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Pinal County was honored with two prestigious awards this month: one from the Government Finance Officer's Association for Distinguished Budget Presentation, and the other from the Arizona Emergency Services Association for Excellence in Emergency Services. The Board accepted the awards at the July 15 meeting. At that meeting, the Board also recognized three employees who graduated from the Arizona State University (ASU) Executive Education Center.

 

The Government Finance Officer's Association awards local governments that have demonstrated professionalism by preparing a high quality budget document that contributes to better decision making and accountability. Over 1,100 governments participate in the award program each year. This is the fifth consecutive year Pinal County has received the award, the highest form of recognition in government budgeting. To view the Pinal County Budget Office website, click here. (Pictured left to right: Front row:,  Janette Weedon, Budget Director; Wendy McVicker, Budget Analyst; Scott Brown, Budget Analyst.  Back row: Vice Chairman Pete Rios, Chairman David Snider, Supervisor Bryan Martyn).

 

The county's award for Excellence in Emergency Services was presented to Art Carlton, the Acting Director for Pinal County Emergency Management. Mr. Carlton has coordinated efforts among the county, fire districts, and other jurisdictions to ensure everyone in the county is covered under an emergency management plan. The award was presented to Mr. Carlton in part because of his ability to listen and mediate between groups of stakeholders, facilitate solutions, and coordinate multiple plans. The county had a chance to put emergency plans to work earlier this month, when a power outage left a portion of the county near Red Rock without air conditioning in the middle of summer. The county coordinated with the American Red Cross and the Pinal County Sheriff's Office to set up cooling centers for residents to get out of the heat. (Pictured: Art Carlton and Pinal County Board.)

 

Three Pinal County employees were also recognized for completing ASU's Certificate in Public Management. Kelli Bunker, from the Apache Junction Justice Court, and Megan Villegas and Cheri Webb, both from the Public Works Department, all graduated from the program. Communications Director Heather Murphy said "The Board is very proud to recognize people who are working hard, even in tough budget times. They have taken the time to juggle their families and work lives and worked hard to improve their credentials." (Pictured, front row: Megan Villegas, Public Works Administrator; Cheri Webb, Public Works Administrative Assistant; Kelly Bunker A.J. Justice Court Asst. Chief Clerk. Back row: Pinal County Board).

 

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Legislators met briefly this Monday, only to adjourn after a few minutes. The special session, called by the Governor to address the state budget, will reconvene next Monday, July 27. Lawmakers have continued closed-door, small-group meetings on the budget.

 

The four legislative caucuses were back at the table discussing the budget  and taking input from members this week. Reports indicate that some Republicans and Democrats have made preliminary agreements on budget reductions. 

 

Meetings will continue next week, and cover additional cuts as well as revenue options. Depending on the outcome of next week's negotiations, some are speculating that proposals could begin to move through the legislature. 

 

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