Mohave County supervisors approve zoning, grants and appointments; Best Friends grant tabled after public concerns

At its Feb. 3 meeting the Mohave County Board of Supervisors voted on a slate of consent, land‑use and administrative items, approving rezones and permitting actions and accepting several grants and donations for the county animal shelter. The board also reappointed several judges pro tempore and continued action on a Best Friends grant to allow staff time to gather more background information.

Why this matters: The actions include land‑use approvals and financial decisions that affect county services, parks and the animal shelter, and the Best Friends item drew public comment that led the board to postpone a final decision so staff can report back.

Votes and outcomes (selected items) - Executive session scheduled (motion to recess into executive session to receive legal advice pursuant to ARS §38‑431.03): motion moved, seconded and approved by voice vote (aye). Outcome: approved.

- Item 8 — Special use permit (BOS Resolution 2025‑012): approved a conditional use permit to allow more than 10 dogs on assessor parcel 402‑35080 in the Littlefield vicinity (property reported at about 3.25 acres). Planning and Zoning had recommended approval. Outcome: approved.

- Item 11 — Subdivision connection to Ship Estates sewer (final plat condition): the board approved the subdivision with the condition that ADEQ requirements be met and that the wastewater treatment facility be authorized to accept the new development’s flows. Outcome: approved.

- Item 21 — Mohave County Parks sponsorship fee schedule for 2025 events: approved the sponsorship fee schedule and allowed parks to deposit sponsorship revenue into facilities operating budgets with quarterly reporting to the board. Outcome: approved.

- Item 26 — Petition to accept several miles of roads in the Southern Yucca area into the county road system: the board voted to deny the petition (motion to deny approved). Staff estimated annual maintenance costs exceed several thousand dollars per mile. Outcome: board approved denial of the petition.

- Item 28 — Accept funds from Best Friends Network/Best Friends Animal Society (grant): after extended public comment raising concerns about the organization and requests for additional vetting, the board voted to continue (table) the item to the Feb. 18 meeting and asked staff to return with more information. Outcome: tabled to Feb. 18, 2025.

- Item 29 — Accept monetary donations (~$1,005) and nonmonetary donations (~$13,620.90) for Mohave County Animal Shelter: item approved; staff said donations are multiple gifts over time and will provide a line‑item report on return if requested. Outcome: approved.

- Item 32 — Approve appointment of David Waite as judge pro tem for the Superior Court: approved. Outcome: approved.

- Item 33 — Accept PetSmart Charities rewards grant ($5,000) and approve revised budget: approved. Outcome: approved.

- Item 35 — Amend General Plan and rezone in Scenic vicinity (BOS Resolution 2025‑019): public hearing held; no speakers requested to speak beyond the staff presentation; board approved the resolution. Outcome: approved.

- Item 36 — Petition of exception to waive typical curb/gutter/street cross section for Fort Mohave Airpark Tract 4238 (rezone/waiver): after public comment focusing on dust and drainage, the board approved the petition of exception with conditions; staff explained drainage plans and required engineering review and grading permits. Outcome: approved (board vote recorded as majority in favor).

- Item 37 — Waiver of fairgrounds Expo building curtain fees (Desert Canyon Events LLC, Home and Garden Show 4/17–4/20/2025): the applicant requested a one‑time fee waiver citing late notice of the new fee; after public comment and staff explanation the board continued the item to the Feb. 18 meeting so staff can provide additional background and for the board to consider prior inconsistent fee application. Outcome: continued (tabled) to Feb. 18, 2025.

- Item 38 — Reappointment of several judges pro tempore (administrative orders 2025‑01 through 2025‑05): board approved the reappointments after public comment raised concerns about one commissioner; the board discussed complaint and appeal avenues and county reviews. Outcome: approved.

- Item 39 — Proposed changes to Board rules of order: backup was not linked correctly to the online agenda; the board voted to continue the item to the next meeting to allow members and the public time to review proposed language. Outcome: continued.

Public comment and Best Friends controversy Several members of the public spoke during item 28, asking the board to vet Best Friends Animal Society before accepting funds or sending county staff to a Best Friends conference. Staff and the county manager said the county receives multiple Best Friends grants for spay/neuter and shelter practices and that staff will provide additional documentation when the item returns to the board.

Ending Major land‑use, parks and shelter funding items were approved on Feb. 3; several contested items were continued so the board could receive more information before final action. The board directed staff to return with requested background at the Feb. 18, 2025 meeting where several items (Best Friends grant, fairgrounds fee waiver) will be reconsidered.