Committee Chair Rebecca Timmer of Wilson & Company started the discussion confirming the 2022 legislative schedule. Richard Rosales asked about board advocacy and Tony Smith responded Pinal Partnership does not advocate for every piece of legislation and will write letters of support for the benefit of overall economic development for Pinal County. Rebecca mentioned that we will adhere to the mission of the Government Relations Committee, which is documented in the Committees Action Plan found on the Partnership’s website.
Outstanding items from the January committee meeting were updated. Mitch Basefsky reported the CAP bill HB2409 passed through committee and moves to the floor for a vote. At the January meeting, Mitch requested the board support CAP legislation that would delay the reduction of the four-cent property tax five years to 2030 and extend CAP’s authority to levy the property tax to year 2035. HB2409 was introduced by Representative Griffin. Florence, Coolidge, Eloy, and a portion of Casa Grande are served by CAP. The Pinal Partnership board will formally approve the letter of support provided by Tony Smith at the March 18th board meeting.
Mitch shared the Harquahala bill HB2055 and SB1147 and another bill that prevents Colorado River transfers for users like Queen Creek are still being worked through committee. At the January Government Relations Committee Meeting, Chad Guzman of EPCOR shared information on HB2055 and SB1147 adding private water utilities as eligible entities to transport water to the AMA. Important for Pinal County because we have a disproportionate number of private water companies that don’t have access to this resource. This will become a critical barrier to economic development as growth continues in the county. He requested in January submitting for Pinal Partnership Board of Directors’ approval to support. At that time, Rebecca requested the bill summaries for review and the committee moved to forward bills to Pinal Partnership Board for review and support. Preliminary support was received via email quorum from the Pinal Partnership Board with a final resolution and support letter to be provided at the March 18th Board meeting.
Rebecca Timmer and Heather Wilkey will be working Legislative Guidelines for streamlining support conversations for the Partnership. It will help guide the considerations regarding the Partnership’s interests. With the Partnership’s diverse membership, often a “neutral” position is taken. Historically, Pinal Partnership has served mostly to inform and educate on legislative matters. More requests are being received from members to the committee to provide letters of support, which will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
Rebecca indicated that Dale Wiebusch has stepped down as co-chair as he moves to a new position at the City of Scottsdale. The committee thanks Dale for his support and volunteerism. We welcomed our new committee co-chair, Richard Rosales of APS.
Dorenda Coleman of AZARNG is working with AZ State Land to acquire more land through auction for Picacho and Silver Bell. Pinal County in partnership with the Arizona National Guard has hired a contractor to implement the Pinal County Compatible Use Plan. A virtual meeting of stakeholders is planned for Wednesday, March 16th at 2:30 p.m. For more info: Click here
Emery Layton questioned if establishing more AMA districts is in the works. Mitch Basefsky indicated there’s a lot of talk of establishing an AZ Water Authority and new AMA areas but rural areas not currently under AMAs are concerned about additional water use disclosure requirements.
In a Partnership Update, Tony noted activity for redistricting and candidates getting ready to run in new districts. AZ@Work has a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. today. Wednesday, the Pinal Partnership Water Resource Committee will be meeting to evaluate modeling of the Maricopa Stanfield Basin Study. A members-only area of the Pinal Partnership website will be ready this week offering proprietary videos and a member-to-member directory. Rebecca indicated the City of Casa Grande State of the City address is on March 8th. The next Pinal Partnership Breakfast is March 18th with subject to be determined.
The committee welcomed Jeff Graves, PIO and Intergovernmental Affairs Representative for the Town of Florence.
The next PPGRC Meeting will be March 22nd at 8 am. Mitch Basefsky indicated CAP University training is also on March 22nd at 9 am. For more info: click here
