Santa Cruz County supervisors table proposed settlement with Rio Rico and Nogales fire districts

On March 23, 2026, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted to table consideration of a proposed settlement with the Rio Rico Medical and Fire District and the Nogales Suburban Fire District, citing ongoing negotiations between the parties.

The item, listed as D-1 on the special meeting agenda, would have authorized a settlement to resolve litigation related to alleged embezzlement by former county treasurer Elizabeth Gutfar. Legal counsel told the board the agreement is "still a work in progress between the parties," and recommended postponing formal action so attorneys could complete negotiations.

Chair (speaker 2) called for a motion to table the item; the motion was seconded by the Vice Chair (speaker 1) and carried by voice vote. When asked whether attorneys for both entities were in communication, Legal counsel confirmed they were engaged in negotiations.

Board members did not set a timeline for returning the item to the agenda; counsel said more details remain to be worked out before the board could consider a final settlement. The tabled item will return to a future meeting when negotiations conclude or when counsel advises the board further.

No vote tally by individual member was recorded in the public transcript; the meeting minutes will reflect the formal action when posted.

Next steps: county legal counsel and outside counsel for the fire districts will continue negotiations; the board did not specify a date to revisit the settlement.