Rebecca Timmer introduced Pinal County Supervisor – District 3 Stephen Miller to educate us on what is happening in his district. An Arizona native and resident of Pinal County for more than 50 years, Supervisor Miller took office in January 2013 as Supervisor of District 3 representing the Casa Grande region. Supervisor Miller was nominated by his peers on the board to be the first Chairman of the now five-member Pinal County Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Miller previously served more than ten years on the Casa Grande City Council, giving him valuable experience in public service, budget management, and leading the government out of more than one fiscal crisis. He is active in promoting economic development in all sectors; agriculture, manufacturing, and distribution centers, which has created long-term employment for our local citizens. He has been named to several water committees by the Governor’s Office and was asked to Chair an ad-hoc committee that was called by Rep. Cook to address the Pinal AMA’s water profile.
Visit his newsletter for information on his work and sign up through his office – get link: https://www.pinal.gov/691/Newsletter-Sign-Up-Form
Supervisor Miller was elected this year to serve as President of County Supervisors Association.
- The goal this year to play defense on diverting state funding shortfalls to county level.
- One year term with responsibilities to chair Legislative Policy Committee to review and monitor legislative session weekly each Friday.
- May support, oppose or remain neutral and act on bills impacting county level governance. Will represent County at ACC Board as well.
Supervisor Miller’s roles on water resource issues include:
CAP Board
- Public Open House on December 5th at Paramount Theatre from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Casa Grande featuring CAP role in the state water resources and receiving public input on focal points for CAP to provide education/information
- Follow this link for more information on all 3 open houses: Click here
- CAP developing education center in North Phoenix projected for completion in 2025
On Pinal County Water
- Pinal Stakeholders Group working with hydrologists on the modeling being used by the state. Nathan Miller’s New World Matrix funded by Pinal Partnership members
- Submitted to ADWR for review and discussion in hopes of using Nathan’s work as baseline for modeling in Pinal County AMA
- Even if no more water certificates issued, approved water certificates on the shelf in Pinal County will meet the needs and there is sufficient water to deliver development covered by existing certificates
- Existing Certificates are not transferable, but property owners have methods to ensure the rights don’t expire or get revoked
- Certificates of Assured Water is a real-estate statute to protect the consumer from development without water rights
- As a board member of Pinal County Water Augmentation Authority (PCWAA) is studying “brackish water” and looking for filtration system solution with CAP standard requirements. Also working on “cloud seeding” program to provide rainfall during monsoon for agricultural users to reduce pumping. AZ is one of the few states not currently experimenting with cloud seeding for a variety of uses.
- In response to Heather Wilkey’s question, Supervisor Miller was asked about the work on legislation for CAGRD (Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District). He indicated the challenge is finding water to recharge with. The “build to rent” phenomenon is impacting the issue due to no requirement for water certificates. Supervisor Miller is looking for new legislation to require BTR developers to be required to participate in the recharge solution.
On Pinal County Housing:
- Pinal County is looking at impact fees and its effect on development for affordable housing. Developers pass cost through to homebuyers, increasing price of housing in combination with inflation impact on supply chain and wages
- Randolph community focus for affordable housing includes infrastructure improvements with fire hydrants, curbs, sidewalks in partnership with SRP
- Biggest challenge as a member of the Board of Supervisors is mounting NIMBY movement against approval of a variety of projects
Pinal County Transportation Committee requires a long-term commitments and solutions with slow moving navigation of legislature and funding.
- Rebecca asked Supervisor Miller about discussions on Prop 479 Maricopa Transportation Tax impacts on Pinal County. He indicated the challenge is determining temperature of voter for approving extension of tax. Loop 202 is an example of what the tax paid for.
- Supervisor Miller’s priority is Pinal County’s Ongoing Maintenance Fund that expires in 2025 and needs to be extended by vote on 2024 ballot.
- After 2024, PRTA will be revisited with new plan to submit to voters. The new name for North/South Freeway has been rebranded as Loop 505.
Our PPGRC Annual December Committee Appreciation Pancake Breakfast will be hosted by APS in Casa Grande on Tuesday, December 12 at 8 am. More details will be forthcoming! This is our only in-person meeting of the year, so you won’t want to miss it!!!
Our next Pinal Partnership Breakfast Meeting features our annual Elliott Pollack Economic Forecast for Pinal County on December 15th at Rawhide. Registration open on the Pinal Partnership events page.
Visit https://pinalpartnership.com/meetings-and-events/ for more information.
