Mohave Electric Company finalized their rezone in Mohave Valley at the December 23, 2024, Board of Supervisors meeting with a rescission of the rezone they requested in Fort Mohave earlier in the year. The residents in Fort Mohave who had vocally opposed the MEC Peaker Plant spoke in favor of the rescission.
The Supervisors used their last meeting of the year to finalize any outstanding issues concerning their American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Luke Mournian, Chief Financial Officer, used this opportunity to place a safety net on the funding. Should any projects not be completed due to time constraints or other issues, the county will not lose the funding based on a Memorandum of Understanding between the county and the Sheriff’s Office.
In his final appearance as a supervisor, Buster Johnson brought up for discussion the Assessor’s Address Protection Program (APP). This program allows property owners to safeguard their deed, similar to LifeLock, by paying a $50 fee per property. After some discussion and based on other county’s programs, the Assessor and staff were directed to review the feasibility of eliminating the $50 fee altogether.
At the January 6, 2025, Board meeting, the mysterious 15 unauthorized bank accounts that were brought to the Board’s attention last year were quietly approved on the consent agenda. The Chief Financial Officer also issued a memorandum to ensure all Mohave County Directors and Staff understand the process for requesting the BOS authorization for a new bank account. No explanation was provided regarding the establishment of those accounts.
The Board voted unanimously to declare 29 miles of Pierce Ferry Rd., from US 93 to Diamond Bar Rd., as a “safety corridor”. This designation would allow for the placement of addition signage to increase awareness of posted speed limits.
The Board unanimously denied a rezone request north of Kingman for a proposed 36 acre housing development, described as Stockton Hill Ranches Unit 11.
The Courts were granted their request to the Governor, to create a new Division for the Superior Court. Due to an ongoing increase in cases, the judicial system has been overwhelmed, and according to Presiding Judge Steve Moss, the Courts are actually in need of five additional judges to handle the influx. The Arizona Constitution requires a superior court judge for every 30k residents. Creating a Division 8 would add one addition judge, and half of the estimated $500k cost would be paid by the State. Moss said the actual cost to the County might only be “just below $200k”.
In an effort to reduce unnecessary spending, Supervisor Ron Gould of District 5 brought forth an item to have staff begin research on implementing Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB). Gould noted that the City of Phoenix and the State of Georgia have been using ZBB for many years. After a short discussion, the Board directed Staff to bring forth a presentation on how to implement this in February, most likely with a test run in one or two departments.
The Board also voted on new supervisor committee assignments at this meeting. Mohave Free Press Editor Jennifer Esposito made the suggestion to Supervisor Gould that he volunteer to chair the Mohave County Board of Health. Gould agreed to take the assignment, and given the Public Health Department’s history this should yield positive change compared to the draconian era with now former District 4 Supervisor Wilma Jean Bishop as Chairman.