Globe local news summary

City rushes to document flood damage ahead of DEMA deadline

Flood cleanup costs mount with ratification of emergency contracts

Council prioritizes Pinal Creek dredging over aesthetic repairs

Emergency sewer repairs authorized for Sycamore Street

Fiscal year 2023 audit shows clean opinion despite delays

City's net financial position improves by $7.1 million

Feasibility study approved for new fire station on Ash Street

Resolution Copper donates $100,000 for ladder truck

City seeks $3 million grant for downtown building cleanup

County faces multi-million dollar cash flow strain for flood repairs

Officials outline aggressive 220-day timeline for flood mitigation

County changes approach to community college funding

Supervisors approve veterans retreat fees despite competition concerns

Board addresses rising homeowner insurance cancellations

County seeks to outsource jail medical services due to staffing shortages

Payson courthouse remodel completed under budget

City rushes to document flood damage ahead of DEMA deadline

GLOBE, Ariz. — City Manager Paul Jepson informed the city council that staff is racing against a Dec. 28 deadline to submit a comprehensive list of damages from the September flood events to the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs. Officials are adopting a strategy to include every conceivable item of damage, from major infrastructure to a mud-clogged water fountain, to ensure eligibility for potential reimbursement. Jepson emphasized that any damage not included on this 60-day list would be ineligible for future state or federal funding.

Flood cleanup costs mount with ratification of emergency contracts

GLOBE, Ariz. — The city council ratified multiple emergency contracts totaling nearly $137,000 for immediate flood response, including debris removal and the use of heavy equipment by Sullivan Paving, LLC and Wolverine Daylighting. The city anticipates that 75 percent of these costs will be reimbursed by the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, leaving the city responsible for the remaining 25 percent, which will be covered by the wastewater and public works budgets.

Council prioritizes Pinal Creek dredging over aesthetic repairs

GLOBE, Ariz. — The city council directed staff to prioritize sediment removal from Pinal Creek using Natural Resources Conservation Service funding, which requires projects to be completed within 220 days. City Manager Paul Jepson and council members agreed that restoring the creek bed to historical flow levels is the primary safety concern, delaying requests from residents for retaining wall repairs and aesthetic improvements. The city plans to use a "construction manager at risk" model to expedite the dredging process, aiming to clear the channel from Bear Creek to the wastewater treatment plant before future storms occur.

Emergency sewer repairs authorized for Sycamore Street

GLOBE, Ariz. — The city council approved an emergency payment of $41,386 to EarthQuest Plumbing LLC for the reconfiguration of sewer lines at 950 and 990 E. Sycamore St. Public works officials expedited the project under the city's common line replacement program because active sewage was backing up into a residence. The repair requires the property owners to sign a waiver accepting responsibility for the lines moving forward, which will be recorded with the county.

Fiscal year 2023 audit shows clean opinion despite delays

GLOBE, Ariz. — The city council unanimously approved the fiscal year 2023 financial audit presented by Scott Graff of Colby & Powell, PLC, which offered a "clean opinion" with no significant findings of misstatements or fraud. However, the auditor noted that the city missed the state-mandated nine-month deadline for submitting the report and urged the finance department to catch up by March 31 for the 2025 audit.

City's net financial position improves by $7.1 million

GLOBE, Ariz. — Despite ongoing challenges with flood recovery, the audit revealed that the city of Globe's total net financial position improved by $7.1 million over the previous fiscal year. While governmental activities saw a $7.5 million increase, business-type activities, such as sewer and water services, decreased by roughly $418,000. Auditors noted that while the net position increased to nearly $18 million, much of that value is tied up in capital assets like streets and bridges, rather than spendable cash reserves.

Feasibility study approved for new fire station on Ash Street

GLOBE, Ariz. — The city council approved a $16,000 contract to provide a conceptual design and cost proposal for a new fire station located at 703 E. Ash St. This professional services agreement is a first step toward replacing aging infrastructure. The study will determine the feasibility of the site and prepare initial elevations required for full design and future funding.

Resolution Copper donates $100,000 for ladder truck

GLOBE, Ariz. — Representatives from Resolution Copper presented a $100,000 donation to the city to assist with the purchase of a 110-foot ladder truck for the fire department. The donation is part of the mining company's broader effort to support flood recovery and regional safety. Mayor Al Gameros thanked the company for its partnership and support since the onset of the flooding events.

City seeks $3 million grant for downtown building cleanup

GLOBE, Ariz. — The city council authorized staff to apply for a $3 million brownfield cleanup grant to mitigate environmental hazards at the city-owned Haven Building to prepare it for future development, potentially as senior housing. During the discussion, council members raised concerns about the current condition of the property, noting overgrown weeds and debris. Staff confirmed that public works crews have been maintaining the exterior while the city actively seeks a developer for the property.

County faces multi-million dollar cash flow strain for flood repairs

GILA COUNTY, Ariz. - The Gila County Board of Supervisors received a sobering financial update regarding ongoing cleanup efforts following the September and October storms. Public Works Director Steve Sanders and County Manager James Menlove detailed a complex web of funding needs, projecting that the county requires approximately $10.2 million in cash flow to manage immediate repairs while waiting for potential federal reimbursement. Menlove outlined difficult options to bridge the gap, including scaling back projects, securing financing or potentially enacting a tax levy within the county's Flood Control District. "We're sediment-rich," Project Manager Homero Vela told the board, highlighting the massive scope of debris removal required.

Officials outline aggressive 220-day timeline for flood mitigation

GILA COUNTY, Ariz. - Public works staff presented an urgent timeline for infrastructure repairs, noting that projects funded through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) must be completed within 220 days. The county plans to utilize a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) to expedite $20 million in projects, including the restoration of Russell Gulch and stabilization of Copper Hill Road and Six Shooter Canyon. Vela warned the board that time is a "driver in the decision-making," as delays could jeopardize funding and leave the community vulnerable to future storms.

County changes approach to community college funding

GILA COUNTY, Ariz. - County Manager Menlove reported on a recent meeting with the Gila Community College District (GCCD) Governing Board regarding the county's $250,000 annual contribution. The county will no longer automatically provide these funds for accreditation purposes, as the original agreement was with the now-defunct Gila Community College District entity. However, the funds remain in the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget. Menlove clarified that the college must now present specific programs—such as training for heavy equipment operators, healthcare workers or office staff—to the Board of Supervisors for approval to access the funding.

Supervisors approve veterans retreat fees despite competition concerns

GILA COUNTY, Ariz. - The board voted unanimously to adopt a fee schedule for the Pleasant Valley Veterans Retreat effective Jan. 1, 2026, though not without significant debate regarding fair market pricing. District 3 Supervisor Woody Cline expressed concern that the proposed $20 per night fee for RV accommodations would undercut private business owners in Young, noting that local competitors charge around $40. While county staff explained the fees were designed for affordability and not full cost recovery, the board agreed to move forward with the current schedule to establish the facility's licensing, with plans to revisit the pricing structure and nonveteran usage policies in January.

Board addresses rising homeowner insurance cancellations

GILA COUNTY, Ariz. - During the meeting's reporting phase, supervisors discussed a growing volume of constituent complaints regarding the cancellation of homeowner insurance policies due to fire risk ratings. Supervisor Cline noted a "big push" of dropped policies in the Christopher Creek and Ponderosa Springs areas. County Manager Menlove confirmed that Governor Katie Hobbs' office is involved and has provided a list of insurance agents willing to write policies in affected areas, which the county plans to distribute to residents.

County seeks to outsource jail medical services due to staffing shortages

GILA COUNTY, Ariz. - Citing ongoing struggles to hire and retain nursing staff for detention facilities, the board authorized the advertisement of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for comprehensive inmate health care. County Health and Emergency Services Director Michael O'Driscoll explained that the unique environment of a detention center and competitive private-sector wages make it difficult to maintain internal staffing. The proposed move aims to secure a contractor to manage all medical services for in-custody adults.

Payson courthouse remodel completed under budget

GILA COUNTY, Ariz. - The renovation of the Payson Regional Justice Court is officially complete, finishing ahead of schedule and under budget. The project utilized American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to add approximately 620 square feet of operational space, including an expanded security checkpoint, a larger courtroom and full ADA compliance upgrades. County staff noted that by using in-house resources for relocation during construction, the county saved an estimated $80,000 to $120,000. The board approved a contract amendment to finalize the project's administrative closeout.

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