Assessor seeks staff to clear 6,000-permit backlog, capture property tax revenue

Assessor implements new security measures to combat deed fraud

Scarcity of developable land slows new home construction in Coconino County

Renewable energy projects generate massive permit fees for county

Postal Service changes raise concerns for rural, Native American voters

Lack of USPS postmarks complicates property tax collections

In-house investment management saves taxpayers $1 million annually

Grand Canyon Community Library slated for safety and aesthetic upgrade

New county bookmobile to feature local wildlife art wrap

Assessor seeks staff to clear 6,000-permit backlog, capture property tax revenue

COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. - The Coconino County Assessor's Office, led by Assessor Armando Ruiz, is requesting additional staff to tackle a backlog of approximately 6,000 unassessed building permits that could be leaving property tax revenue on the table. The office informed the Coconino County Board of Supervisors that current staffing only allows the department to keep pace with the 2,000 new permits arriving annually. A request was made for a permanent appraiser III position to help clear the backlog — which includes high-value commercial properties — within two years, though Coconino County management currently recommends a three-year limited-term position.

Assessor implements new security measures to combat deed fraud

COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. - In response to growing national and local concerns over deed fraud, the Coconino County Assessor's Office has launched an online mailing address change process with enhanced security measures. The office explained that fraudsters often attempt to change a property's mailing address as a first step in illegally claiming ownership of a home. The new system aims to ensure that property assessments and tax bills go only to the rightful owners, part of a broader collaboration with the Coconino County Recorder's Office and the Arizona State Legislature to prevent fraudulent property transfers.

Scarcity of developable land slows new home construction in Coconino County

COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. - Single-family home building permits have dropped significantly in Coconino County, a trend Community Development Director Jay Christelman attributes to a lack of developable land. Christelman reported that while neighboring counties are experiencing building booms, Coconino's available lots are often hindered by steep slopes, rock formations or a lack of utilities. Despite the drop in new home construction, the department expects to process over 5,000 total permits this year, driven instead by a surge in residential remodels, solar installations and short-term rental modifications.

Renewable energy projects generate massive permit fees for county

COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. - Large-scale renewable energy projects are providing a significant boost to Coconino County's permit revenues. The community development department recently processed about $450,000 in standard permit fees for a utility-scale solar project, the CO Bar Solar Array, which connects to the Navajo Southern Transmission System. With at least two more major wind and solar projects in the queue, the county is utilizing a contracted building official to train local inspectors on the complex requirements of commercial solar construction.

Postal Service changes raise concerns for rural, Native American voters

COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. - Recent changes to U.S. Postal Service operations could threaten mail-in voting access for rural Coconino County residents, particularly on the Navajo Nation. The Coconino County Recorder's Office, under Recorder Aubrey Sonderegger, informed the Coconino County Board of Supervisors that USPS limits on overtime and reduced service hours can delay mail delivery in remote areas. In response, the office is expanding its Native American outreach program, utilizing a mobile voting trailer to provide in-person early voting at chapter houses so residents do not have to rely on the mail to cast their ballots.

Lack of USPS postmarks complicates property tax collections

COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. - Property owners mailing their tax payments are facing issues due to recent changes in U.S. Postal Service postmarking practices. The Treasurer's Office, led by Sarah Benatar, reported that local post offices are frequently failing to postmark mail or are routing it through Phoenix, making it difficult to verify if taxpayers met the legal payment deadline. To prevent residents from being unfairly hit with delinquent interest fees, the Coconino County Treasurer's Office has had to offer grace periods and manually review individual payment histories to confirm when checks were actually mailed.

In-house investment management saves taxpayers $1 million annually

COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. - The Coconino County Treasurer's Office is saving taxpayers roughly $1 million a year by managing the county's pooled investment portfolio in-house. The office reported that the team currently manages up to $450 million in public monies for the county, schools and special districts. By conducting cash flow analysis and portfolio management internally rather than hiring outside corporate firms, the department minimizes administrative costs and maximizes the interest earnings that are directly returned to local taxing districts.

Grand Canyon Community Library slated for safety and aesthetic upgrade

COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. - The Grand Canyon Community Library is set to receive a major package of facility upgrades this coming year to address safety and infrastructure needs. The project will include improved fire safety features, updated plumbing, new carpeting, fresh paint and the removal of an old vault door to prevent accidental lock-ins. Library officials noted the upgrades come as the branch has more than doubled its community programming over the past year.

New county bookmobile to feature local wildlife art wrap

COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. - The Coconino County Library District's highly anticipated new bookmobile will soon hit the road wrapped in custom artwork highlighting the region's native wildlife. The design by local artist Dana Kainberg was selected from 49 proposals and features animals representing communities across northern Arizona. Expected to arrive this summer, the new vehicle will support expanded outreach programs, including dementia-friendly activities, bilingual storytimes in Navajo and Spanish and children's summer reading initiatives.

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