Greenlee County agrees to help site new Mount Graham/Greenlee County Safe House, waives septic test fee

The Greenlee County Board of Supervisors voted to provide county assistance to build a concrete pad for a proposed modular safe house in Duncan and to waive the $200 percolation ("perk") test fee for the septic system.

Dorsa Frey, who presented the project on behalf of the Mount Graham safe house effort, said Greenlee will have its own site run as part of the Mount Graham Safe House network. "This... that's going to be called the Greenlee County safe house," Frey said, describing services including advocacy, case management, transportation assistance and short-term housing. She told the board the planned Duncan shelter would include space for three families and four single rooms and would operate at a lower-security level; higher-risk clients and men would continue to be served in Stafford.

The board questioned project timing and funding. Frey said the modular unit has not yet been purchased and that she is awaiting grant decisions; donors have helped bridge past funding gaps. County officials offered operational and logistical support and encouraged Frey to return with updates. A county representative said road crews could build the pad after the county fair, and the health department representative stated, "I have checked with the health department, and they can waive that fee for nonprofits, and I will do so in this instance." The board moved and seconded a motion to provide county help constructing the pad and to waive the $200 perk-test fee; the motion passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: Advocates and the presenter said the county lacks a dedicated shelter, and establishing a local safe house would provide nearby, trauma-informed services for domestic-violence survivors who otherwise travel to Stafford. The board's commitment of in-kind labor and the fee waiver reduce start-up barriers, though Frey said the project still depends on grant awards and donor contributions.

The board asked Frey to return with progress reports and invited members to a planned opening celebration when the safe house is ready. The item concluded with the board recording the approved motion and encouraging staff to proceed with the pad construction and associated administrative steps.