City reactivates Municipal Property Corporation for infrastructure financing

City leaders back $25 million state bill for flood recovery

Officials warn of legislative threat to municipal food tax

FEMA returns to re-evaluate community appeal

Board overturns planning commission, granting conditional use permit to Nathan and Amber Young

County seeks reimbursement for $18.3 million in flood recovery costs

State legislation threatens control of local flood funding

Contract approved for major upgrades to jail security system

Sheriff's office secures $775,000 grant for border support and tactical team

Contract awarded for Gibson Ranch Road improvements

City reactivates Municipal Property Corporation for infrastructure financing

GLOBE, Ariz. — The Globe City Council voted to reactivate the Municipal Property Corporation, a legal tool established in 2007 to support and finance city projects. Vice Mayor Mike Stapleton, acting as the corporation's president, noted that while the entity has existed for years, it has not been actively used. Facing increasing infrastructure needs, the council decided to update the bylaws and position the corporation as a mechanism to plan responsibly for future developments, ensuring full transparency and alignment with council direction.

City leaders back $25 million state bill for flood recovery

GLOBE, Ariz. — Mayor Al Gameros and the council announced their support for House Bill 2070, sponsored by state Rep. Walt Blackman. The bill proposes a $25 million appropriation to Gila County to assist with ongoing recovery efforts following recent wildfires and subsequent flooding. City officials emphasized the necessity of the funding for the Globe-Miami area and recently traveled to the state Capitol to advocate for the bill's passage.

Officials warn of legislative threat to municipal food tax

GLOBE, Ariz. — City Manager Paul Jepson and Mayor Al Gameros warned of renewed legislative efforts to eliminate the municipal food tax. Gameros noted that losing this revenue stream would cost the city of Globe approximately $1 million annually, forcing significant cuts to the operating budget. Jepson defended the tax as a vital tool that allows visitors and travelers passing through the city to contribute to the cost of public services like police and fire protection.

FEMA returns to re-evaluate community appeal

GLOBE, Ariz. — Mayor Al Gameros expressed gratitude that Federal Emergency Management Agency representatives returned to the city to take a second look at the community's damage. The city is currently in the process of an appeal regarding disaster assistance. Officials remain hopeful that the re-evaluation will lead to a favorable result regarding federal aid for the area.

Board overturns planning commission, granting conditional use permit to Nathan and Amber Young

GILA COUNTY, Ariz. — The Gila County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to modify a recommendation from the planning and zoning commission regarding a property in the Tonto Basin area, granting a conditional use permit to Nathan and Amber Young. While the commission had recommended denying the permit due to cited zoning violations—including unpermitted structures and utility connections—the board moved to approve the request after hearing testimony regarding the family's medical hardships. The supervisors granted the family 90 days to bring the property into compliance and reapply for a home building permit or face enforcement actions.

County seeks reimbursement for $18.3 million in flood recovery costs

GILA COUNTY, Ariz. — The board adopted a resolution declaring its official intent to be reimbursed for capital expenditures related to the September 2025 flooding events, a legal step allowing the county to borrow funds or issue bonds to cover estimated recovery bills of just under $18.3 million. County Manager James Menlove clarified that the resolution enables the county to retroactively reimburse itself for expenses incurred up to 60 days prior, acting as a bridge for cash flow while officials await potential reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or the state.

State legislation threatens control of local flood funding

GILA COUNTY, Ariz. — County Manager James Menlove reported a significant legislative shift regarding $25 million in flood relief funding, revealing that a bill originally intended to appropriate funds directly to southern Gila County, the town of Miami, and the city of Globe has been altered via a "striker" amendment. The modified bill would now route the money to the Arizona Department of Emergency Management rather than local municipalities, potentially limiting local control over infrastructure repairs; county officials are scheduled to testify at the state legislature to advocate for the original direct funding model.

Contract approved for major upgrades to jail security system

GILA COUNTY, Ariz. — The supervisors approved a contract not to exceed $568,878 with APIC Solutions LLC to replace the Gila County Jail's failing access control system, which detention staff described as the "heartbeat of the jail." Detention Commander Ray Fulton noted that the 25-year-old system has left main gates and numerous cell doors inoperable, forcing staff to use keys for manual entry, with the cost of the safety upgrade to be split between the county's general fund and the Sheriff's Jail Enhancement Fund.

Sheriff's office secures $775,000 grant for border support and tactical team

GILA COUNTY, Ariz. — The board approved a funding agreement with the Arizona Department of Public Safety for a Local Border Support grant totaling $775,178, which will cover salaries and expenses for a K-9 sergeant and two deputies, as well as the purchase of a dual-purpose K-9. Additionally, the grant will fund equipment and training for a regional tactical team being developed in cooperation with the Payson Police Department to enhance inter-agency emergency response capabilities.

Contract awarded for Gibson Ranch Road improvements

GILA COUNTY, Ariz. — After a lengthy planning process, the board awarded a $1.46 million contract to Perkins Cinders Inc. for the Gibson Ranch Roadway Improvement Project. Public Works Director Tom Goodman noted that the project involves 2.5 miles of road work—including the removal of old pavement, subgrade work, and the installation of a double chip seal pavement from the State Route 87 cattle guard to the subsequent cattle guard—with construction expected to begin in April or May.

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