Coconino County supervisors approve public-lands proclamation, Lake Powell rescue gear, flood‑mitigation contract and several local permits

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 23 unanimously approved a series of measures including a proclamation designating Sept. 27, 2025, as National Public Lands Day; acceptance of an Arizona State Parks grant to buy underwater search equipment and night‑vision gear for Lake Powell rescue operations; an engineering contract to support post‑wildfire flood mitigation work; recommendations to the state on two liquor‑license applications; and a library purchase for a custom bookmobile.

The public‑lands proclamation was read by Parks and Recreation Director Cynthia Nemeth and approved after brief board remarks praising the county’s public lands and noting recent wildfire damage to popular park infrastructure. Vice Chair Geronimo Vasquez presided over the approval and the motion passed unanimously.

Supervisor K. Fowler asked that Item 22 be pulled from the consent agenda for discussion. Item 22 authorized a fiscal‑year 2026 budget adjustment to continue Arizona State Parks Project Sponsor Agreement No. 782504, in the amount of $299,091.19, to buy a submersible remotely operated vehicle (ROV), night‑vision equipment and medical supplies to support the sheriff’s Lake Powell law‑enforcement and rescue boating program. County staff described the ROV as capable of reaching the lake’s deeper areas to support search, rescue and…