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Leadership ♦ Research ♦ Advocacy ♦ Newsletter ♦ Speakers ♦ Counties ♦ Alliances ♦ Calendar ♦ Contact
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CSA's policy development process assists county supervisors and staff identify priority policy items designed to help counties deliver efficient, responsive services to constituents. Proposals are due to CSA by July 30, and we are happy to provide assistance as your county analyzes its priorities. Click here to obtain the information needed to submit your proposals.
 The long-awaited July 3 deadline has arrived and nine ballot initiatives have been filed with the Secretary of State, significantly less than the 32 potential proposals that were considered. Among the unsuccessful measures were three Prop. 13-like proposals, a ban on cell phone use while driving and a proposal to institute ranked-choice voting in Arizona.The Secretary of State's office continues to verify the signatures on the nine citizen-driven initiatives, which include state trust land reform, the T.I.M.E. initiative on transportation, and a measure that would require a majority of registered (rather than participating) voters to approve any new state tax, fee or spending mandate.
In addition, the legislature referred one item to the ballot and citizens in nine counties (Cochise, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yavapai and Yuma) will consider a proposal to consolidate school districts in their region.
Click here for a summary of the issues you'll consider when you vote in November, or visit the Secretary of State's website for full language of each proposal.
As a final step to wrapping up the 2008 regular legislative session, Governor Napolitano took action on the following county-related proposals this week:
Centennial Celebration
 Centennial celebration projects that had been awaiting money from the state legislature may now have to seek other funding sources. Governor Napolitano signed SB 1337 into law, a bill that had initially sought to free up $2 million in funding for centennial projects. Under an amendment added by the House Appropriations Committee, however, the bill removed monies that had been set aside in 2006 for centennial celebration events, sweeping $2 million to the state general fund.The bill did maintain $500,000, however, $50,000 of which will be used by the Arizona Historical Advisory Commission to develop a statewide plan for the Arizona centennial celebration in 2012. In addition, SB 1337 directs $450,000 for renovating the state capitol building in time for the centennial.
Impact Fees
Homebuilders and municipalities may go back to the drawing board after Governor Napolitano vetoed SB 1406: municipal development fees; procedures (Bee). The bill was the result of ongoing negotiations between stakeholders last summer and was agreed upon by numerous, though not all, participants. The governor's veto message urged the stakeholders to work toward a "comprehensive approach" to changes on development fees.
Though the bill focused on municipal development fees, it was amended to also prohibit counties from imposing development fees (other than those designated for streets, water and sewer facilities) from a school district or charter school.
The FY09 budget passed by the legislature contained numerous impacts to counties, which amounted to a statewide total of more than $73 million. The increased costs have forced many counties to reconsider their earlier budgets, which were carefully crafted to address economic downturns and revenue shortfalls within county governments.
The following articles highlight recent activity on county budgets:
"Cochise County budget takes $1.48 million hit from state," San Pedro Valley News-Sun
"County budget is reduced," The Eastern Arizona Courier
"State puts squeeze on county budget," The Kingman Daily Miner
"State cuts in budget slap cities, counties," The Arizona Daily Star
"Supervisors lose $3.4 million to state budget," The Prescott Daily Courier
 Leaders from across rural Arizona participated in the Arizona Rural Development Council's Rural Policy Forum in Flagstaff this week. The event provided a valuable opportunity to discuss important issues facing the rural areas of our state.Cochise County Administrator Mike Ortega, who serves as the chair of the Arizona Rural Development Council, said the forum provides a productive conversation that brings together local governments and private sector representatives. "Frequently when we look at things like workforce development, housing and healthcare we focus on the social aspects," he stated. "This event focuses on the economic factors, and that allows us to bring together many interests to accomplish new things each year."
Mohave County Manager Ron Walker agreed that the event can create valuable partnerships that will grow even more important in economic downturns. "Looking at county revenue streams in the next few years, counties will have to focus our resources on the basics: crooks, cops, jails and some healthcare."
Coconino County Supervisor Carl Taylor joined in the discussions, which he said he looks forward to each year. "I enjoy representing our county at this event," stated Coconino County Supervisor Carl Taylor. "The forum highlights things of importance to our constituents, provides valuable discussions and helps us move forward."
By Liz Hill
Assistant Ombudsman - Public Access
Like most states, and the federal government,
Pitfall #10: Failure to have, update, or follow retention schedules Public bodies have a duty to submit a retention schedule for each type of record to the Director of Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records for approval. The retention schedule determines how long records may be maintained and when records must be destroyed.
Pitfall #9: Not Knowing what constitutes a public record or "other matter" A public record is everything created or received by a government agency or employee that relates to public business (even if on personal computers!). "Record" means all books, papers, maps, photographs, or other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics made or received by any governmental agency in pursuance of law or in transaction of public business. This includes electronic records. Other matters include items related to public matters that are not required by law to be submitted to government, but are created or received by the government agency.
Click here to see the rest of this article, and visit the Arizona Ombudsman - Citizens' Aide Office website for more information.
Candidates for the Arizona legislature and the Corporation Commission will participate in numerous debates in the coming months. To find out when your candidates will discuss important issues, visit the Arizona Clean Elections Commission website (for legislative debates) or the Arizona Telecommunications and Information Council website (for Corporation Commission debates).
If you cannot make it to a debate, watch the archived videos of Clean Elections debates on their website.
Visit the CSA Calendar of Events at www.countysupervisors.org/calendar.
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County Supervisors Association of Arizona
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