Navajo Mountain polling location moved

FLAGSTAFF – In light of unforeseen circumstances, the Coconino County Elections Department announces the relocation of the Navajo Mountain polling location, Precinct 71, for the upcoming Presidential Preference Election scheduled for Tuesday, March 19th.

The new polling location will be the Navajo Mountain Alliance Community Church, conveniently situated on Navajo Route 16 south of Road 6414.

Please note that only registered Democratic or Republican voters are eligible to vote in this election. All polling places will be open from 6 am to 7 pm on election day. The Coconino County Elections Department reaffirms its commitment to facilitating a smooth and accessible voting process for all eligible voters.

To assist Coconino County voters in locating their designated polling places, they are urged to visit www.coconino.az.gov/elections.

For all other election inquiries contact the Coconino County Election Department, at 928-678-7896.

Elections Department Prepares for Arizona Presidential Preference Election

FLAGSTAFF — Election officials are prepared for tomorrow’s Presidential Preference Election (PPE), with 29 polling places across Coconino County. In this year’s PPE, only registered Republicans and Democrats can participate.

While polling places are consolidated, voters can utilize any of the 12 vote centers throughout the County to cast their ballot on Election Day. Polling locations will be open between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time. All voters in line at 7 p.m. will have the opportunity to vote. Voters can find their polling location and check voter registration online at My Arizona Vote.

With training completed, Coconino County is set to deploy nearly 300 bipartisan election board workers to provide assistance to voters on Election Day. These dedicated community members have undergone rigorous preparation to ensure a smooth and efficient voting process.

“While we expect a moderate turnout, we strongly encourage voters to make a plan for voting on election day,” said Elections Director Eslir Musta.

This call underscores the county’s commitment to facilitating secure, accessible, and inclusive elections. The public can expect to see the first batch of election results in Coconino County shortly after 8:00 PM on the county’s website coconino.az.gov/elections.

For more information, voters can also contact the Elections Department hotline at 928-679-7896.

Coconino County Opens New Elections Center in Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Elections Department (Elections) announced today the opening of the new Elections Center in Flagstaff. The ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Monday, January 22, 2024, and was attended by local dignitaries, including Arizona Secretary of State (SOS) Adrian Fontes.

The new Elections Center, spanning 9,000-square-feet, provides space for the entire Elections Department staff to work on-site, consolidating operations under one roof. The Center emphasizes County leadership’s commitment to integrity and transparency of election administration processes. Drawing on best practices and feedback from partners, like the AZ SOS and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Election Center incorporates accessibility, transparency, and security in the administration of elections in Coconino County. The facility is equipped with tools and resources to conduct candidate filing, ballot tabulation, and statutory hand audits accurately and precisely.

“Having separate rooms for ballot tabulation, as well as the hand-count audits, permits our staff to be more efficient in counting the votes by allowing these functions to be conducted simultaneously,” said Jeronimo Vasquez, Chair of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors and Supervisor for District 2. “Also, each room has windows for observers to see and document every step of the tabulation process.”

The new facility helps uphold the core values of democracy and empowers our community to make a meaningful impact through their vote.

The event also featured a screening of the documentary “No Time to Fail,” presented by The Carter Center.

“Transparent and credible elections are a cornerstone of the Carter Center’s work. The Center commends Coconino County election officials for ensuring that their new Elections Center will be a reliable source of information for voters and will help strengthen ties between election officials and the local community,” said David Carroll, director of the Carter Center’s Democracy Program.

Following the screening of the documentary, we had the privilege of welcoming Rob Rock, Rhode Island’s Deputy Secretary of State and one of the leaders featured in the movie, to engage in a Q&A session.

By collaborating with the Center and utilizing its guidance materials, Coconino County Elections empowers its full-time, temporary, and volunteer elections staff to deliver exceptional service that upholds the highest standards of excellence.

For more information about Coconino County Elections, including polling locations, candidate filings, financial disclosures, and other services, visit www.coconino.az.gov/Elections.

Coconino County Closures for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County’s Administrative Center, the County Manager’s Office, the County Attorney’s Office, and the County Superior Court and Justice Courts will be closed on Monday, January 15, 2024 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) offices and clinic will also be closed. There will be an Animal Services officer available on Monday from 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Contact the CCHHS Animal Services office at 928-679-8756 to leave a message and an officer will return the call. Call 911 for emergencies.

Parks and Recreation offices will be closed however, County parks and natural areas are open for the public to enjoy. Please observe all posted road and trail closure notices.

The Coconino County Sheriffs Records Office will also be closed. CCSO would also like to remind all residents and visitors of the County’s seasonal parking ordinance regarding parking on county roads and rights of way, effective through April 1, 2024, and wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday three-day weekend.

The full ordinance can be found here: https://coconino.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/54497/Ordinance-2022-06-Seasonal-Parking

Public Input Sought for Amendments to County Dark Sky Ordinance

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors is asking for the public’s input into proposed amendments to the County’s Outdoor Lighting Standards Zoning Ordinance, commonly known as the Dark Sky Ordinance. These amendments were recommended by the County’s Community Development staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission after recent studies suggested the Ordinance be brought up to date with current lighting technology, and to mirror standards already implemented by the City of Flagstaff.
The significant amendments to the Ordinance include:

  • Reducing the three current lighting zones around observatories to two zones.
  • Changing the preferred lighting source from outdated low-pressure sodium bulbs to Narrow-Spectrum Amber LED’s.
  • While any previously permitted lighting remains valid, any 25% increase in use, new development, or lumens on existing residential property will require compliance with the new standards.

Before the next work session or public hearing, the Board would like to hear comment from County residents regarding these proposed amendments. Members of the public can view the proposed changes to the ordinance and comment here: https://coconinocounty.konveio.com/draft-dark-sky-ordinance

“As we’ve seen, dark skies are a resource to Coconino County, not only for our observatories but also for recreation,” commented Chair Jeronimo Vasquez. “It’s great to see new amendments to our standards for lighting in the County and I look forward to our next public hearing.”

Since a cooperative land use planning effort between the County, City of Flagstaff, Naval Observatory, and Arizona Army National Guard Camp Navajo was implemented in 2019, each partner has been tasked with upgrading their respective outdoor lighting standards to ensure consistency, to move away from obsolete technologies, and modernize measurement of absolute lumens to account for increased use of LED lighting.

The County’s ordinance, in place since the early 1980’s, was originally developed to minimize what is known as “light trespass” across private property lines but has also been utilized to minimize light pollution that disrupts observations of the night sky. Coconino County is home to multiple observatory sites, including Lowell Observatory and the United States Naval Observatory, which rely on consistent dark sky conditions to conduct their observations.

The 74th Annual Coconino County Fair is Coming Soon

FLAGSTAFF — The 74th Annual Coconino County Fair is Labor Day Weekend, September 1 – 4, at the Fort Tuthill County Park Fairgrounds. The County Fair supports the longstanding tradition of agricultural skills in the community. Every year, thousands of people from all over Arizona and beyond visit the County Fair to enjoy the talented exhibitors, diverse entertainment, food, rides, and fun.

The Coconino County Fair entertainment lineup is especially diverse this year, with Indigenous, Latin, and Asian artists, as well as local bands, dancers, country, bluegrass, cover bands, tribute acts, magic, comedy, and more. New artists this year include Dan Meyer -Sword Swallower, The Perceptives Hypnotist Show, and Rollo the Biggest Kid In the World, a comedy stilt act. Familiar fun, like Shawn Eric Magic Fun Show, A Girl and Her Balloons, Flagstaff Dancin’ Grannies, the Flagstaff Community Band, and The Dune Sea Garrison Star Wars Characters will be returning, as well as the Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival’s Mini-Renaissance faire.

Main Stage Headliners:

Thunder and Lightnin’, Friday 8:00 p.m.
Jerrod Niemann, Saturday 8:00 p.m.
Selena Forever Tribute, Sunday 8:00 p.m.
Hot Red Chili Peppers, Monday 2:00 p.m.

Visitors can also see the talented work of community members in the exhibit buildings. Longtime Fort Tuthill County Park partners will be open for visitors at the Fort Tuthill Military Museum, Flagstaff Model Railroad Club, and Flagstaff Gems and Minerals. The Northern Arizona Antique Tractor and Engine Association will also be displaying machines from agricultural history. Visitors can also enjoy new contests and competitions on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, pictures with Coco the Cow, carnival rides, food, and more.

For a full schedule of events, contests, and entertainment, as well as to purchase tickets and parking passes, visit www.CoconinoCountyFair.com. Save time and space by choosing to carpool, bike, or use the free Fair shuttle, for ease of access through the crowds. Visitors are encouraged to use the new recycling bins for bottles and cans, to help keep the Coconino County Fair clean and fun for everyone.

Board of Supervisors Adopts Final Tax Rate Schedule for Fiscal Year 2024

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) unanimously approved and adopted the tax rate schedule for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 24) and Tax Year 2023 for all special taxing jurisdictions for which Coconino County has authority to collect taxes. Arizona Revised Statues mandate that an ordinance levying taxes for FY 24 be adopted no later than the third Monday in August 2023, and with this administrative action the Board has concluded the 2023-24 budget process.

Special taxing jurisdictions, often referred to as special districts, are created to fill a need and to enable the provision of services in an area that might otherwise be limited from receiving those services for various reasons, including size, location, financial limitations or unavailability of other government support. The formation of a special taxing district creates a funding stream to pay for the desired or necessary services by placing the responsibility on those who benefit from that service.

Within Coconino County, special tax districts include the Flood Control District, Coconino Community College, ten public school districts, 17 fire department districts, and special districts such as the Williams Hospital District and the Forest Lakes Domestic Water District. The County also acts as the taxing authority in the cities of Flagstaff and Williams.

“This tax rate adoption is the culmination of extensive work by our County Finance Director, the County Treasurer, Assessor, our Superintendent of Schools, and last but not least our County Attorney’s Office,” said Patrice Horstman, Chair of the Board and Supervisor for District 1. “It is a lot of work, but necessary in order to meet the important priorities of our communities.”

The FY 24 budget, which took effect on July 1 of this year, sustains the County’s approach to 10-year budget planning and continues the County’s low property tax rate, one of the lowest in the state, maintaining service levels to the community while also considering the impact to the taxpayer.

74th Coconino County Fair Early Bird Tickets available

FLAGSTAFF —Early bird tickets are available for the 74th annual Coconino County Fair that runs from September 1-4. The early bird tickets and wristbands are available until July 31 online and at Bookmans.

The ticket costs are:

  • Adults – $8
  • Youth (6 – 12) – $3
  • Senior (65 and older) – $4
  • Early Bird Carnival Wrist Bands (all-day pass) – $30

You can purchase wrist bands at www.CoconinoCountyFair.com or cash only at Bookmans Flagstaff Entertainment Exchange, 1520 S Riordan Ranch Street.
*Processing fees may apply
**Some rides may require additional tokens; $2 processing fee online

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions to Begin Thursday in Coconino County

FLAGSTAFF — With the potential for continued warm, dry, and windy conditions throughout Northern Arizona in the coming days, both the Coconino National Forest and the Kaibab National Forest – Williams Ranger District will begin Stage 1 Fire Restrictions this Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) and County Manager’s Office have directed Emergency Management (CCEM) to do likewise in all unincorporated areas of the County.

Under the County’s Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or a developed recreation site. The use of tracer rounds of ammunition or explosive targets is also strictly prohibited. Fireworks are always prohibited on all National Forest and State lands.

Using a device that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.

Fire restrictions are implemented to help prevent human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions. Decisions about fire restrictions are based on a combination of carefully measured factors. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels, enduring drought, and available firefighting resources.

Additional restrictions could be forthcoming if conditions warrant. Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the region receives significant, widespread precipitation.

The public is reminded to always be extra cautious when recreating on public lands, regardless of restrictions. Violations could result in mandatory appearance in a federal court, fines, or jail time.

For information on Coconino County’s Stage 1, 2, and 3 fire restrictions please visit: https://coconino.az.gov/2595/Fire-Restriction-Information.

Information about all Arizona state and federal fire restrictions, including an interactive map, can be found at wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions. Additional information about the stages of fire restrictions, Forest Orders, and general forest conditions are available for the Kaibab National Forest at fs.usda.gov/kaibab and the Coconino National Forest at fs.usda.gov/coconino.

Fire weather watch issued for Tuesday

FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR NORTHERN ARIZONA
Fire Weather Watch issued June 25 at 1:12PM MST until June 27 at 8:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has issued a Fire Weather Watch due to strong winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect from Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening.

* AFFECTED AREA…Locations near Alpine, Camp Verde, Chino Valley, Congress, Cottonwood, Paulden, Payson, Strawberry, Pinetop-Lakeside, Prescott, Sedona, Seligman, Show Low and Whiteriver. This includes portions of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Coconino National Forest, Kaibab National Forest, Prescott National Forest and Tonto National Forest.

* WINDS…Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as 7 percent.

* IMPACTS…The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.
Click HERE to sign up for Coconino County Emergency Notifications and alerts.