August 18th
The Mohave County Constables requested a resolution to establish a ten-dollar fee for every writ served on behalf of a justice of the peace in a civil action. The monies collected from the fee would be deposited in the Constable Ethics Standards and Training Fund. Historically, there has been quite a bit of controversy surrounding the elected constables, including one no longer allowed access to the jail, several who have faced criminal charges and convictions and several who have received ethics violations. A hearing was set for the October 20th Board of Supervisor’s meeting to discuss and possibly approve the increase.
Controversial Planning and Zoning commissioner Cullin Pattillo was reappointed by District 4 Supervisor Don Martin despite an outpouring of opposition. Constituents spoke against Mr. Pattillo, stating they felt they weren’t being accurately represented by him. Additionally, there was mention of his inappropriate comments on social media degrading women, Christians, and Republicans. It was also pointed out that he was frequently absent from the P&Z meetings. Supervisor Martin said Mr. Pattillo’s resume was enough for him to continue his appointment, despite another qualified applicant seeking the position.
County Attorney Will Davis brought forward an ordinance to expand the residency restriction for level 2 and level 3 sex offenders. The ordinance will require a minimum of 1,000 feet distance from a level 2 or 3 sex offender from any prohibited locations which include: schools, childcare facilities, public parks, libraries, school bus stops and youth clubs.
The Development Services “Shot Clock” otherwise known as the permit review timeline policy, was approved by the Board. This will provide a more transparent timeline for applicants relating to their building permit. The timeline will be available at:
www.mohave.gov/departments/development-services/permitting/ in the near future.
The Economic Development Department will become a destination marketing organization for the unincorporated areas of the County. Similar to Go Lake Havasu or Bullhead City’s tourism department, the goal is to attract new visitors, events, and tourism related investments. This will allow the County to apply for grants that may not have been available to them without the organization.
The Topock and Mohave Valley School Districts each had their increased tax levies approved after the County Attorney’s office advised that the job of the Supervisors is to accept the tax levies. Supervisor Ron Gould of District 5, where both of these school districts are located, disagreed, arguing that the legislature did not create laws which give the Supervisors purview only to pass them with a rubber stamp. That is however, exactly how the vote went, with Supervisor Gould being the lone dissent.
September 2nd
The Board approved a three-year license agreement with the Kingsmen of Route 66 for the purpose of developing, operating, and maintaining the Mohave County Anderson Ford Rodeo Arena and surrounding facilities at the Fairgrounds. Several years ago, the Board dealt with another organization that mismanaged funds, The Mohave County Fair Association ultimately had their agreement terminated in 2022. Supervisor Gould requested a review of the Kingsmen’s financials before agreeing to the license agreement The Board voted to approve 3-to-2 with Supervisor Gould and District 2 Supervisor Rich Lettman dissenting.
Mohave County residents will no longer be required to pull a permit to replace water heaters. After reviewing the three main city’s requirements, researching the dangers of water heaters and much discussion, the Board voted to amend the Building Ordinance and remove permits for like-for-like water heater replacements.
County Manager Sam Elters will finally be retiring at the end of the year. The Board discussed a possible recruitment plan to replace Mr. Elters but chose to continue the discussion at the September 15th meeting.
A new ordinance was created by the Board regulating future data center development in the county. Supervisor Gould took the lead on this contentious development issue, with the hope to restrict the resource sucking facilities to a minimum. The new ordinance would require a data center to provide its own on-site energy and dry cooling technologies.
Supervisor Gould brought forward an item to provide service-connected disabled veterans with the ability to adopt an animal from the Mohave County Animal Shelter free of charge and have their first-year licensing fee waived. Veterans will need to provide their V.A. identification and comply with all requirements to adopt an animal.