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Gila County grants APS easement to power Pine‑Strawberry well, board cites water need
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Summary
The board approved Resolution 260303 to grant Arizona Public Service a utility easement across a small county parcel to bring three‑phase power to a Pine‑Strawberry Water Improvement District well; staff warned standard APS easement language would require county costs if the county later ordered relocations.
The Gila County Board of Supervisors on March 17 unanimously adopted Resolution 260303 to grant Arizona Public Service a utility easement on county parcel 30108‑140B along Fossil Creek Road so the Pine‑Strawberry Water Improvement District can bring three‑phase power to a new deep well.
Tom (county counsel) and district representative Paul Hendricks explained that APS’s standard easement language requires a property owner to pay relocation costs if the owner later requests relocation of the line. County surveyor Sam Kitchen said the pole and existing single‑phase line are longstanding and that redesign to avoid the parcel would cost an estimated $80,000. “The district has paid all of the fees so far associated with this improvement… We really hope that we can get this,” Hendricks told the board, noting the project is intended to improve reliable water service for the community.
Board members questioned whether the easement was sought only after the well was drilled and asked about the size and location of county property involved; staff said the easement encumbers about a quarter‑acre of county land primarily in a creek area outside gated storage. County legal counsel acknowledged the easement’s wording is standard for APS and that relocation of facilities would be the county’s expense if the county requests it in the future; survey staff said the likelihood of a relocation request is low.
Supervisors weighed the public benefit — bringing dependable power to a deep well capable of more than 200 gallons per minute — against the relocation language. Staff said alternatives would require redesign that could add substantial project costs. After discussion the board voted unanimously to adopt the resolution and allow APS to install the three‑phase connection to support the well and future growth along that corridor.
The board instructed staff to document concerns about the easement language and to work with the district and APS as the project proceeds.
