| Posted: Tue Jan 26th, 2010 06:01 pm |
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Bambi
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Pinal County Press Release
Storm Damage Assessment Teams Need Your Help
FLORENCE, AZ – If your business, home, land or property sustained damage due to last week’s severe storms, Pinal County Emergency Management needs to hear from you. Pinal County is preparing a preliminary damage assessment that will be used to determine if residents, businesses or land owners qualify for state or federal storm recovery assistance.
Pinal County has established a hotline at 520-866-6942. Please report any damage sustained on or after January 21 related to the storms, which may include:
Flooding
Water damage
Landscape damage
Loss of crops or livestock
Damage to buildings, cars or other physical property
This is for Pinal County residents only. County officials will need your name, the location of the damaged property, a primary and secondary phone contact, along with a brief description of the damage.
The first federal assessment teams will be here on Thursday, January 28, 2010 so call quickly. All damage assessments need to be reported by Friday, February 5, 2010, unless an extension is granted.
Damage Assessment Hotline: 520-866-6942.
Pinal County maintains and updates its website with all the latest information to keep you informed on events and tourism, road conditions, public health, public works projects and other important information. Visit and bookmark http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov to stay informed.
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| Posted: Fri Jan 22nd, 2010 10:12 pm |
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Bambi
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Pinal County Press Release
For Immediate Release Contact: Joe Pyritz
January 22, 2010
Pinal County Road Restrictions Closures Due to Storm Runoff and Damage
FLORENCE – Pinal County Public Works announces the following road closures and restrictions as of 2:00 pm, Friday, January 22.
Pinal County Public Works Director Greg Stanley said crews are currently working on reopening as many roads as possible for the convenience of the residents in the affected areas
"By strategically pre-positioning resources in trouble areas, we were able to avoid the loss of life, the need for swift water rescues or other emergencies,” Stanley said. “We realize that the road closures are an inconvenience and we are working very hard to reopen roads as conditions improve."
District 1: REOPENED
Arizona City
- Battaglia Road from Overfield Road to Sunland Gin Road
Superior/Kearny
- Highway 177 between Superior and Kearny
District 1: CLOSED
Riverside
- Centurion Lane is closed between the Florence-Kelvin Highway and Athene Place
Dudleyville
- San Pedro Road at the San Pedro River Crossing
Oracle/Saddlebrooke/Oracle Junction
- Willow Springs Road from Highway 77 to Freeman Road
- Freeman Road from Highway 79 to Rio Camino Road
Southeast of Florence
- Barkerville Road from Florence-Kelvin Highway to Freeman Road
Mammoth/San Manuel
- Aravaipa Road from Highway 77 heading east for 10 miles
- River Road from Copper Creek Road to Reddington Road
- Reddington Road from River Road to the Pima County line
District 2: REOPENED
San Tan Valley
- Hunt Highway between Copper Basin Road and Arizona Farms Road
- Gantzel Road north of Empire Road.
- Gary Road between Judd Road and Magma Road
- Skyline Road between Judy’s Road and Felix Road
Apache Junction Area
- Geronimo Road north of 10th Avenue
District 2: CLOSED
San Tan Valley
- Gantzel Road at the Pecan Creek subdivision
- Hunt Highway and Walker Granite Road
- Magma Road between Hunt Highway and Stardust Drive
- Schnepf Road between Ocotillo Road and Laredo Road (Downed powerline)
- Sharon Drive from Lynn Lane to Kirk Drive
Queen Creek Area
- Kenworthy Road from Combs Road to Chandler Heights Road
Queen Valley
- Silver King Road between El Camino Viejo and Jay Street
- Hewitt Station Road from Queen Valley Road to U.S.
Florence
- Please note: Construction continues on State Route 79 at the Gila River Bridge north of Florence . There are lane restrictions with traffic signals on the bridge. There may be delays during times of heavy traffic. Construction on the project is expected to be completed in one week weather permitting.
District 3: REOPENED
South of Casa Grande
- Battaglia Road between Toltec Road and Cleator Street
Maricopa
- Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway between White and Parker Road
- Murphy Road
District 3: CLOSED
Stanfield Area
- Louis Johnson Drive from Highway 347 to Green Road
- Amarillo Valley Road between Century Road to Barnes Road
South of Casa Grande
- Milligan Road from Vail Road to Wheeler Road
- Battaglia Road from Henness Road to Chu-Chu Road
Randolph/Coolidge/CAC
- Cleman Road from 11 Mile Corner Road to State Route 87
- La Palma Road from Shedd Road to Arica Road
- Houser Road from La Palma Road to State Route 87
- Shedd Road from La Palma Road to State Route 87
Maricopa
- Porter Road at the Santa Rosa Wash
- Rancho El Dorado Parkway at the Santa Rosa Wash
- Farrell Road north and south of the Union Pacific Railroad
- Farrell Road from Hartman Road to White and Parker Road
- Hartman Road from Farrell Road to the Maricopa-Casa Grande High School
There will be more road closure information when it becomes available.
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| Posted: Thu Jan 21st, 2010 01:10 am |
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Bambi
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Severe Storms, High Winds & Flooding Predicted for Pinal County
FLORENCE, AZ – The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch, Flood Watch, High Wind Watch and Hazardous Weather Outlook covering a significant portion of the state, including Pinal County. An incoming storm is forecast to bring significant rain to Pinal County. Showers may develop as soon as this evening and continuing off and on through Friday. Wind gusts could reach 55 miles per hour.
“We have been planning for these storms since last week, clearing debris from drainage areas, mobilizing signage and barricades near trouble areas and preparing sandbags,” said Greg Stanley, Pinal County’s Director of Public Works. “We know where the trouble spots are and, with this much rain headed our way, we expect flooding as well as road obstructions from debris or downed trees.”
Arizona’s annual rainfall is typically about 7 inches on average. Forecasters are predicting two to four inches of rain, maybe more.
“This could go down in the history books as one of the wettest storms to hit Arizona,” Stanley said. “Public Works and Public Safety will have their hands full trying to keep people safe.”
Stanley offered some foul weather driving tips:
- Motorists should eliminate any unnecessary trips during the storm.
- Never, never drive into a flooded area. Even if you know the area, you cannot tell how deep the water is, what dangers may lurk underneath or how fast the current is moving.
- Reduce your speed so you can react and avoid road debris or emergency situations. Do not use cruise control.
- Avoid driving through large puddles. Hidden debris could damage your tires, you could lose control of the vehicle or water could splash up into your engine compartment causing serious problems.
- If your wipers are on, your headlights should be on, too.
- If you have to stop, pull off the road and turn everything off so other drivers don’t mistake you for the lane of traffic.
If you need to report debris in the roads, trees down or other hazards, call your local police or the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at [font=""] [font=""] [font=""] [font=""] [font=""] [font=""] 520-866-5111 520-866-5111 [font=""] 520-866-5111.
Large, hazardous debris on county roads can be reported to Pinal County Public Works during normal business hours by calling [font=""] [font=""] [font=""] [font=""] [font=""] [font=""] 888-431-1311 888-431-1311 [font=""] 888-431-1311 or [font=""] [font=""] [font=""] [font=""] [font=""] [font=""] 520-509-3555 520-509-3555 [font=""] 520-509-3555.
As road conditions become known, Pinal County Public Works will be updating its website and hotline with closures or restrictions. The road closure hotline is [font=""] [font=""] [font=""] [font=""] [font=""] [font=""] 520-866-6078 520-866-6078 [font=""] 520-866-6078. To view the current list of road closures at any time, go to http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov and click on the yellow icon that says Detour Ahead Road Closure Information on the right side of the county’s main home page.
Pinal County maintains and updates its website with all the latest information to keep you informed on events and tourism, road conditions, public health, public works projects and other important information. Visit and bookmark http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov to stay informed.
I would add that if you travel on Hunt, between Thompson and Empire, there is no drainage to collect the huge amount of water from a storm like this,running off of the San Tan Mountains, so it will be swift and potentially destructive. Be careful. Bambi
Last edited on Thu Jan 21st, 2010 01:19 am by Bambi
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| Posted: Tue Jan 12th, 2010 07:04 pm |
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Bambi
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(Congratulations To Chairman Snider...Bambi)
Press Release
January 6, 2010
Chairman to Serve on Governor’s Panel on Water Sustainability
FLORENCE – Citing a need to identify and overcome obstacles to increased water sustainability, Governor Jan Brewer has named Chairman David Snider to the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Water Sustainability. Snider is Chairman and District 3 representative on the Pinal County Board of Supervisors. The first meeting of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel is Friday, January 8, 2010.
Chairing the panel are three top Arizona officials: Herb Guenther, Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources; Kris Mayes, Chairman of the Arizona Corporation Commission and Benjamin Grumbles, Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
“I applaud Governor Brewer’s choices to lead this panel and I am eager to get to work,” Snider said. “Water is Arizona’s most limited and precious natural resource. We must develop strategies and policies that respect the finite nature of our water supply.”
The agenda for the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Water Sustainability indicates that Friday’s meeting will include an overview of the purpose of the panel and discussion of its goals, process and desired results. The Department of Water Resources is also presenting an overview of the Arizona Water Atlas and Water Use Data.
“The panel will have a number of tools at hand, involving technology, innovation and collaboration to reduce water waste and inefficiency, recycle water and restore watersheds,” according to a news release from the three co-chairs.
“We’re fast approaching the time to apply the latest research and technologies to conserve and sustain our water supply,” Snider said. “Arizona will experience growth pressures again in the future, I am convinced of that. The time to seize opportunities to change our thinking about water is now and in the near future so we can responsibly protect our water supplies.”
Snider has been involved in water and conservation-related strategies in a number of venues since the mid-1980s, including the Groundwater Users Advisory Council for the Pinal Active Management Area, the Governor’s Water Management Commission, the Pinal County Water Augmentation Authority, the National Association of Counties’ Steering Committee for Energy, Environment & Land Use, and the Statewide Water Advisory Group to the Arizona Department of Water Resources.
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Last edited on Tue Jan 12th, 2010 07:06 pm by Bambi
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| Posted: Tue Jan 12th, 2010 06:55 pm |
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Bambi
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Pinal County Press Release
For Immediate Release
Supervisor Bryan Martyn to Present “State of the County 2” Across District 2
APACHE JUNCTION – Supervisor Bryan Martyn will hold two public forum events for residents in Gold Canyon and Apache Junction on January 13 and 18 respectively.
“I’m looking forward to talking with the citizens of my district and getting their input on a variety of county issues that affect their lives,” Supervisor Martyn said. “These forums will be similar to a ‘State of the County’ event where I will examine some of the issues from the past year and look forward to what will be happening in 2010. I invite anyone who is interested to come and participate.”
The Gold Canyon meeting will take place on Wednesday January 13, at The Views at Superstition from 6:30 pm until 8:00 pm. The Views at Superstition is located at 6900 E. U.S. 60. The sponsor of this event is SAND, Superstition Area Networking and Development.
The Apache Junction meeting will take place on Monday January 18, at Four Peaks Elementary School from 6:30 pm until 8:00 pm. The school is located at 1785 North Idaho Road . The sponsor of this event will be the Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce.
“I appreciate the help from the sponsors – so I can get out and tell the residents in District 2 about the exciting things we have going on here in the county,” Supervisor Martyn said.
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| Posted: Thu Dec 10th, 2009 04:04 am |
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Fisher 2009
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It is good this important position is filled . Can someone tell us more about Donna Beddle's experience?
Elliott E Fisher
Pinal County Independent
Last edited on Thu Dec 10th, 2009 04:06 am by Fisher 2009
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| Posted: Wed Dec 9th, 2009 11:35 pm |
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Bambi
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Pinal County Press Release
For Immediate Release
December 9, 2009
Long Term Care Director Looks Forward to New Challenges
FLORENCE – New Long Term Care Director Donna Beedle likes a challenge. So, it’s not surprising that the former Director of Maricopa County’s Tobacco Use Prevention Program jumped at the opportunity to oversee one of Pinal County ’s largest programs.
“We have a lot of challenges facing us,” Beedle said, “from health care reform efforts at the national level to state budget issues at the local level. It’s an interesting time for everyone in the healthcare field.”
The Pinal-Gila Long Term Care Program (PGLTC) is part of the Arizona Long Term Care Program which administers the long term managed care in both Pinal and Gila Counties . It also has a Community Programs Department that strives to deliver more services to people at home, rather than in an institutional setting such as an assisted living home.
“It was difficult to find someone with Beedle’s skills to lead the organization. Between the county’s hiring freeze and multiple attempts to recruit someone, we finally found the right person for the position,” said Lisa Garcia, Assistant County Manager for Health & Human Services. “We had a very capable interim director but she already had a full plate of duties before the resignation of the previous director. After almost a full year, Long Term Care has a director again.”
“This program is very successful at keeping the elderly and disabled people in their own homes, which is better for them,” Beedle said. “We have almost 75 percent of our clients being treated at home. This is an amazing number, probably the highest of any county in Arizona .”
Beedle gave credit to the staff at PGLTC for the program’s success. Caregivers have to be good listeners with a high degree of dedication and commitment to the families. Beedle feels the staff gives families more options and control over their health care decisions.
“The opportunity to heal at home is important to our clients. Not only is it better for our clients, it’s also cost-effective in the long run. Ultimately, we want what is best for our members.”
With home-based care, PGLTC members can receive services such as home-delivered meals, behavioral healthcare, physical therapy and home health nursing.
The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System funds long term care under the state Medicaid program. Throughout the year, state leaders have been wrestling with Arizona ’s budget. There has been talk of legislators coming back into session later in the year to deal with another shortfall in state revenues.
Looking warily on what the state legislature is going to do, Beedle is aware that the program may face another round of budget cuts. She is keeping a close eye on what is happening in Phoenix .
“I’m concerned about how the state is going to balance their budget now that we are half way through the fiscal year,” she said. “I hope legislators keep the elderly and disabled in mind as they make decisions. In the meantime, we will continue working to provide the best care possible for those we serve.”
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| Posted: Tue Dec 1st, 2009 12:54 am |
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Posted: Mon Nov 30th, 2009 01:57 by newszap member Bambi
Pinal County Press Release
For Immediate Release November 30, 2009
Contact: Joe Pyritz (520) 866-6226 (520) 866-6226 (520) 866-6226
Heather Murphy (520) 866-6057 (520) 866-6057 (520) 866-6057
Pinal County Successfully Bids on Right-of-Way to Complete Arizona Trail
FLORENCE – The dream of a former Flagstaff school teacher is almost complete.
In 1985, Dale Shewalter traversed Arizona on foot – from the Mexico border northward to the Utah border. Over 20 years later, his dream of a formal multi-use corridor is now a reality. The 817-mile stretch of hiking, horseback and mountain bike pathway is known as the Arizona Trail.
Nearly 100 miles of the Arizona Trail is in Pinal County .
On November 10, Pinal County took a huge step in completing the Arizona Trail by purchasing the right-of-way for the final 50 miles of the project.
“We had a special land use permit through the State Land Department that was close to expiring,” said Kent Taylor , Senior Planner Parks , Open Space and Trails. “The Arizona Trails Association approached the county about creating a more permanent corridor protection. This made a lot of sense to us since the Arizona Trail is one of the three trails identified in our Open Space and Trails Plan.”
Taylor said that Pinal County was eager to assist the Arizona Trail Association by contributing for survey work as a step toward acquiring the right-of-way from State Land. The Arizona Trail Association worked with the Arizona State Parks Department to identify funding for recreational multi-use trails.
“This has been a process that has been underway since 2005,” Taylor stated. “The land that the county acquired is a 15-foot wide corridor stretching about 50 miles from Oracle to the Florence-Kelvin Highway .”
The Purchase Price of the Right of Way was $105,887.
Supervisor Bryan Martyn (District 2) was on hand for the auction to purchase the right-of-way from State Land . He said the acquisition of the property is important for everyone who wants to enjoy the scenery of Arizona .
“We needed to get this land so we could finish the final leg of this amazing trail,” Supervisor Martyn said. “This helps protect the land in the future from being sold and having to rebuild the trail somewhere else. It’s a part of our mission to make Pinal County a place where you can live, work and play.”
Supervisor Martyn added that he is planning a horseback ride through the Pinal County section of the Arizona Trail in 2012 to coincide with the state’s 100-year anniversary.
To learn more about the Arizona Trail log onto http://www.aztrail.org.
Pinal County maintains and updates its website with all the latest information to keep you informed on road conditions, public health, public works projects and other important information. Visit and bookmark http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov to stay informed.
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| Posted: Tue Dec 1st, 2009 12:51 am |
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originally posted by:
nunya
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Pinal County Press Release
For Immediate Release Contact: Heather Murphy (520) 866-6057
November 24, 2009 Joe Pyritz (520) 866-6226
Traffic Alert – Hunt Highway Lane Restrictions this Week & Next
SAN TAN VALLEY, AZ – A two mile pavement preservation project that took place from November 4 through 6 on Hunt Highway between Thistle Trail and Arizona Farms Road will be the focus of repair due to premature failure of the initial application. Beginning Wednesday, November 25, the contractor, Southwest Slurry, will rough up the road surface in preparation for a new application of slurry seal. During the week of November 30, the new slurry seal will be applied.
During construction, motorists can expect delays on Hunt Highway as one lane of traffic will be closed to accommodate the pavement preservation work. Sheriff’s vehicles will lead and follow the equipment while the work is being performed. Motorists are advised to proceed with caution, obey all traffic signs, and be mindful of the construction personnel and equipment while traveling through the work zone.
To keep current on roadway conditions including road closures within Pinal County, please call the Pinal County Road Information Line at (520) 866-6078 or visit the Pinal County website at http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov.
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Note to editors and concerned citizens: The County's contractor for this job is responsible for covering the costs of the repairs. No additional county (taxpayer) funds will be utilized to repair the failed slurry seal.
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Pinal County Attorney's Annual Poster Contest
Press Release
Contact: Kostas Kalaitzidis
For immediate release
Tel.: 520 866 6699
November 18, 2009
More than 1,000 students participate in Pinal County Attorney’s
Anti-Drug Poster Contest
Florence, AZ – County Attorney James P. Walsh presented awards of the
Pinal County Attorney’s Office Anti-Drug Poster Contest on Wednesday,
Nov. 18.
"This contest is open to all sixth graders in Pinal County," the County
Attorney said. "Over 1,000 entries were received this year, up from 840
last year and a panel of judges narrowed the field to 60 finalists. Once
those were chosen the real work began since all the artwork was very
impressive."
Mr. Walsh was at hand to honor finalists, their families and teachers
at a ceremony in Florence where he unveiled the 2010 Anti-Drug Poster
Calendar.
Almost 1,100 students sent their anti-drug art to the Pinal County
Attorney’s Office continuing an effort to educate children and
families on the dangers of drugs. This effort started in 1990 with Roy
Mendoza then Pinal County Attorney. It began as a small art contest in
local schools to find out who could draw the best anti-drug message.
The contest was named in memory of former Pinal County Superior Court
Judge Robert R. Bean who had recently succumbed to cancer.
The best pictures were placed in a month-to-month calendar with the 12
best drawings featured. The idea was to have children show their peers
the dangers of drug use.
Nineteen years later, the tradition continues, albeit with some minor
modifications to the original month-to-month calendar format.
Mr. Walsh said that the panel of six judges culled the 60 finalists to
9 winners with a grand prize winner, a T-shirt winner and a Tattoo
winner. T-shirts featuring the anti-drug message and temporary tattoos
will help spread the anti-drug message among impressionable young
people.
"I'm glad I wasn't a member of the judging panel," County Attorney
Walsh joked. "It was a difficult decision. Our panel worked very hard to
chose among an incredible selection of art."
Speaking before a group of student finalists and their parents at The
Windmill in Florence, Walsh congratulated those who made the final cut.
"Your work will be an encouragement for all to abstain from drugs,"
stressed Walsh.
The guest speaker of the night was Gerald Richard, Special Policy
Advisor for Law Enforcement at the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
He spoke of the dangers of drugs and passionately told children to avoid
dealings with strangers.
He engaged the students in a mock convenience store robbery showing how
best to react in such a case. His message was not lost on the children
and their parents.
In mid-October the nine students whose artwork is on the 2010 design
were photographed with County Attorney Walsh at the Superstition
Mountain Museum in Apache Junction. The group photo is on the poster
with the winning drawings. Walsh said 10,000 posters were made and will
be distributed to Pinal County schools and businesses.
This year's grand prize winner Cassie Johnson a sixth grader from the
Desert Shadows Middle School of Apache Junction won a $500 prize for
her school. Mary Ambrose, Cassie’s teacher, was at hand to receive the
check and enjoy her student’s moment of glory. Cassie also received
her poster framed with an engraving of her name, school and year of her
success.
The T-Shirt winner is Maria Fernanda Flores Coronado from Red Rock
Elementary School. About 100 T-Shirts with her art-work on the back were
printed and given to all 60 finalists of the contest and other
participants.
The Tattoo winner is Mariah S. Rodriquez San Tan Heights Elementary
School. Her drawing was reproduced in the form of washable tattoos and
5,000 copies will be distributed to students around the county.
All nine artists won an expenses paid trip to the Challenger Space
Center and they get to invite all their classmates to go with them.
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World War II Woman Pilot to be Featured Speaker at Pinal County Veteran’s Day Event
FLORENCE – In World War II, the United States joined together to fight Axis Powers with the help from WASPs.
WASP stands for Women Airforce Service Pilots. The WASPs were a group of women pilots along with those in the Air Transport Command trained to fly military aircraft. Their contribution to victory over the Axis Powers was a shining example of women performing military duties that freed servicemen to fight on the front.
The WASPs were disbanded in 1944, with no G.I. benefits or military honors. Their story remains alive today through the actual women who piloted the planes in our time of need.
The Pinal County Board of Supervisors invites all veterans and public alike to hear one of those stories from a Casa Grande resident who was a WASP. Mrs. Geri Nyman will be the featured speaker at the tenth annual Pinal County Veteran’s Ceremony. The event will take place on Tuesday, November 10. The ceremony will begin with an Air National Guard fly-over at 2:00 pm sharp.
The ceremony is being held on the Tuesday before Veteran’s Day due to the holiday falling on a Wednesday when County offices are closed to honor our veterans.
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Last edited on Wed Nov 4th, 2009 02:42 pm by Bambi
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Bambi
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Bambi wrote:
Pinal County Press Release
Economic Development Manager Hired to Lure Living-Wage Jobs to Pinal County
FLORENCE, AZ – Economic development is a two word catch phrase for a really big job that is complex and vital. Economic Development is also one of Pinal County’s eight strategic priorities that guide county leaders’ decision-making and resource allocation.
The Board of Supervisors is pleased to announce that Timothy Kanavel is Pinal County’s new Economic Development Manager. He will work closely with all the disciplines in Development Services to attract new enterprises and support the growth of existing businesses.
“Tim brings more than a decade worth of experience in working with chambers of commerce, the Arizona Department of Commerce, economic development councils and in private industry. His experience positions him well to lead Pinal County’s economic development efforts,” said County Manager Terry Doolittle.
Doolittle said that up to now, economic development was handled through partnerships with area economic development foundations, cities and towns and the Arizona Department of Commerce. Employees in a variety of county offices aided and supported these efforts.
“The time is right to make this a full-time endeavor so Pinal County gets its fair share of new living-wage jobs,” Doolittle said. “We’ve always had a focus on growth that brings jobs but we need to ratchet up the effort to help our communities recover from the economic downturn and ensure that we gain as much as we can during the economic recovery.”
Business development gurus often say that the biggest source of new business comes from existing businesses that find ways to grow and thrive. While that may be the subject of heated debate, economic development certainly involves a focus on the growth and health of existing businesses as well as attraction of new businesses.
“Our Business Retention and Expansion Program (BR&E) will be a major aspect of our overall countywide economic development initiative,” Kanavel said. “BR&E, allowing with a supply chain development program will consist of creating a positive, aggressive business atmosphere whereby local, existing and new businesses thrive in our county. We can help ensure that by mitigating the many hurdles that inhibit local business growth and also by fulfilling and possibly relocating to Pinal County a company’s production materials resource needs.”
Major enterprises often work with site selection consultants who strive to match the needs of a relocating or expanding business with the strategic and natural assets of a particular community. For example, a facility that builds roof trusses needs to be near a rail line so it can efficiently ship its end product to market. It also needs access to a good supply of lumber and workers who have the skills to design, engineer and assemble the lumber into trusses. And they may want to know that the workforce they will need in 20 years is going to be available for hire from the nearby communities. Lastly, before they choose a location for their new facility, they may want to know what medical facilities are nearby in case of an accident.
To capitalize on Pinal County’s strategic assets and attract businesses that match them, Kanavel will work with site selection consultants, economic development foundations, cities and towns, business owners, advocacy groups and the state. The goal, he said, is to ensure that Pinal County is positioned as a great place to work, live, raise families, get an education and grow businesses.
Kanavel was the President and Director of Economic Development for the Wickenburg Regional Economic Development Partnership, a position he held since 2007. Prior to that, he worked in sales and marketing positions in the private sector. He also has four years’ experience working in Southern Arizona for the Arizona Department of Commerce.
Kanavel’s credentials include a Bachelor of Science degree in Regional Development from the University of Arizona along with two Associates’ degrees. He is a graduate of the University of Arizona’s EDI Economic Development course at the University of Arizona.
Pinal County maintains and updates its website with all the latest information to keep you informed on road conditions, public health, public works projects and other important information. Visit and bookmark http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov to stay informed.
Posted: Tue Nov 3rd, 2009 06:53 pm
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Pinal County Press Release
Economic Development Manager Hired to Lure Living-Wage Jobs to Pinal County
FLORENCE, AZ – Economic development is a two word catch phrase for a really big job that is complex and vital. Economic Development is also one of Pinal County’s eight strategic priorities that guide county leaders’ decision-making and resource allocation.
The Board of Supervisors is pleased to announce that Timothy Kanavel is Pinal County’s new Economic Development Manager. He will work closely with all the disciplines in Development Services to attract new enterprises and support the growth of existing businesses.
“Tim brings more than a decade worth of experience in working with chambers of commerce, the Arizona Department of Commerce, economic development councils and in private industry. His experience positions him well to lead Pinal County’s economic development efforts,” said County Manager Terry Doolittle.
Doolittle said that up to now, economic development was handled through partnerships with area economic development foundations, cities and towns and the Arizona Department of Commerce. Employees in a variety of county offices aided and supported these efforts.
“The time is right to make this a full-time endeavor so Pinal County gets its fair share of new living-wage jobs,” Doolittle said. “We’ve always had a focus on growth that brings jobs but we need to ratchet up the effort to help our communities recover from the economic downturn and ensure that we gain as much as we can during the economic recovery.”
Business development gurus often say that the biggest source of new business comes from existing businesses that find ways to grow and thrive. While that may be the subject of heated debate, economic development certainly involves a focus on the growth and health of existing businesses as well as attraction of new businesses.
“Our Business Retention and Expansion Program (BR&E) will be a major aspect of our overall countywide economic development initiative,” Kanavel said. “BR&E, allowing with a supply chain development program will consist of creating a positive, aggressive business atmosphere whereby local, existing and new businesses thrive in our county. We can help ensure that by mitigating the many hurdles that inhibit local business growth and also by fulfilling and possibly relocating to Pinal County a company’s production materials resource needs.”
Major enterprises often work with site selection consultants who strive to match the needs of a relocating or expanding business with the strategic and natural assets of a particular community. For example, a facility that builds roof trusses needs to be near a rail line so it can efficiently ship its end product to market. It also needs access to a good supply of lumber and workers who have the skills to design, engineer and assemble the lumber into trusses. And they may want to know that the workforce they will need in 20 years is going to be available for hire from the nearby communities. Lastly, before they choose a location for their new facility, they may want to know what medical facilities are nearby in case of an accident.
To capitalize on Pinal County’s strategic assets and attract businesses that match them, Kanavel will work with site selection consultants, economic development foundations, cities and towns, business owners, advocacy groups and the state. The goal, he said, is to ensure that Pinal County is positioned as a great place to work, live, raise families, get an education and grow businesses.
Kanavel was the President and Director of Economic Development for the Wickenburg Regional Economic Development Partnership, a position he held since 2007. Prior to that, he worked in sales and marketing positions in the private sector. He also has four years’ experience working in Southern Arizona for the Arizona Department of Commerce.
Kanavel’s credentials include a Bachelor of Science degree in Regional Development from the University of Arizona along with two Associates’ degrees. He is a graduate of the University of Arizona’s EDI Economic Development course at the University of Arizona.
Pinal County maintains and updates its website with all the latest information to keep you informed on road conditions, public health, public works projects and other important information. Visit and bookmark http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov to stay informed.
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Pinal County Press Release
For Immediate Release Contact: Heather Murphy (520) 866-6057
September 1, 2009
Mailing of Tax Statements Delayed Due to Inaction on State Budget
FLORENCE – ] Pinal County Treasurer Dolores “Dodie” Doolittle has the unpopular task of mailing and collecting property taxes for properties in Pinal County . Due to the protracted negotiations that have delayed approval of a state budget, she is advising taxpayers that the bills will be mailed later than usual.
“Normally, the state would have its budget approved with plenty of time for local governments to set their tax rates,” Doolittle said. “Because we still don’t have a state budget, I can’t send out accurate bills.”
The statements that the Treasurer’s office sends include not only the county tax rate, but also the tax rate of other government jurisdictions such as school districts, municipalities and special taxing districts such as fire districts. While those rates have been set, the state is still debating the possible repeal of one line item on tax bills.
“A key issue in the budget discussions is the possible repeal of the State Equalization Tax,” Doolittle explained. “It is important to get property tax information out to property owners in a timely manner. We can’t afford to wait much longer and it is not fair to property owners and mortgage companies who are beginning to call in for the taxes due. Both Maricopa and Pima Counties have also decided to delay the mailing in the hopes of getting certainty on the state budget.”
“Based on the deadline for Governor Brewer to take action on the budget, we have moved the printing date for the tax statements with the intent to have them in the mail on the 18th of September,” she said.
This could surprise some taxpayers because October 1 is the due date for the first half of your annual tax bill.
“By statute, the due date is October 1 but you have a grace period of 30 days before you start accruing a penalty for late payments,” Doolittle said. “We’re telling people now that they really have until October 31 to make their payment”
“Also, if you are in a position to pay the full year’s taxes at once, you actually have a grace period until December 31 to pay the entire bill without a penalty,” she added.
The State Treasurer has had to borrow money to meet the state’s financial obligations because an official state budget has not been approved. Doolittle said that unlike the state, Pinal County will not have to borrow to meet the county’s financial needs. This is because the Board of Supervisors approved a structurally balanced budget that cut the primary property tax rate by 20 cents and slashed spending by almost $57 million over the prior year’s budget. Pinal County ’s primary property tax today is the lowest it’s been in 32 years.
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Press Release For Immediate Release
Contact: Heather Murphy (520) 866-6057 or Joe Pyritz (520) 866-6226
June 24, 2009
Board of Supervisors Approves FY 2009-10 Budget
FLORENCE – How do you properly set a budget in an environment of continued economic turmoil when the state, a key contributor to your budget is threatening to send you a sizeable IOU? The answer, as the Pinal County Supervisors stated today, is that you must do it very carefully and be prepared to reassess in the future.
The Board of Supervisors approved a total County budget of $400.2 million, which includes a $0.20 reduction in the primary property tax. This tax reduction represents a decrease of about $20 on a $100,000 home.
Last fiscal year’s budget was capped at $458 million but the county curtailed spending significantly though a hiring freeze, mid-year budget cuts, a freeze on travel and training and other budget balancing measures. Just two years ago, the County’s budget was capped at $475 million.
“Clearly, the building slowdown and current economy are reflected in the changes we have implemented over the past year,” Chairman David Snider said. “This budget reflects an appropriately lean posture for fiscal 2009-10. What I want residents to know, though, is that we’re fully focused on delivering quality service.”
In a message to employees, County Manager Terry Doolittle stated that good news sometimes comes with a caution attached. President Obama’s stimulus plan includes money (FMAP funds) to assist in providing medical care to those who lack insurance or are in the AHCCCS program. The county recently learned that those funds will be distributed between the State and Arizona counties to offset what they would normally pay the state to provide care to AHCCCS clients. This was a one-time, unexpected windfall.
The tentative budget, which was adopted in May, included the potential for an across-the-board reduction in salary for County staff. As a result of the stimulus windfall, a five million dollar gap in the budget will be covered by the stimulus money and drawing down the funds on reserve. The Board of Supervisors and County Manager believe that the combination of the stimulus funding and drawing from the reserve will not put the County’s financial future at tremendous risk – at this point in time.
In his statement to employees, the County Manager highlighted potential threats to the County’s financial future. They include:
Money coming in could continue to decline.
The FY 2009-10 budget includes several one time revenue items, such as the stimulus money.
The economic decline could last longer than economists are currently projecting.
The Legislature has proposed to balance the state budget by hitting cities, towns and counties with IOUs. If the amount Pinal County has to pay exceeds what was budgeted for, the County could be forced to make additional changes.
All three Supervisors thanked elected officials, members of the public and the Budget and Research staff for the long hours invested in crafting a balanced budget.
“Unfortunately, getting to this point has required some several departments to lay off valuable members of their staff,” Supervisor Bryan Martyn said. “We are asking people to do the work of many with fewer resources. I remain optimistic about the future and know our employees are dedicated public servants who are committed to good customer service.”
Supervisor Pete Rios expressed confidence that the boom times would soon return.
“Pinal County is uniquely positioned to benefit from a recovering economy,” he said.
“We have open space, land, neighborhoods that are approved and ready to build. We have businesses that are simply waiting for the right economic indicators before they fill our retail, industrial and commercial spaces. It will happen, and when it does, we will be ready for it.”
The Board of Supervisors requested monthly updates on the state of the economy and how that affects Pinal County ’s budget and priorities. The monthly updates will be placed on the Board of Supervisors’ agendas during their semi-monthly meetings. Meeting minutes and agendas are posted on the Pinal County website. Go to http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov and look for Board Meetings/Agendas in the left column.
Last edited on Wed Jun 24th, 2009 08:13 pm by Bambi2
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