> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.citizenjournal.us/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Coconino County Supervisor Meeting - URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/coconino-county-supervisor-meeting-23/ - Published: 2026-09-03T11:14:33.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-03T11:14:33.000Z - Description: Week of September 2, 2026 - Author: Cronkite - Tags: pagj, #summary, email # Flash flooding claims two lives, triggers mass rescue at Grand Canyon # Local emergency manager honored with statewide professional of the year award # Local health officials warn of surge in bat exposures and rabies costs # Health officials detail local preparedness for Ebola and agricultural pests # 77th annual county fair implements clear bag policy, enhanced hygiene protocols # Construction to begin on $12.7 million Joint Operations Center and storage barn # Board approves $1.5 million renovation for government meeting chambers # Public works reports record low vacancies and increased road tax revenues --- ### Flash flooding claims two lives, triggers mass rescue at Grand Canyon PAGE, Ariz. — Coconino County Emergency Management and the Coconino County Sheriff's Office are actively assisting the National Park Service following a devastating flash flood along Bright Angel Creek in the Grand Canyon. Emergency management reported two confirmed fatalities and one individual still missing after the flood washed away trails and severely damaged water infrastructure. First responders evacuated more than 60 stranded hikers by air while an additional 20 walked out. The incident prompted Stage 4 water restrictions and temporary overnight lodging closures at the South Rim, though park officials emphasized that surrounding communities and daytime park operations remain open for business. --- ### Local emergency manager honored with statewide professional of the year award PAGE, Ariz. — Tim Carter, the Coconino County Emergency Management Director, was named Emergency Management Professional of the Year by the Arizona Association of Emergency Managers. Carter was absent from the AzEM Annual Conference, however, as he was actively deployed to the Grand Canyon with an incident management team responding to recent fatal flash floods. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors praised Carter, who has been in his current role for less than two years, for his leadership and the successful implementation of a satellite text-alert system that warned river rafters of the impending canyon floods. --- ### Local health officials warn of surge in bat exposures and rabies costs PAGE, Ariz. — Coconino County Health and Human Services officials reported a significant spike in local bat exposures, driven largely by high summer heat prompting residents to leave unscreened windows open at night. Emergency room visits for initial rabies vaccines across Coconino County jumped from 45 in July of last year to 107 this July. Health officials stressed the importance of immediate medical consultation if a bat lands on a person, noting that bat teeth are so small a bite may go unnoticed. The initial emergency room vaccine, dosed by patient weight, can cost between $3,000 and $10,000, while follow-up doses administered by the local clinic cost Coconino County $450 each. --- ### Health officials detail local preparedness for Ebola and agricultural pests PAGE, Ariz. — Coconino County Health and Human Services briefed the Coconino County Board of Supervisors on behind-the-scenes monitoring for global and agricultural threats, including Ebola and the New World screwworm. In August, local epidemiologists actively monitored 12 individuals who returned to the area from African regions experiencing Ebola outbreaks, ensuring they remained symptom-free for 21 days. Additionally, agricultural officials are on high alert for the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly larva currently detected in Texas, with local staff actively conducting tabletop exercises to prepare for potential threats to the local cattle industry. In a separate preparedness scenario, the county is also conducting drive-thru antibiotic dispensing drills. --- ### 77th annual county fair implements clear bag policy, enhanced hygiene protocols COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. — Preparations are in the final stages for the 77th annual Coconino County Fair this Labor Day weekend, which will feature 21 food vendors, new mainstage country music acts and a new clear bag policy for attendees. Coconino County Health and Human Services rolled out a public health campaign advising fairgoers to wash hands thoroughly after visiting animal barns and before eating. Officials warned against bringing food, drinks or strollers into livestock areas to prevent the transmission of E. coli and salmonella, noting that environmental health inspectors have preemptively cleared all food vendors for safety. --- ### Construction to begin on $12.7 million Joint Operations Center and storage barn COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. — Contractors will break ground in the coming weeks on a major new Coconino County infrastructure project at the Sheep Hill campus. The project features a $6.2 million, 9,300-square-foot Joint Operations Center that will house emergency management and flood control, alongside a $6.5 million, 17,600-square-foot Vehicle Storage Building for Coconino County Public Works. Funded primarily by federal grants, the new facilities will also include a 3,000-square-foot conference room. Construction is expected to take approximately one year, with completion targeted for late 2027. --- ### Board approves $1.5 million renovation for government meeting chambers COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors chambers will undergo a $1.5 million renovation beginning this December to address safety, security and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance issues. The 14-week construction project will overhaul the main lobby and construct a dedicated executive session room. During the renovations, public meetings will temporarily relocate to a secondary meeting room, which has been retrofitted with the necessary technology and security measures to broadcast public meetings and host executive sessions. --- ### Public works reports record low vacancies and increased road tax revenues COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. — The Coconino County Public Works department reported its lowest vacancy rate in a decade, currently sitting at just 16 percent, following successful recruitment efforts that recruited experienced workers from the regional labor market. The department also announced a $381,000 surplus in expected Proposition 403 road maintenance sales tax revenues, allowing for expanded local road improvements. Two major capital road projects, each exceeding $2 million, are currently underway on Double A Ranch Road and Spring Valley Road, utilizing the surplus funds to widen shoulders and improve school access ahead of the winter shutdown. --- --- Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below: [Contact Us](https://www.citizenjournal.us/contact/) --- [![Job Board](https://rosebud-ads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/JOB.png)](https://gregl72.github.io/job/?ref=citizenjournal.us)