The New Year is here and the county is prepared for challenges that may face us. The Arizona State Legislature began its 2018 legislative session earlier this month and the governor and legislators are now at work crafting legislation, hearing bills in committee and writing the next state budget. The decisions made at the State Capitol greatly affect the citizens of Coconino County and sadly, the state's recent revenue projections may not leave the state with a lot of options this … [Read more...] about Identifying County Priorities for the State Legislative Session
Cynthia Seelhammer
Winterizing Homes and Businesses for Comfort and Efficiency
The temperatures are getting cooler and we will soon start bundling up and preparing for another Northern Arizona winter. Will your home and business be prepared, too? Are they operating efficiently and sustainably during the colder months? Coconino County has been a leader in sustainability initiatives in Northern Arizona for more than a decade. This is a great testament to Coconino County’s Sustainable Building Program (CCSBP), a program that we hope more people will use. CCSBP helps … [Read more...] about Winterizing Homes and Businesses for Comfort and Efficiency
Understanding Emergency Management During Fire Season
As summer heats up in Coconino County, our residents and visitors alike are reminded that living and recreating amongst such unspoiled wilderness comes with risk and responsibility. Recent wildfires throughout the state illustrate the extreme risk of irresponsible fire behavior and the responsibility we all have to ensure our community stays safe from the natural and not-so-natural disasters. As part of this responsibility, Coconino County and the Coconino National Forest enacted Stage 2 fire … [Read more...] about Understanding Emergency Management During Fire Season
Budgeting for County Services
The fiscal year 18 county budget holds taxes steady and focuses on reducing turnover and increasing public safety. The Coconino Board of Supervisors hosted eight days of budget hearings in May. The Board will adopt the tentative budget June 6 and the FY 18 Final Budget after a public hearing on June 27. There are always challenges in developing a budget and focusing priorities. There are limited resources, but many needs. Every year, county management and the board consider and evaluate … [Read more...] about Budgeting for County Services
Coconino County Meeting Needs of Employees, Employers
Coconino County takes great pride in many successes: we attract and host visitors from all over the world who visit our unique landscapes and enjoy the spectacular natural wonders. We are home to a diverse and highly skilled workforce — our workers and their employers are the drivers of our economy. The county plays a role in such employment. The Coconino County Career Center trains and places people who may have lost their jobs, and it helps employers who are seeking talented employees to … [Read more...] about Coconino County Meeting Needs of Employees, Employers
Collective Impact Pilot Program Makes Accessing Services Easier for Those in Need
Coconino County is known for its diverse culture, stunning natural wonders and landscapes and strong, thriving communities. However, many of our residents also struggle to make ends meet and lack basic human needs. Adjusting for cost-of-living, 27 percent of county residents are living in poverty compared with 18 percent for the rest of Arizona. For these citizens, local government and not-for-profits are there to help people and help them become more self-sufficient. Because people often … [Read more...] about Collective Impact Pilot Program Makes Accessing Services Easier for Those in Need
County Addressing Sale of Tobacco, Vapor Products
To keep tobacco and vapor products out of the hands of youth under age 18, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors last year adopted an ordinance that requires all tobacco and vapor products to be placed, stored and displayed in a manner that is inaccessible to the public without employee assistance in a retail setting. The ordinance amends a previous Coconino County ordinance that pertained only to tobacco products to include all vapor products, e-cigarettes, electronic smoking devices and … [Read more...] about County Addressing Sale of Tobacco, Vapor Products
County Employees Giving Back
Coconino County’s annual United Way fundraising campaign is off to a terrific start. I am extremely proud of the contributions by our caring, smart and compassionate Coconino County employees. Our employees have supported the United Way of Northern Arizona for years, helping the organization achieve its goal of lasting community change through a focus on the education, income and health programs for our residents. In addition to supporting many of our area’s most important non-profits with … [Read more...] about County Employees Giving Back
County Fair Benefits Community and Businesses
County fairs across the country have their roots in connecting business and community members to each other and to the latest agricultural inventions. At least that’s the history of county fairs. But what about today? County fairs are stepping up to the challenge to not only continue these business and community connections but also enhance them, while branching out and making technological connections, too. The Coconino County Fair is no different, and in terms of making a business … [Read more...] about County Fair Benefits Community and Businesses
Vanpools: Keeping Coconino County on the Move
Coconino County’s Citizen Survey confirmed that transportation issues are a top priority for our residents. While the primary focus is on roads and road maintenance, transit is an important piece of the overall transportation picture in our communities. Transit provides a valuable connection to jobs, health care and education. Coconino County is a member agency of the Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority (NAIPTA), the entity that operates the Mountain Line, … [Read more...] about Vanpools: Keeping Coconino County on the Move
