DIS- 6407
Items For Discussion 1.
Work Session Board of Supervisors - 10:00 am
Board of Supervisors
- Meeting Date:
- 05/13/2022
- Title:
- Ballot Measure - Willcox Groundwater Basin/AMA
- Submitted By:
- Tim Mattix, Board of Supervisors
- Department:
- Board of Supervisors
Presentation:
No A/V Presentation
Recommendation:
Document Signatures:
# of ORIGINALS
Submitted for Signature:
Submitted for Signature:
NAME
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Lisa Marra
TITLE
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Elections Director
Mandated Function?:
Source of Mandate
or Basis for Support?:
or Basis for Support?:
Information
Agenda Item Text:
Discussion and possible direction regarding a ballot measure on the 2022 General Election ballot to designate the Willcox Groundwater Basin as an Active Management Area as authorized in A.R.S. 45-415 by the Arizona Department of Water Resources.
Background:
An Initiative Petition application was filed on 8/11/21 by the Arizona Water Defenders to designate the Willcox Groundwater Basin as an Active Management Area (AMA) "Active Management Area" means a geographical area which has been designated as requiring active management of groundwater. There are currently five AMAs in Arizona managed by the Arizona Dept. of Water Resources.
On 3/18/22, 909 signatures were filed with the Election Department. After removing 15 signatures as required under A.R.S. 19-121, a random sample of 5% of the remaining signatures were selected. Those 45 signatures were verified by the County Recorder with 5 being removed as not eligible. The remaining signatures are in excess of the minimum required.
This groundwater basin overlaps Graham County, and must appear on the General Election ballot in both Cochise and Graham. There are approximately 211 eligible voters in Graham and 6401 eligible voters in Cochise. Only eligible voters within the boundaries, determined by the Arizona Dept of Water Resources map are eligible to vote on this measure. An election publicity pamphlet must be sent to each household with an eligible voter at the expense of the County.
On 3/18/22, 909 signatures were filed with the Election Department. After removing 15 signatures as required under A.R.S. 19-121, a random sample of 5% of the remaining signatures were selected. Those 45 signatures were verified by the County Recorder with 5 being removed as not eligible. The remaining signatures are in excess of the minimum required.
This groundwater basin overlaps Graham County, and must appear on the General Election ballot in both Cochise and Graham. There are approximately 211 eligible voters in Graham and 6401 eligible voters in Cochise. Only eligible voters within the boundaries, determined by the Arizona Dept of Water Resources map are eligible to vote on this measure. An election publicity pamphlet must be sent to each household with an eligible voter at the expense of the County.
Department's Next Steps (if approved):
Request pro/con statements for the required publicity pamphlet. Supervisors in both Cochise and Graham counties must call the election no later than August 30, 2022. Place this measure on the general ballot as required by Title 45 of the Arizona Revised Statutes and conduct the election according to Federal and State laws.
Impact of NOT Approving/Alternatives:
N/A
To BOS Staff: Document Disposition/Follow-Up:
N/A
Fiscal Impact
Attachments
- AMA Fact Sheet
- Groundwater Code Overview
- Timeline
- Willcox Basin Map
- Willcox Basin Application
- Receipt
- ADWR FAQs