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Gila County supervisors table resolution to accept $33,085 Payson Elks Club donation, seek clearer wording on county commitment
Summary
Supervisors voted to table a resolution that would rescind a prior economic development agreement and accept a $33,085 donation from the Payson Elks Club for a flag monument after members worried the resolution’s language could obligate the county to pay remaining construction costs.
The Gila County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 6 tabled a resolution that would rescind a prior economic development agreement and accept a $33,085 donation from the Payson Elks Club toward a proposed flag-monument project.
The resolution, listed as 26-01-01, would accept the donation and states the county “will fund the remainder of the project.” County staff said the $33,085 would be applied to design and early-stage costs — staff estimated design work at about $60,000 — but said total completion costs are not yet determined.
Supervisor Klein pressed staff and colleagues on the phrasing, saying the agenda language read as an unconditional county commitment to pay the full remaining cost. "By the time they get done with it, we're looking at a quarter‑million dollar project," Klein said, noting he supports funding the design phase but is wary of obligating county funds for construction without clearer terms.
County staff and other supervisors said the intent was to accept the donation for initial work and then return to the board with actual cost estimates. Mr. Albo provided history showing the project initially included a land donation offer from the Tohono O’odham Nation that was later withdrawn, leaving local groups and the county with responsibility for completion.
Board members agreed the resolution needed redrafting to make clear whether and when the county would be financially responsible beyond the donated funds. Supervisor Cline moved to table the item and bring back revised language; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
The county said alternatives include returning the donated funds to the Payson Elks Club if the board does not adopt a revised resolution. The item will return to a future board meeting with clarified language and cost estimates for the design and potential construction phases.
The board’s action preserves the $33,085 donation for now while officials seek more precise cost information and clearer legal language about county obligations.
