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Frances Wickham swears in new members of the Insurance Review Board. The board will review retirement and disability issues for the Mammoth Police Department. Being sworn in are Bob Sloan, Don Jones, Alice Martinez and Al Anaya. Board member Steve Nash was unavailable for the photo.
John Hernandez | Miner
Sheriff Paul Babeu poses with Mammoth Softball. The Sheriff donated $2,000 of RICO funds to the softball program. John Hernandez | Miner
San Manuel Miner
Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu spoke during the call to public at Thursday’s town council meeting. The Sheriff had earlier donated $2,000 to the Mammoth Softball program. Sheriff Babeu said he had spoken to Mammoth Chief of Police Steve Nash about possibly having the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office provide law enforcement services for the Town of Mammoth.
Babeu spoke briefly about the benefits of having the sheriff’s department take over the policing of the town. He talked about the financial savings for the town which would include administration costs, saving on liability insurance, vehicle maintenance and training. He also said it would be improved service as Pinal County could provide more deputies to the area. They could provide dispatching service. It would be similar to what was offered to the Town of Superior. There are different options if the Town of Mammoth is interested in a dialogue with the sheriff’s office or want to inquire about a contract or relationship with the town.
Later in the meeting Mayor Jones said that contrary to rumors, they are not disbanding the police department. They may look at options that can be provided by the Pinal County Sheriff. If they open a dialogue with the sheriff’s office it would be placed on the agenda for a public meeting.
In other business, Jeff Hays gave a presentation on available grants and loans from the United States Department of Agriculture. The programs are available for the Town of Mammoth and residents. The grants and loans could be used for building infrastructure, housing and provide for renovations of homes for qualifying low income seniors.
Lynn Zeiler gave a presentation on economic development for Mammoth. She urged citizens to volunteer for committees to work on improving the town.
Action was taken to approve naming the 5th Street Park to Veteran’s Memorial Park. The park is located above the swimming pool. There may be action taken later to build a memorial for veterans.
Action was taken to appoint an Insurance Review Board. The board would review retirement and disability issues for town personnel. Appointed to the board were Steve Nash, Don Jones, Bob Sloan, Al Anaya, and Alice Martinez.
Mayor Jones spoke about the financial crisis that the Town of Mammoth is in. The town is looking at increasing the town’s Transaction Privilege Tax (sales tax) rate from 2 percent to 4 percent and possibly establishing a bed tax rate up to 4 percent. On or after June 2 a public hearing and possible action on the new tax rates will be held.
John Hernandez lives in Oracle. He is retired and enjoys writing and traveling. He is active in the Oracle Historical Society. He covers numerous public events, researches historical features and writes business/artist profiles.
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