Gila County adopts Pleasant Valley Veterans Retreat fee schedule, staff to confirm veterans‑only limits
Summary
The board approved a reduced cost‑recovery fee schedule for Pleasant Valley Veterans Retreat effective Jan. 1, 2026, while asking staff to seek legal guidance on whether RV or day‑use access for non‑veterans conflicts with the original federal use agreement.
Gila County supervisors voted unanimously Dec. 16 to adopt a fee schedule for the Pleasant Valley Veterans Retreat that staff said follows a reduced cost‑recovery model and is intended to keep the site accessible to veterans and veteran service organizations.
Joseph, who presented the proposal, told the board the schedule "reflects the reduced cost recovery model" and lists standard rates including $110 per night for a private cabin, $25 per night for a single barracks room, $250 for multi‑room barracks, $20 per night for RV spaces, and $400 per day for exclusive day‑use of facilities.
Supervisors asked how veterans would be charged and whether nonprofits would absorb costs. Joseph said the county and the associated nonprofit (a 501(c)(3)) are working to set up reservations and reporting on pleasantvalleyveteransretreat.com and that coupon codes will allow veterans to zero out their fees if the nonprofit chooses to reimburse the county. "The overall goal is to have no veteran have to pay," Joseph said.
A legal question arose about whether allowing non‑veteran RV users would conflict with the site’s original federal agreement. Staff advised the board they would review the special‑use lease and consult the county attorney before expanding non‑veteran access; several supervisors asked that the RV rate be revisited so the county does not inadvertently undercut local businesses.
The chair closed the public‑hearing portion (no public commenters recorded) and the board adopted the schedule by motion and unanimous vote. Staff said the fee schedule will serve as a working baseline that can be adjusted after further work‑session discussion and counsel.
