance Director, Jennifer St. John, responded that the County recently received compensation for the private security contracts that the Finance Department has been made aware of,
Mr. Lucero stated that policy requires that private security contracts come before the Board of Supervisors for prior approval and that since his employment with the County, said policy has not been followed.
Chairman Ruiz recalled that the Board previously requested that a management audit of the Sheriff's Department be performed due to an increase in liability insurance costs; at that time, the Sheriff requested that the audit not be conducted as they were able to locate funding to pay the increase and that the Sheriff would conduct its own management audit.
Chairman Ruiz also recalled that last year, the Sheriff approached the Board requesting an additional Lieutenant position, which the Board approved with the condition that the Sheriff's Department would assume the duties of the Animal Control Department which has not occurred.
Chairman Ruiz proposed that the Lieutenants be placed on patrol.
Chairman Ruiz stated that he has received letters and e-mails from 16 employees requesting that the Board treat all employees equally.
Sheriff Estrada stated that the Board has chosen to single out his department because he is requesting something that the Board is not about to give him; the Board has personally attacked the Lieutenants because they have been vocal. The concept of an additional Lieutenant position was suggested by the Arizona Counties Insurance Pool because of existing problems in the jail. Sheriff Estrada stated that in order to be fully staffed, he should have 8 more Detention Officers, 9 (not counting the 9 vacancies) more Patrol Officers and 3 more Communications Officers.

Sheriff Estrada stated that in order for the Deputies to earn the wages as reported by the County Manager, they are working 12-14 hours per day, working outside employment and not spending time with their families; the County is not giving them that money; Officers use County patrol vehicles when working outside employment in case of an emergency. Sheriff Estrada stated that the comparison between City of Nogales and Santa Cruz County public safety officers was totally erroneous because it did not include the City of Nogales Police Department's full compensation package.
Sheriff Estrada informed the Board that Animal Control and Juvenile Detention Officers also receive pro-pay and uniform allowance and that for the Board to single out the Sheriff's Department is not fair. His officers are the only County employees ones that wear a gun, a bullet proof vest, face danger 24 hours a day; Lieutenants are on-call 24 hours a day.
Sheriff Estrada introduced his command staff as follows: Major Romo, Administrative Officer, with 27 years of service with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department; a Lieutenant in charge of the Patrol Division; a Lieutenant with the Metro-Task Force; a Lieutenant in charge of Detention and a Lieutenant in charge of the Communications Division. Sheriff Estrada stated that by suggesting that he eliminate 2 Lieutenants positions, the Board is punishing 2 people that they don't approve of which is unfair.
Sheriff Estrada stated that 9 Patrol Officer vacancies currently exist in the Sheriff's Department - 7 actual vacancies plus 2 officers that are on military leave.
Sheriff Estrada provided the Board with the following booking statistics: 2,464 in 1999; 2377 in 2000~ 2519 in 2001; 2679 in 2002. Calls for service: 8,305 in 2000; 9,299 in 2001; 9,714 in 2002. The following precarious liability issues currently exist in the Sheriff's Department: inadequate staffing, lack of back-up, burnout, failure to respond, health and medical issues in the jail.
Sheriff Estrada stated that the Board has made exceptions and set precedence in the past related to salary adjustments in order to attract eligible applicants and he requested that the Sheriff's Department be entitled to the same treatment.
Sheriff Estrada stated that the County's and the City's current pay scale is in shambles; he does not want the Sheriff's Department salaries to mirror that of the Police Department's because they themselves recognize that they have major problems.
Sheriff Estrada stated that the goals and objectives included in the Board's Budget, state that the Board of Supervisors will provide for a fully staffed, trained and professional Sheriff's Office and that is all he is requesting.
Sheriff Estrada informed the Board that the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department is .-going through one of its most critical crisis' in history~ there is a single issue facing Santa Cruz County and that's public safety.
Sheriff Estrada stated that this was such an important issue that he brought the issue to the news media; he contacted the Governor's Office who directed Frank Navarette, Director of Home Land Security, to contact the Sheriff and they are in the process of developing a plan.
Sheriff Estrada urged the Board of Supervisors to "do the right thing for the residents of Santa Cruz County".
Chairman Ruiz stated that the Board of Supervisors, when requested, has always waived the hiring freeze to allow the Sheriff to fill vacancies and asked why he thinks that the Sheriff's Department is having difficulty in recruiting and retaining officers; Sheriff Estrada responded that the difficulty is due to the salary.
Sheriff Estrada commended the Board for scheduling the Study Session to discuss this issue.
Chairman Ruiz asked if the Sheriff's Department conducts an exit interview with departing officers; Sheriff Estrada responded that no exit interview is conducted; they only make sure that all equipment issued to the officer is returned prior to his/her departure.
Vice-Chairman Maynard stated that the City of Nogales and Santa Cruz County need to work together to alleviate the discrepancy in public safety salaries; commended the work of the Sheriff's Department.
Delfina Bauch, Clerk of the Superior Court, stated that she understands the Sheriff's position, but personally objects to the Sheriff's Department receiving 68% of the pie and the remainder of the County receiving only 32%; if funding is available, it should be disbursed equally.
Bob Napier, Building Department, stated that the Building & Health Departments are also charged with the duty of public safety by ensuring adherence to health and safety codes/requirements; Mr. Napier stated that he fully supports the Sheriff and the Sheriff's Department but believes that all County employees should be treated equally. Mr. Napier stated that 2 other employees in the Building Department have also expressed that the increase should be applied equally across the board.
Louie Granillo, Public Works Department, requested that the Board approve a 4% salary increase across the Board and suggested that the Sheriff request a 7% increase for deputies upon completion of their I year probationary period; Sheriff Estrada responded that the employees that are leaving the Sheriff's Department are not at entry-level.
Chairman Ruiz suggested disbursing a lump sum to the Sheriff equal to 4% for all Sheriff's Department employees and allow the Sheriff to allocate the salary increases at his discretion; Sheriff Estrada responded that that would make him "the bad guy".
Sheriff Estrada stated that the issues are the inability to retain experienced officers and recruit new officers.
Chairman Ruiz asked for Sheriff Estrada's thoughts regarding the alternatives outlined by Mr. Lucero in his presentation. JAIL DISTRICT: Sheriff Estrada stated that the only successful bond issues are education related as it involves additional taxation; CENTRALIZE DISPATCH OPERATIONS: Sheriff Estrada stated that Sheriff's Department Communications Officers currently supplement the Detention operations. Sheriff Estrada stated that these issues are all potential long-term solutions but are not going to help the immediate situation.
Susan Handley, Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department Communications Supervisor, expressed the importance of increasing Deputies salaries in order to recruit and fill vacancies for the safety of County residents.
Ben Stepleton, Health Department Director, informed the Board that he was requested by his staff to convey their thoughts that while they support the Sheriff's Department, they are not in favor of a higher salary increase for them. Mr. Stepleton encouraged the Board to make personnel issues a priority.
Victor Gabilondo, Public Works Director, relayed similar thoughts on behalf of his staff. Mr. Gabilondo informed the Board that the Landfill personnel are required to have CPRIHAZMAT Certification and do not receive pro-pay allowance.
Karl Moyers, Solid Waste Manager, explained the health risks involved in handling waste at the Landfill; encouraged the Board to establish a Committee of County employees and upper level management to develop a plan to resolve the compensation issue.
Frank Corrales, Court Administrator, informed the Board that he had a lengthy conversation with Sheriff Estrada regarding this issue and stated that as long as there is a limited amount of funding available for salary increases, he cannot support giving the Sheriff's Department more than other County employees.
Deputy Fernando Ayon, Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department, stated that the difference between public safety provided by the Building and Health Departments and public safety provided by law enforcement, is that when law enforcement officers go to work they wear a bullet proof vest.
Louie Chaboya, Emergency Management Director, stated that he is very supportive of the Sheriff's dilemma and suggested that the Sheriff's Office conduct extensive personnel exit interviews.
Dave Lundstrom, Santa Cruz County resident, stated that he believes that law enforcement officers, teachers and elected officials are all underpaid and the community needs happy people in those positions. Mr. Lundstrom encouraged the Board to find a way to make the law enforcement officers happy.
Carol DeFazio expressed the importance of having happy law enforcement officers; expressed concern regarding the shortage of patrol officers at the Sheriff's Department and encouraged the Board to develop a long-range compensation plan.
Octavio Garcia, Dispatcher-Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department, informed the Board that the Nogales Police Department has 8 - 9 officers on duty at any given shift and the Sheriff's Department has 2 for the entire County; explained the stress involved in working in the Communications Division being aware of the shortage of officers, particularly with domestic violence calls
Alycia Valenzuela, Dispatcher-Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department, stated that she believes that the Deputies deserve the salary increase being requested by the Sheriff and that a crisis exists because there are only 2 deputies on duty at a time.
George Silva, County Attorney's Office, stated that having 2 deputies on duty is totally unacceptable and believes that the Sheriff's Department is entitled to the proposed 7% increase.
Patricia Castro, wife of a new Deputy Sheriff, informed the Board that her nephew died recently of suffocation because of the time it took for law enforcement to respond.
Chairman Ruiz thanked everyone for sharing their concerns/comments and stated that the Board is concerned about the shortage of deputies on duty; encouraged all to work together to resolve the issues; encouraged everyone to contact their legislators and urge them to discontinue funding cuts to Counties.
Study Session adjourned at 3:50 p.m.
Clerk of the Board
Manuel Ruiz, Chairman

Public Notice ID: 1921906.HTM