Supervisors announce new public works director at short September 16 meeting

County hires new Public Works director, postpones Gibson Ranch Road work

Council held a brief regularly scheduled meeting on September 16, with no major presentations or discussions. During reports, County Manager James Menlove reported that a new Public Works director has been hired. Her name is Christine White Smith, and she will be starting with the County on October 16. 

Supervisor Kline announced that the Gibson Ranch Road project has been postponed until next spring, but he committed to ensuring it will be completed in May, as soon as weather permits. He said a letter will be sent out to local residents explaining the situation.

Supervisor Christensen reported on his recent trip to DC, where he discussed Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) money, which are federal payments that offset the County’s losses in property taxes due there being nontaxable Federal lands within the county. Christensen said the County receives between $4 million and $5 million each year, but funding for the program was cut last year from about $600 million to around $500 million. 

Christensen met with 11 members of Congress to urge them to restore that funding. He also lodged a complaint about the necessity of PILT and school funding recipients to ask for the money, which the federal government is obligated to pay out.

Christensen also met with Paul Gosar, who previously represented the 4th congressional district but now represents the 9th, as well as with Eli Crane, regarding PILT and rural school funding, including Fossil Creek. He also visited Senator Kelly’s office to thank him for the support he’s given to Gila County, and asked to be kept in mind for future infrastructure money that could go to the Forest Road 512 project. 

Motions approved

The supervisors approved motions for the following:

• An application for a Series 10 Beer and Wine Store license for the Pine Stop Service Station located at 3597 N. Hwy 87 in Pine. A public hearing was held, but there were no takers. The supervisors will recommend to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control that the license should be granted. The application was submitted by Andrea Dahlman Lewkowitz.

• Meeting as the Gila County Flood Control District Board of Directors, the supervisors assigned delegation for floodplain administration to the Floodplain Administrator, Jeffery Despain, in accordance with his position. Public Works staff explained that elected officials must delegate authority to administer and enforce floodplain regulations to the local Floodplain Administrator. The prior administrator retired, and Despain has completed his probationary period and meets all professional standards to perform the role. He graduated from NAU, is a licensed engineer and certified flood plain manager, and has over 30 years’ experience in water resources. 
• Meeting as the Gila County Library District Board of Directors, the supervisors heard a brief presentation by Library District Director Elaine Votruba of the annual State Grants-in-Aid. The board accepted a grant award of $25,000 to the Gila County Library District from the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records. Each of the affiliated libraries in the district will receive $2,250 for essentials (such as summer reading, supplies, and small equipment) not covered by regular budgets. The District will retain $7,000 to centrally fund items such as a streaming movie subscription, guest speakers/workshops, outreach materials, equipment enhancing services, and staff training. The award covers the period July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. 
• Accepting a grant in the amount of $5,000 on behalf of Pleasant Valley Veterans Retreat, Inc. from APS Corporate Giving and authorizing submission of the related application. Cathy Melvin from PVVR clarified that the nonprofit must apply through the County until it reaches three years in existence (expected April 2026). Funds are typically used to cover the A/V vendor for PVVR’s October 4 gala. The supervisors also approved an Economic Development Agreement between Gila County and PVVR. All of this was determined to be for the benefit of the public given PVVR’s service to veterans.
• Acknowledging the Arizona Auditor General's Engagement Letter and Audit Request List for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, and ratifying approval for Chief Fiscal Officer Maryn Belling to sign both documents. Belling explained that the County Attorney had provided guidance to bring these forward in order to keep the Board apprised about information being provided to the Auditor General, and to reinforce internal deadlines. Supervisors had no concerns beyond hoping departments meet submission dates.
• Purchasing two new Class 8, 10-wheeler, 4,000-gallon water trucks from RWC International for $387,458.50 (for both trucks). David LaForge from Public Works explained that the new units will come fully outfitted with tank, pumps, and water cannon, and will replace 25-year-old trucks in the roads department. One replaced unit will be reassigned to Russell Gulch Landfill to cover a prior total loss resulting from a rollover in 2022. The other replaced unit is slated for auction.
• Approving a modification to the County’s Road Project Agreement with the Forest Service, updating administrative contacts, and extending the term of the agreement from September 30, 2025, to March 1, 2026. Alex Kendrick from Public Works explained that this agreement is to finish the environmental assessment for Forest Road 512. He said there had been multiple delays, including miscommunications between the Forest Service and the contractor, a delay while the newly awarded SMART grant was incorporated (which is funding the completion of the design), as well as a delay involved in coordinating ADOT’s environmental assessment with the Forest Service’s environmental assessment. March 1 is a firm “drop dead” deadline.