Gila County declares intent to reimburse flood response costs, cites nearly $18.3 million estimate

GLOBE — The Gila County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt Resolution 260202, declaring the county’s official intent to be reimbursed for capital expenditures tied to the September 2025 flooding event if the board later chooses borrowing or bonding options.

County staff member Marin told the board the estimated cost for recovery work is "just under 18,300,000.0" and that the resolution would permit the county to reimburse itself for eligible expenditures incurred up to 60 days before the board’s action if the county later obtains financing. Marin emphasized this resolution is not the borrowing action itself but preserves the ability to make certain expenditures reimbursable after financing is arranged.

Supervisors asked whether the county would still be out money if reimbursement does not materialize; Marin confirmed that expenditures already made remain county obligations, and that a separate agenda item on financing would be discussed at an upcoming meeting. County counsel and staff clarified this is distinct from federal or state reimbursement processes (FEMA/DEMA) and is related specifically to internal borrowing or bond financing, which would be discussed with financial advisors.

The resolution was presented in the broader context of recent conversations about potential bonding (mentioned by Mark Reeder) and state legislative activity; staff said the county has spent conservatively to date (overtime, consultants) and has not yet incurred large bills. The motion to adopt Resolution 260202 passed on a voice vote.

What this means: Passage preserves a tax‑exempt reimbursement mechanism under Treasury rules, making retroactive financing possible for eligible capital expenditures if the board later pursues borrowing. The county still must pursue separate FEMA/DEMA reimbursements and will consider financing options in a later agenda item.