Globe local news summary

City takes over flood recovery as external teams depart

Officials outline complex disaster reimbursement process

Gift clause limits city’s direct aid to private property owners, official says

Residential flood relief grants increased to $7,500

City explores federal buyout program for heavily damaged homes

Public works crews continue extensive sewer line clearing

Two city bridges remain closed; repairs estimated in the hundreds of thousands

Local businesses begin reopening after flood

Board approves over $65,000 for Globe-Miami flood relief efforts

Supervisors debate future of RVs in heated work session

Buckhead Mesa landfill expansion moves forward with environmental study

Board recognizes public works employees for landfill crisis aversion

City takes over flood recovery as external teams depart

GLOBE, Ariz. — The City of Globe has transitioned to managing its own flood recovery efforts as the external emergency management team has departed, officials announced at Tuesday’s council meeting. City staff are now leading the ongoing process, which includes reprioritizing public works projects and coordinating damage repair. City Manager Paul Jepson acknowledged the rapid pace of both public and private sector recovery but asked for public patience as the city works to address storm and flood damage while moving forward with pre-planned projects.

Officials outline complex disaster reimbursement process

GLOBE, Ariz. — City officials clarified that potential state and federal disaster aid is primarily for public infrastructure and will not directly reimburse private citizens for damages. During a flood recovery update, the city’s finance representative explained that the process is a reimbursement, not upfront cash, and can take years to complete. Officials said the city is pursuing state assistance and a federal disaster declaration. If a federal declaration is approved, reimbursement rates for eligible public infrastructure can be higher.

Gift clause limits city’s direct aid to private property owners, official says

GLOBE, Ariz. — The City of Globe is constitutionally prohibited from giving public funds directly to private individuals or businesses without receiving a direct public benefit in return, City Attorney William J. Simms explained at Tuesday’s meeting. Simms cited the Arizona Constitution’s “Gift Clause” when asked why the city cannot pay for private property repairs. He clarified that the city’s contribution to business relief is structured to secure a direct public benefit, such as getting businesses reopened and restoring sales tax revenue.

Residential flood relief grants increased to $7,500

GLOBE, Ariz. — The maximum grant for homeowners impacted by recent flooding has been increased from $4,500 to $7,500 per household, officials announced Tuesday. The increase is supported by Arizona Public Service contributions to flood relief administered locally, including funds routed through the Salvation Army and the United Fund of Globe-Miami. The Residential Relief Grant Program, facilitated by the Salvation Army, provides funds for reconstruction costs, materials and labor. Officials clarified the aid is designated for flood-related damage, not storm wind damage, and that applicants without homeowner’s insurance may be directed to Small Business Administration disaster loans.

City explores federal buyout program for heavily damaged homes

GLOBE, Ariz. — The city is researching a federal program through the Natural Resources Conservation Service that could potentially buy out residential properties that are no longer livable due to flood damage. Councilman Mariano Gonzalez noted a similar Federal Emergency Management Agency program was used successfully in the region in the past. If implemented, the program would purchase properties at fair market value based on an appraisal and place a permanent open-space restriction on the land.

Public works crews continue extensive sewer line clearing

GLOBE, Ariz. — Public works crews and contractors are continuing the laborious process of clearing the city’s main sewer line of rocks, sand and debris deposited by the flood. Public Works Director John Angulo reported that crews are systematically jetting and inspecting the line, working downstream toward the wastewater treatment plant. Angulo also noted that repairs on a damaged 12-inch water main are underway and that crews are beginning to address smaller-scale issues like damaged sidewalks, curbs and handrails.

Two city bridges remain closed; repairs estimated in the hundreds of thousands

GLOBE, Ariz. — The Haskins Road and Yuma Street bridges will remain closed or restricted as the city seeks funding for major repairs and safety upgrades. Officials said repairs are expected to cost in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The bridges are on a priority list for regional funding, but a final decision on that aid may not come until 2026, forcing the city to determine a mid-term strategy.

Local businesses begin reopening after flood

GLOBE, Ariz. — Several downtown businesses are working toward reopening following cleanup and repairs after last month’s flood, Vice Mayor Mike Stapleton announced. A downtown restaurant reopened over the weekend, El Ranchito is progressing through repairs, Highway 60 Motors resumed operations and La Casita is working toward reopening in early November. Stapleton encouraged residents to support local businesses as they come back online.

Board approves over $65,000 for Globe-Miami flood relief efforts

GLOBE, Ariz. – The Gila County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved two separate economic development agreements totaling $65,000 to aid in recovery efforts following severe flooding in the Globe-Miami area. The board unanimously approved a $15,000 grant to the Globe Downtown Association to assist with cleanup and restoration activities for damaged historic properties and businesses. A second, larger grant of $50,000 was approved for the United Fund of Globe-Miami, Inc., to support its flood relief matching challenge, which helps residents and businesses with recovery costs. County Manager James Menlove noted this contribution joins a wider community effort that includes a $1 million pledge from Resolution Copper.

Supervisors debate future of RVs in heated work session

GLOBE, Ariz. – Recreational vehicles became the focus of a lengthy and spirited work session Tuesday, as supervisors debated how to regulate their use in unincorporated areas of the county. While no official action was taken, the board gave staff direction to begin drafting a standalone ordinance. Key discussion points included public health risks from improper waste disposal, impacts on property values and the lack of tax revenue from RVs used as dwellings. Supervisors expressed differing views, with Supervisor Tim Humphrey advocating for stricter rules, including septic system requirements and permits, to prevent blight, while Supervisor Woody Cline defended the rights of property owners and cautioned against overregulation, noting that RVs provide an affordable housing option for many.

Buckhead Mesa landfill expansion moves forward with environmental study

GLOBE, Ariz. – A critical step in expanding the Buckhead Mesa Landfill was approved Tuesday as the board awarded a $238,000 contract to Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc. The firm will prepare the necessary environmental documents and clearances required for the project to proceed. The expansion is a key long-term waste management priority for the county. A brief discussion arose regarding the contract’s initial term, which ends in January 2026, but staff and the county attorney clarified that the term is tied to a renewable state contract and the work is expected to continue for approximately one year.

Board recognizes public works employees for landfill crisis aversion

GLOBE, Ariz. – Fifteen employees from the Gila County Public Works Department received special recognition Tuesday for their exceptional work in stabilizing the Russell Gulch Landfill. Supervisor Tim Humphrey explained that engineering and expansion issues had left the landfill in “pretty rough shape,” threatening its closure. Over Labor Day weekend and beyond, the team of operators, mechanics and managers from Globe and Payson collaborated to redesign and rebuild the landfill’s tipping floor and hauling roads, ensuring it remained operational. Humphrey noted their quick work was crucial, as the landfill’s closure would have been disastrous during the subsequent floods.

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