Globe local news summary

City awaits federal approval on $33.6 million disaster declaration

Council clarifies cost-sharing for flood recovery

Residents and businesses secure $3.5 million in SBA loans

Council ratifies $693,000 contract for emergency water and sewer repairs

Heavy equipment contract ratified for creek debris removal

Donated holiday lights aim to boost downtown morale

County addresses shrinking lifespan of Russell Gulch Landfill

Manager warns of potential need for loans to cover flood repairs

Taxpayers to fund $75,000 acoustic fix for new complex

Monument project moves forward at new location

Contract approved for armed security at courthouses

State High School Rodeo finals coming to Globe

City awaits federal approval on $33.6 million disaster declaration

GLOBE, Ariz. - The city council received an update on a federal disaster declaration submitted to the White House on Oct. 27. The request totals $33.6 million and covers extensive damages from the Sept. 26 flood, including more than $16 million for the sewer system, demolition costs for the Silver King and Rogue buildings and bridge repairs. While the declaration has been accepted by the White House, it currently awaits the president's signature to unlock Federal Emergency Management Agency funds.

Council clarifies cost-sharing for flood recovery

GLOBE, Ariz. - During a presentation on flood recovery funding, city staff clarified the financial burden on local taxpayers. Currently, recovery costs are reimbursable at a rate of 75 percent from the state, leaving the city responsible for 25 percent. However, if the federal declaration is signed, the reimbursement structure shifts to 75 percent federal, 15 percent state and 10 percent local. City Manager Paul Jepson noted that Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs and Federal Emergency Management Agency funds are payers of last resort intended for public infrastructure not covered by insurance.

Residents and businesses secure $3.5 million in SBA loans

GLOBE, Ariz. - Amid the wait for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance, Mayor Al Gameros reported that local residents and business owners have successfully secured approximately $3.5 million in loans through the Small Business Administration. Gameros praised the program as the one federal entity currently taking decisive action to assist the private sector. Officials noted that while a potential FEMA declaration could unlock grants of $5,000 to $50,000 for individuals, the application process is expected to be complex and strict.

Council ratifies $693,000 contract for emergency water and sewer repairs

GLOBE, Ariz. - The council voted to ratify a contract with Apache Underground and Excavating LLC totaling $693,833 for emergency infrastructure repairs. The council authorized an initial partial payment of $361,633 while city staff works with the vendor to secure more detailed invoicing required for future federal reimbursement. The contractor was verbally deployed immediately following the flood to address critical damages to the city’s water and sewer systems.

Heavy equipment contract ratified for creek debris removal

GLOBE, Ariz. - The council ratified an $82,250 contract with a construction contractor for heavy equipment support utilized during the flood response. The contractor was responsible for using heavy machinery to remove debris from local creeks, though they did not handle vehicle towing. This expense is budgeted through the city’s Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs 2025 flood account and will be submitted for reimbursement.

Donated holiday lights aim to boost downtown morale

GLOBE, Ariz. - The council accepted a donation of services from Christmas Light Decorators, a company that offered to install, rent and remove holiday decorations for the city at no cost. The company deployed a crew and bucket trucks to decorate downtown Globe, including the installation of a tree at the courthouse, to bring hope to the community following the disaster. The initiative is a collaboration between the city, the chamber of commerce and the downtown association, coinciding with reopening ribbon cuttings for flood-impacted businesses.

1County addresses shrinking lifespan of Russell Gulch Landfill

GLOBE, Ariz. - The Gila County Board of Supervisors authorized a request for proposals to expand the Russell Gulch Landfill, a project designated as Cell 3B. Public works staff estimated the expansion will provide approximately 10 to 12 years of capacity, prompting urgent discussions regarding the facility's long-term future. Supervisor Woody Cline characterized the situation as the "second emergency in two years" at the landfill, urging immediate planning for when the site reaches capacity. The project has a budget of $2 million, though staff noted that the previous cell expansion cost significantly more than anticipated due to unforeseen challenges.

Manager warns of potential need for loans to cover flood repairs

GLOBE, Ariz. - County Manager James Menlove reported that the county remains under a declared state of emergency regarding recent flooding and warned the board that the county may need to secure loans of $5 million to $10 million to manage cash flow for repairs. While the county is pursuing reimbursement through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Menlove noted that federal reimbursements can be slow. To expedite the tight 220-day timeline for NRCS projects, the county has rehired former Public Works Director Homero Vela as a consultant to coordinate the recovery efforts.

Taxpayers to fund $75,000 acoustic fix for new complex

GLOBE, Ariz. - The board approved a contract not to exceed $74,987 with Norcon Industries Inc. to install acoustical panels at the Tommy C. Martin Complex in Payson. An assessment revealed sound reverberation issues in the hearing room that impact the clarity of court proceedings and public meetings. Supervisor Woody Cline voted for the measure but criticized the situation, stating, "We spend an extraordinary amount of money fixing a bunch of stuff after the building is built," suggesting the original architects should have foreseen the sound issues.

Monument project moves forward at new location

GLOBE, Ariz. - A contract for $67,518 was awarded to GH2 Architects LLC to provide design services for the "Rally Round the Flags" monument. The project, originally planned for a different site, has been relocated to the Tommy C. Martin Complex. The design will include engineering for flag pedestals and lighting to display the U.S., Arizona, POW/MIA and Armed Forces flags. County officials estimate the total construction cost could reach approximately $180,000, part of which will be funded by a $33,085 donation from a local veterans group and constituent funds from the supervisors.

Contract approved for armed security at courthouses

GLOBE, Ariz. - The board approved a contract with American Guard Services Inc. to provide armed guard services for county facilities, including the Globe and Payson courthouses and the Tommy C. Martin Complex. The contract, funded through the courts' budget, is not to exceed $462,375 and runs through October 2026. Staff noted that this is a renewal of services and indicated that the contract will be put out for a competitive bid process upon its expiration.

State High School Rodeo finals coming to Globe

GLOBE, Ariz. - The board approved an economic development agreement with the Arizona High School Rodeo Association to host their rodeo event at the Gila County Fairgrounds in Globe on March 14-15, 2026. Supervisor Tim Humphrey praised the agreement as a significant step in revitalizing the fairgrounds, noting the facility had previously been underutilized. Staff indicated they are currently working with contractors to address specific soil concerns raised by the association to ensure the grounds are ready for the competition.

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