Graham County Board accepts settlement offer in Strong Communities Foundation case

The Graham County Board of Supervisors voted to accept a settlement offer in the case titled Strong Communities Foundation of Arizona, Inc. v. Director Heap (Maricopa County) after returning from an executive session on March 17, 2025.

Board members said the county would act in concert with other Arizona counties to accept the settlement as presented. The motion to accept the settlement was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote; the meeting record shows board members responding “aye.” The board did not record a roll-call tally in the public minutes.

The item was handled in executive session before the public vote. Board members told people in the gallery that they did not know how long the executive session would last and that the public could wait if they wished. When the board reconvened, a board member moved to accept the settlement and the board approved the motion by voice vote.

The board did not disclose settlement terms or any vote tally during the open session. A motion to enter executive session and a later public motion to accept the settlement appear in the transcript; the board chair then adjourned the meeting.

Because the discussion took place in executive session, county staff did not present additional details in open session about the settlement’s monetary or remedial terms.