Winds to die down over next two days

WILLIAMS – It appears that Red Flag days are finally gone. At least through this next week. We remind campers that Coconino County has enacted Stage 1 fire restrictions below the Mogollon Rim. This means that only camp stoves are allowed in areas clear of combustible vegetation.

Temperatures are expected to be below freezing tonight with 5 to 11-mph winds. Winds are expected to stay roughly in that range through Wednesday night with night temperatures in the 40s raising to 74 on Tuesday and 81 on Wednesday.

On Thursay the high is expected to reach the mid-80s during the day raising to the 90s by Monday. The lows will be around the mid-50s during that period.

Truth in Taxation hearing set

Coconino County is publishing the Truth in Taxation notice as required by Arizona state law, explaining potential changes in the amount of property taxes collected.

Interested citizens are invited to attend the public hearing will be held at 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 27, 2017, in the County Administrative Center First Floor Meeting Room, 219 East Cherry, Flagstaff, Arizona.

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors is notifying its property taxpayers of Coconino County’s intention to raise its primary property taxes over last year’s level. Coconino County is proposing an increase in primary property taxes of $182,986 or 2 percent.

For example, the proposed tax increase will cause Coconino County’s primary property taxes on a $100,000 home to increase from $55.67 (total taxes that would be owed without the proposed tax increase) to $56.78 (total proposed taxes including the tax increase).

Truth in Taxation hearings for the Library, Health and Flood Control Districts will also take place at 6 p.m. June 27 in the County Board Chambers on 219 E. Cherry Ave.

The Coconino County Library District is proposing an increase in secondary property taxes of $161,556 or 3.99 percent, the Coconino County Public Health Services District is proposing an increase in secondary property taxes of $156,611 or 3.95 percent and the Coconino County Flood Control District is proposing an increase in secondary property taxes of $115,994 or 4.66 percent.

Please see the following table with the County tax rates:

Coconino Tax Rates FY17 FY18
Coconino County Primary Property Tax 0.5788 0.5678
Coconino County Library District 0.2556 0.2556
Coconino County Flood Control District 0.4000 0.4000
Coconino County Public Health Services District 0.2500 0.2500

Red Flag Warning in effect today

WILLIAMS – The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for today until 7 p.m. that covers the Williams and Tusayan ranger districts of the Kaibab National Forest due to strong winds and low relative humidity.

Visitors to the Williams and Tusayan ranger districts of the Kaibab National Forest are advised to refrain from having a campfire when Red Flag Warning conditions exist. This advisory covers all campfires across the affected area, including in developed campgrounds, for the hours during which the Red Flag Warning has been issued.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or are imminent. A combination of strong winds and low relative humidities can contribute to extreme fire behavior. The campfire advisory remains in effect until the Red Flag Warning ends.

While the North Kaibab Ranger District is not under a Red Flag Warning, a Wind Advisory has been issued for that area today.

The Kaibab National Forest is committed to educating visitors about their role in helping prevent unwanted, human-caused fires. Avoiding having campfires on windy days is one way they can do that.

For detailed weather information including warnings issued by the National Weather Service, visit www.wrh.noaa.gov/fgz/. For homeowners interested in reducing wildfire risks at their residences, visit www.firewise.org.