Yavapai County supervisors accept resignation, approve grants and donations, deny Seligman plaque and authorize broadband amendment
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Summary
The Board accepted the resignation of Seligman Justice of the Peace Dominic Sarno and set an appointment schedule, approved a FEMA grant for drainage manual updates, accepted a $25,000 donation for courthouse bandstand renovations, approved AV upgrades and phone‑system renewal, denied a Seligman boulder/plaque request 4–1, and authorized a SparkLight contract amendment in executive session.
The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 18 accepted the resignation of Seligman Justice of the Peace Dominic Sarno, set a schedule for public applications with letters of interest due March 4 and directed staff to present candidates for a planned appointment on March 18 to fill the remainder of the term through 2026.
County Manager Phil Borden presented the proposed timeline and process. “The clerk of the board has attached a proposed process and schedule,” he said, describing a public notice, internal checks and a public review before appointment.
The Board approved several administrative items during the meeting. Key outcomes included:
Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda items 1–17: approved unanimously. - Action 1 (accept resignation; appointment process for Seligman J.P.): approved unanimously; application deadline set for 5 p.m. March 4; planned appointment March 18, 2026. - Action 2 (strategic plan amendment — capital facility dates): approved unanimously; rural service projects targeted by 12/31/2028 and Gurley Street by 12/31/2027. - Action 3 (community services agreement with First Baptist Church for Meals on Wheels — rent‑free space): approved unanimously. - Action 4 (accept $25,000 donation from Prescott Chamber Foundation / Friends of Jersey Lily Saloon for Courthouse Plaza bandstand renovations): approved unanimously; facilities to coordinate improvements including roof, fascia, railings, decking and lighting. - Action 5 (purchase of boulder and bronze plaque for Seligman Centennial Park, cost not to exceed $5,000): denied 4–1 after discussion about property ownership, lack of county policy governing monuments and gift‑clause concerns. - Action 6 (use FEMA grant ~ $75,000 to update county drainage design manual): approved unanimously. - Action 7 (audio/visual and voting/display upgrades to Prescott boardroom): approved 4–1 after budget and ARPA funding concerns were raised (one supervisor preferred limiting budget to ARPA funds). - Action 8 (renewal of Intellipier phone system under a three‑year agreement): approved unanimously.
Donors and community volunteers addressed the Board regarding the bandstand renovation. Josh Macrower, owner of the Jersey Lily Saloon and chair of the Friends of Jersey Lily Saloon, described long‑running community fundraising that has supported courthouse lighting and offered the $25,000 donation to match the County allocation for bandstand upgrades.
On the matter of a Seligman monument and plaque, supervisors questioned whether the proposed installation was on county property and noted the absence of a consistent county policy for markers or monuments. A motion to deny the boulder and plaque passed 4–1; Supervisor Jenkins explained she was “struggling with this because… we don't have a policy,” and therefore voted to deny.
Following an executive session, the Board authorized an amendment to Yavapai County contract 2023‑31518 with Cable One, Inc. (DBA SparkLight) to permit SparkLight to perform contracted ARPA‑broadband work in portions of unincorporated Cottonwood and authorized the County Manager to sign the amendment; the roll call showed four votes in favor and one absence at the time of the vote.
What happens next: staff will post the call for applications for the Seligman justice court vacancy, coordinate bandstand renovations with donors and facilities, and implement the FEMA‑funded drainage manual update alongside Development Services. The Board also directed facilities, ITS and clerk’s office to proceed with the AV and phone system work under the approved agreements.
