[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6351470,"mediaKeyId","2230153-f7bbd091b0566fbcf6fc85980d2abde3","parentId",2230153,"title","Greenlee County board opens formal process to pursue state land at 'the Y' for housing","audioSeconds",4112,"startMs",5193000,"endMs",9305000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2230153-f7bbd091b0566fbcf6fc85980d2abde3&start=5193&end=9305","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2230153-f7bbd091b0566fbcf6fc85980d2abde3/thumbnail_5193000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6351470/Greenlee-County/Arizona/Greenlee-County-board-opens-formal-process-to-pursue-state-land-at-the-Y-for-housing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6351470-a8d4025f546410e2eccb12d9f4c6d2a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775563322&Signature=XP6e~YCknWhqw8NLTvOGZUtzLg6SbP4m7c9wIAOgSAOgTI-TR1l4-wE4Qirf27LymXXNrReIRIPmLZ6YO3MRjoNJeKAIgaWt9c1gcPubOYTkvNYgqQs290zBegq9H2F4Nl5csuLeYyAmZTO8uODbqGMog3kECgPxYE3FOp-7zAcpX7Xt7PI3BARgjX2pAmNdn6wP2NquikjQQPf8zy1xyY9oFDvbpCZQriAh5fCvVaSXHgFh~GduT2g6SDeQSbgj9ZvyEEHwFkODThD-0I8bpfwuR41e5MxzH4fQGXNUWpAc20R9ga7ywAblcmfa4Zj4DhTEk78JPViKF6TTWiajHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Greenlee County, AZ","date","2025-02-05T06:54:16Z","article","The Greenlee County Board of Supervisors voted to formally begin the process of acquiring state trust land around the site known locally as “the Y,” directing staff to open an application and continue technical work while the board defines exact parcel dimensions.

The vote followed a two‑hour work session in which county staff reviewed likely parcel configurations, timelines, hydrology findings and options for partnering with private developers or creating a county housing program.

County staff said the parcels under consideration include a mix of relatively flat mesa tops and steeper drainages; preliminary mapping suggests 50–65 half‑acre lots could be developed on the most buildable portions of a roughly 115‑acre footprint, while larger polygon calls could encompass several hundred acres. Reid, a county land‑use specialist, said exact acreages will be set after further surveying and consultation with State Trust Land Office staff.

Why this matters: The board framed the item as an attempt to increase local housing supply in a market tied to mining employment. Staff repeatedly described water availability and treatment, the timing of state processes, and private‑market interest as the riskiest factors for any future subdivision or development. The board voted to initiate the official state‑land application process so the county can gather more information before deciding whether to bid at auction.

What staff told the board
County staff laid out three parallel tracks they expect to run: (1) a formal state‑land application and mapping process, (2) a water availability assessment (desktop hydrogeologic study now, possible test wells later) and (3) outreach to potential private partners and local water providers. The county has commissioned a hydrologist’s desktop analysis and has scheduled a follow‑up meeting with that consultant.

Staff estimated the county’s upfront costs to prepare a state‑land application and baseline surveys at roughly $30,000–$50,000 if the footprint and investigative scope grow; earlier, smaller steps (mapping, an initial application fee) would cost substantially less. Staff advised board members that if the process advances to auction, total sunk preparatory costs will be materially higher and the board will face a discrete “decision point” about whether to bid or withdraw.

Water and infrastructure concerns
A principal topic during the work session was water. Staff said legal water rights and physical availability are separate questions: even where wells exist nearby, water quality (the presentation noted historical arsenic incidents) and sustainable yield matter to developers and regulators. A local water operator that has bought systems in the region (identified in the meeting as Cactus State/Central States affiliate) provided a statement of interest: the company said it could work with a developer or community owner to extend service, but stressed it would not finance major infrastructure and that developers generally pay up‑front for engineering and extensions. Staff said any required arsenic treatment would add cost.

Timeline and state process
County staff described prior experience with state‑land transactions and said the process can be lengthy: earlier local purchases took roughly 24–34 months from initial work to auction, though staff said an optimistic, expedited path could be shorter. The State Trust Land Office has discussed “staging” — selling a single larger call in phases — but staff said the mechanics of staging must be clarified with the trust office.

Market and developer interest
Staff summarized earlier housing analyses showing demand concentrated near mines and existing services; they cautioned a single datapoint such as a housing authority waiting list should not be treated as a precise demand forecast. Staff said some private developers have previously examined nearby parcels but withdrawn, often because of unresolved water or infrastructure questions. The board discussed whether the county should act only to enable private development (pre‑zoning, infrastructure planning) or whether the county should itself buy‑and‑prepare parcels — with the latter option requiring much larger financial commitment and exposing taxpayers to development risk.

Options discussed
Board members and staff debated tools and structures including: pre‑zoning state land before sale to increase development value; county lot subdivision versus lot splitting; using a county housing authority to develop or finance housing; staged auctions; and public‑private partnerships to move down‑risk steps (e.g., paying for test wells or off‑site infrastructure). Staff cautioned the board against “sunk‑cost” logic and urged that each stage be a stand‑alone decision point: continue, pause, or stop.

Board action and next steps
Following discussion, the board voted to direct staff to formally begin the state‑land acquisition process for land near the Y between Loma Linda and Verdelia (exact parcel dimensions to be determined later). Staff said they will meet with the county‑commissioned hydrogeologist and with the State Trust Land Office, refine the polygon that will be filed, continue outreach to potential private partners and report back with additional technical findings and recommended decision points.

What remains unresolved
Staff and board members said they do not yet know whether the site has sufficient sustainable groundwater for large‑scale development, nor whether private developers will commit to financing infrastructure. The board acknowledged that the process is likely to take many months and that any final decision to bid at auction would come only after additional technical and market information.

Ending note
Supervisors said the goal of starting the process is to assemble the technical and market information needed so the board can make an informed decision later — whether that is selling parcels to a private developer after pre‑zoning, creating mixed income housing through a housing authority, or stepping back if the risks outweigh the benefits.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Supervisors Meeting - February 4, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Greenlee County Board of Supervisors voted to formally begin the process of acquiring state trust land around the site known locally as “the Y,” directing staff to open an application and continue technical work while the board defines exact parcel dimensions.","taxTitle","Greenlee County, Arizona","taxId",27862,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6351457,"Votes at a glance: Greenlee County Board actions include vehicle auction, laptops, donations and state‑land application",285,2063000,2348000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2230153-f7bbd091b0566fbcf6fc85980d2abde3&start=2063&end=2348","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2230153-f7bbd091b0566fbcf6fc85980d2abde3/thumbnail_2063000.jpg","/articles/6351457/Greenlee-County/Arizona/Votes-at-a-glance-Greenlee-County-Board-actions-include-vehicle-auction-laptops-donations-and-stateland-application","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6351457-52cda38aa220a77a5442cff78b70f874/orig.mp4?Expires=1775563322&Signature=o1M-TtxA4bNsMnkouhNlaNn8L6FM5O8yumWUDJHvbcwneDACJoDdMy0vB7Drbs836Flyj9H95bqj0s7FzCBrvl6ZDqD3bKBTJ8dNCKF3GyCSAR~EMi-mp5MvRJP1fIZXLVnt~BrEkhL1nDyz9eZIsD5wTH4szSn8~UXbsCmIgCgeOMOEb~5qaOCgqgAuH2SScskxWLUoF9I4T9w0BD1OUpOcWpUzRCelnSbBK4rb5k4bPG-I84waN1JO73IyiTYfre9m8EGl25ShohtzsXne~s3Nd02~wv7ACZpN5UeeHV8a8XM41IlK4cthGklHdykifwjfYK1DAnW2hYKWHR2lHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Greenlee County Board of Supervisors recorded several formal actions and unanimous voice votes during the meeting. The motions below are drawn from the meeting transcript and reflect the motion text or the board’s recorded outcome.

Vehicle auction — approved
Motion (summary): Approve the list of county vehicles identified for auction (Tingle Auctions, March 15). Outcome: Approved. Mover/second: not specified in transcript. Notes: County fleet staff identified 10 patrol/utility vehicles and indicated additional surplus items would be added after yard review.

Squad‑car computers (Sheriff) — approved, spending cap
Motion (summary): Approve procurement of new squad‑car laptop computers for the Sheriff’s Office (17 units); motion amended to include a not‑to‑exceed amount. Outcome: Approved. Not to exceed $50,000. Mover/second: not specified in transcript. Notes: Sheriff Eric Ellison said impound‑fee funds and other funds are available; staff said they identified ruggedized but less expensive models suited to patrol cars.

Budgeted charitable donations — approved
Motion (summary): Authorize payment of the county’s routine, budgeted donations to local charitable organizations that assist seniors and vulnerable populations. Outcome: Approved. Mover/second: not specified in transcript. Notes: Staff said these were routine, budgeted appropriations.

Mount Graham Safe House donation — approved
Motion (summary): Approve a one‑time donation to Mount Graham Safe House to assist with construction of a block wall (Duncan facility) in the amount not to exceed $13,207.96. Outcome: Approved. Mover/second: not specified in transcript. Notes: The board discussed the request and agreed the county had capacity in the general services fund to support the one‑time donation.

Change of April meeting dates — approved
Motion (summary): Move April board meeting dates to April 8 and April 22 to improve scheduling efficiency. Outcome: Approved. Mover/second: motion and second recorded in discussion. Notes: Staff will update the county website and calendar.

Consent agendas and other routine items — approved
Motion (summary): Approve consent agenda items for the County and for county special districts as presented. Outcome: Approved. Mover/second: not specified in transcript.

Formal start of state‑land acquisition process — approved
Motion (summary): Direct staff to begin the process of purchasing state trust land near the Y (between Loma Linda and Verdelia, Skyline Drive area); exact dimensions and location to be determined later by the board. Outcome: Approved. Mover/second: motion made and seconded; board voted in favor.

Notes on vote records: The meeting used voice votes; minutes recorded “ayes have it” or similar phrasing. The transcript does not provide a roll‑call tally for each vote. Where the transcript named the motion maker and seconder, those names are noted; where the transcript did not identify them by name, the motion is included with the motion text and outcome but with mover/second recorded as not specified in the transcript.

Staff will reflect these actions in the formal minutes and follow up with implementation steps and budget transfers where applicable.","At its meeting the Greenlee County Board of Supervisors approved a list of county vehicles for auction, authorized procurement of squad‑car computers (17 units, not to exceed $50,000), approved several budgeted charitable donations and a one‑time donation to the Mount Graham Safe House, changed April meeting dates, and directed staff to begin a",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6351460,"County staff proposes consistent policy for mid‑year position changes; board gives directional approval",646,2819000,3465000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2230153-f7bbd091b0566fbcf6fc85980d2abde3&start=2819&end=3465","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2230153-f7bbd091b0566fbcf6fc85980d2abde3/thumbnail_2819000.jpg","/articles/6351460/Greenlee-County/Arizona/County-staff-proposes-consistent-policy-for-midyear-position-changes-board-gives-directional-approval","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6351460-2cb5d3d56bec2dfe3f5e9d5781295788/orig.mp4?Expires=1775563322&Signature=NswCo6Su6XkOO-7C6eBiBYBAQ-mq-xEtMPMHWKkwOcPCW0aT-qifoGUAVPuqU~RkU3h4pbLxpfgDuRYesZKI9Z3J-IE0Jm8w1tnApjmVmQbW3IQTlOiJDdCozg6dMuyXC0fi2-E3jbjbFUonehYu2k8QrQ3PnC9N03mla6VGdvCNkVVGLyMVJzzTG~0BlQexkUY5FJEPCa6uv4MEeggItdGiO-8Utf-hn6Rw2fNg-Fb~J8UfwqLptfEe7ZbR2TLd66buHS2cPH1R-vNzNCLyLhYgKXe7z1RcAk3UbRc3WX6QNekke341V5WlghspJw0YxMk4nXt-RB0D3wQhCc2t0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Deputy County Administrator Austin Adams briefed the Board of Supervisors on county practice for mid‑year personnel changes — title edits, pay‑grade moves, part‑time conversions and head‑count adjustments that arise outside the annual budget cycle.

Adams described three fiscal impacts for such changes: positive (savings), negative (increased budget costs) and neutral (title changes with no pay change). He said most mid‑year changes historically have been handled in the budget process, though rare circumstances require immediate action.

Board members said they want staff to exercise flexibility for genuine emergencies (examples cited included election staffing needs), but otherwise to continue routing non‑urgent mid‑year changes into the annual budget process so the board can weigh them in budget development. Supervisors asked Austin to act as a “gatekeeper” who will bring requests that appear urgent or material to the board for action.

Ending: The board provided direction rather than a formal vote: treat non‑emergency mid‑year staffing changes as budget items and present them during budget development; bring emergency or materially budget‑affecting items directly to the board.","Austin Adams, the deputy county administrator, outlined options for title changes, pay adjustments, position additions or reductions outside the annual budget. Supervisors said they want staff to act on true emergencies immediately but continue to handle routine mid‑year changes during the normal budget process.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6351465,"Workforce board reports steep federal funding decline; local outreach to schools planned",561,1356000,1917000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2230153-f7bbd091b0566fbcf6fc85980d2abde3&start=1356&end=1917","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2230153-f7bbd091b0566fbcf6fc85980d2abde3/thumbnail_1356000.jpg","/articles/6351465/Greenlee-County/Arizona/Workforce-board-reports-steep-federal-funding-decline-local-outreach-to-schools-planned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6351465-da71075ddb41357a6f2b095c5c2a4968/orig.mp4?Expires=1775563322&Signature=dE3BrtEo65ZXBFvx7ayIyxtbSDVDHYE64q1l5nn7Q~nqe2pJ6RNNdq2WDcApQ2XeLgwogUP9kHlrJ4y4uSm7eIxg0d2erHLwk0SN-fDZAom1zCc3DtK4Zi7ydWrM19ux8B146cRIZjUWpOC-4jiWemFBSCHvVczY~hTgogWZ~3Y1K~KyfvBzI3uZ0T8LmF3xC2LUP2DVShwWEEcOV9UnaUb5uDn-NQDjrdUBWu3DyfLqKCd-jvErQ1AUmrzPadCH9RrvsTcTp0zCcIpeGyzwBv9i4QyXeKACfFxXT1aeQbZDkFArXtAFpO2FXJ6pYH7XnHWijj~H42FvQGKPQr0zWw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County workforce officials presented their annual report to the Board of Supervisors, telling the board that federal workforce allocations distributed through the state will fall substantially because Greenlee County’s unemployment rate is low.

Vida (county workforce representative) summarized the year‑end report and the audit, saying the board’s independent auditors identified no material weaknesses and rated the organization a low‑risk auditee. She pointed the supervisors to performance measures and said last year the workforce area lost roughly $235,000 and this year anticipates nearly $500,000 in decreased Department of Labor funding because the federal formula weights unemployment rates.

Ron Curtis, identified in the meeting as the workforce board president, described the board’s long history and said the board seeks 51% private‑sector membership to ensure balance. He invited recommendations for additional private sector members from the supervisors.

Marina Morales, the office’s business service representative in Clifton, described in‑school work such as mock interviews and resume help delivered to seniors and said staff maintain local job boards and coordinate with employers, including FMI, to fill openings. Board members encouraged continued and expanded school outreach and said they would follow up to connect staff with local schools and business partners.

Ending: Workforce staff asked supervisors to consider sending representatives to board meetings and to refer local business leaders for board seats; staff said they will provide printed copies of the annual report, audits and budgets to the supervisors.","The county’s workforce board presented its annual report noting falling Department of Labor allocations tied to a lower unemployment rate, staff and board leaders urged outreach to schools and businesses to upskill residents, and the board invited local supervisors to meetings and to recommend private‑sector members.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Greenlee County board opens formal process to pursue state land at 'the Y' for housing

Votes at a glance: Greenlee County Board actions include vehicle auction, laptops, donations and state‑land application

County staff proposes consistent policy for mid‑year position changes; board gives directional approval

Workforce board reports steep federal funding decline; local outreach to schools planned