Nogales council adopts ethics code, updates police orders, approves IGAs and stops septic dumping pending ADEQ compliance

The Nogales City Council on Aug. 6, 2025, approved a package of measures affecting city governance, public safety, infrastructure funding and environmental compliance and took immediate action to halt acceptance of septic‑hauler discharges until the city can meet new Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) testing requirements.

Key actions and votes

- Ethics code for elected officials and advisory board members: The council adopted a policies and code of conduct that establishes standards for ethical behavior, meeting procedures, conflict-of-interest disclosures and enforcement steps. The ordinance passed 5‑2.

- Police general orders: Council voted to approve implementation of updated Nogales Police Department general orders — a 300‑plus‑page set of policies that govern daily operations and procedures. The measures were vetted by outside counsel and the city attorney and were approved by voice vote.

- Opioid settlement participation: Council authorized the city to join the proposed national opioid manufacturer settlements (manufacturers listed on the agenda) and to complete and submit required documentation by the Oct. 8, 2025 deadline. The motion carried; participation would make the city eligible for future settlement distributions to be used for opioid‑remediation programs spelled out in the national agreement.

- Intergovernmental agreements (ADOT): The council approved three ADOT IGAs for road improvements with the following funding: Frank Reid Road ($1,500,000), La…