Marleita Begay

The Board convened as both the Apache County Public Health Services District Board of Directors and the Board of Supervisors. Key actions included the approval of an addendum to extend the Head Start lease with Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) for an additional ten years. The Board unanimously approved the Canvass of the November 6, 2018 General Election as presented by the Election Director. Furthermore, approval was granted to solicit sealed bids for the replacement of the roof over the sheriff's office and jail. An Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) was also approved between the Navajo Nation and Apache County for a Partnership Agreement concerning temporary services and assistance for Districts I, II, and III.

The Board meeting commenced with a presentation on new land openings and work at the Petrified Forest National Park, requiring no action. Key discussions involved approving consent items, which included payment demands and the approval of a Special Event Liquor License for the Alpine Business Association. A significant discussion centered on entering into a Cooperative Law Enforcement Agreement with the USDA/Forest Service for overtime patrol in the National Forest, which passed despite one supervisor's concerns regarding federal funding reliance and wording in the agreement. The Board also approved an Agreement for Services with LeadsOnline for criminal investigation data using RICO funds. Further deliberation occurred regarding amendments to the Finance Department's Purchasing Policy, specifically concerning professional services under $20,000, which was approved over dissenting votes citing concerns over reducing the Board's oversight power. Approval was granted to convert a vacant Attorney I position to an Attorney II position and hire a new criminal prosecutor. The Board approved the renewal of the Agreement with Veritas Research Consulting to serve as the Natural Resource Coordinator, noting a cost reduction, and also approved a separate agreement with the same consultant to prepare a 'Gap' analysis for the Natural Resources Plan using grant funds. Updates were provided on surplus item auctions, legislative updates on HURF and PILT funds, and notifications regarding upcoming regional meetings.

The meeting agenda included several items for discussion and possible approval under a consent agenda, specifically involving the finance department for demand approvals and a resolution to accept a grant for the Alpine Fire District, as well as approval for a John Deere Motorgrader demo for District II. Other major agenda items included the discussion and possible approval of an Intergovernmental Agreements with local municipalities for election purposes, renewal of a yearly culvert bid with Pacific Ponderosa Company, and approval of the County's Enterprise Agreement with Microsoft for licensing, not to exceed $165,000 annually for three years. The Board also discussed a letter of support for a BUILD grant for County Road 5020 reconstruction. A liquor license recommendation for Ye Olde Tavern was discussed. The agenda concluded with a call to the public and a discussion regarding the evaluation and subsequent unanimous approval for the termination of the employment of Apache County Engineer Anthony Bowler.

The agenda for the meeting includes several consent items such as the approval of demands made between December 23, 2025, and January 26, 2026, and the acceptance of a Gila River Indian Community Grant for the Alpine Fire District totaling $84,950. Key discussions involve the recommendation for a liquor license application for Ye Olde Tavern, approval of Intergovernmental Agreements with local municipalities for the Election Department, renewal of a yearly culvert bid with Pacific Ponderosa Company, and approval of the County's Enterprise Agreement with Microsoft for licensing, not to exceed $165,000 annually for three years. The Board will also discuss a letter of support for a BUILD grant related to County Road 5020 reconstruction. A significant item is the executive session and subsequent discussion regarding the evaluation of employment of the Apache County Engineer, Anthony Bowler, including potential discipline or termination.

The meeting included separate sessions for the Public Health Services District, which recognized staff with an environmental stewardship award, and the Jail District, where approvals were granted for the inmate housing agreement with the Tohono O'odham Nation and a new Food Service Agreement with Trinity Service Group. During the regular agenda, the Board unanimously approved the Consent Agenda items, including demands for payments made between November 21, 2025, and December 23, 2025, and minutes dated December 2 and December 16, 2025. Other approvals included the ratification of Justices of the Peace salaries, the purchase of a Caterpillar motor grader utilizing District III funds, and an appointment to the precinct committeeman office based on the Republican Party Chairman's recommendation. The Board re-appointed Chairman Shepherd and Supervisor Davis to serve on the County Supervisors Association Legislative Policy Committee (LPC) and the Eastern Arizona Counties Organization (ECO) Committee, respectively, for 2026. Further actions included approving an amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement with Northland Pioneer College and accepting grant funding of $467,789.23 from the Department of Public Safety for enhanced law enforcement services. The County Engineer received approval to renew the contract trucking bid for E.W. Parker and to amend the 2025 County Road Inventory regarding County Road 4008. The Board also approved reorganizing attorney positions by eliminating the Chief Deputy County Attorney and Assistant Chief Deputy County Attorney roles and creating Civil Chief Deputy County Attorney and Criminal Chief Deputy County Attorney positions. During the call to the public, concerns were raised regarding cattle feeding near County Road 6040 and requests were made for the Board to assist the Puerco Valley Fire District and the Ganado Fire District with funding issues.