County endorses VFW Post’s bid to continue bingo; state approval still required

The Graham County Board of Supervisors granted a local endorsement Aug. 18 for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10385 to continue operating bingo at 3481 W. Eighth Street in Thatcher, but county staff reminded the board final approval is issued by the Arizona Department of Revenue. County manager Welker explained the endorsement process is similar to the county’s role on liquor licenses and that the Arizona Department of Revenue is the ultimate authority for bingo authorization. Welker said the VFW hall has held bingo previously and that a recent influx of younger members has helped revitalize the post. Why it matters: Local endorsement is required by county procedures before an application proceeds to state review. Supporters said bingo is a longstanding fundraising activity for the post and provides social value to veterans and the community. Board action: A supervisor moved to approve the local endorsement; another seconded and the supervisors voted to approve by voice vote. No public opposition was recorded during the hearing. Implementation and context: Manager Welker noted the county’s action is an endorsement; the Arizona Department of Revenue will make the final licensing decision. The VFW post’s operation and any conditions imposed by the state were not detailed in the meeting. Next steps: County staff will include the endorsement in the record for the VFW’s state application; the post will apply to the Arizona Department of Revenue for final authorization to operate bingo.