Yavapai County Board Discusses Water Resources Committee
On Wednesday, July 2nd, the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors convened for a short study session to talk about establishing a Water Resources and Open Space Committee.
This initiative stems from the Yavapai County Comprehensive Plan Update 2032, which was approved on March 15, 2023. The plan suggests forming a committee that includes representatives from local governments, land managers, as well as hydrologists and water managers.
The plan also advocates for hiring full-time water planners and creating a basin management plan to address water use effectively.
“In my time here—over the last two and a half years—this has come up frequently. There seemed to be a prevailing attitude from the previous board that the county had no role in water management,” said Yavapai County Manager Maury Thompson. “However, I’ve noticed a significant shift in that perspective lately. It seems that municipalities feel they lack a direct role, which suggests there might be an opportunity for the county to facilitate a more substantial discussion about water.”
The committee’s purpose is to foster dialogue among local governing bodies within the county, unincorporated areas, and local groups, including the Central Yavapai metropolitan planning organization and tribal nations.
This view was echoed by Supervisor Nikki Check. During the 2024 election cycle and multiple times since, Director Brooks Compton has championed the county’s role in water management. “I’ve consistently advocated for the county to take the lead and act as a facilitator in these discussions,” Compton stated.
Check, a former mayor of Jerome, previously served on the Yavapai County Water Advisory Board as a representative of the Jerome Town Council. “I was part of that committee until it disbanded in 2014,” he noted, reflecting on the past.
Check thinks that the previous committee’s dissolution could be part of a broader pattern. The board has recognized a potential Water Smart Technical Assistance Grant of up to $25,000 from the Sonora Institute to hire facilitators for these discussions.
Check mentioned a particular interest in the resources provided by Southwest Decision Resources, considering it a strong candidate for support. It’s hoped that municipal and county staff will back this initiative.
The ultimate aim is to establish a sustainable, county-wide strategy for managing water resources that extends beyond the life of the initial grant funding.
“If we don’t receive the grant, my backup plan is to engage with the board and county staff to continue the discussion about water management with local governments,” she added.
“I believe it’s time to unite for a cause like this, especially as we approach the renewal of the zoning ordinance,” Check said. “If we can produce meaningful outcomes soon, we might incorporate those into the new zoning requirements, such as promoting water-efficient landscaping.”
Supervisor Chris Kunio observed, “What we discussed in 20-40 is now unfolding after years of conversation. So, Earth feels more fragile, especially when it comes to zoning and development.”
Public Land Concerns
Before the study session, the Supervisors unanimously approved Resolution No. 2161 in response to a proposal from a senator in Utah, included in a recently signed significant bill. It proposed selling up to 3 million acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service for housing development, an idea that has drawn criticism.
This sales amendment faced a block from Senate Elizabeth McDonough on June 23rd.
Clarkdale town council also passed a resolution on June 24th opposing the sale of federal USFS and BLM land.
“This issue isn’t resolved,” cited Kunio, expressing concern that it might resurface as a standalone proposal.
“I dread the idea of having to walk through something like a ‘Jeff Bezos National Forest’ or a private timber company’s development,” he said. “While the proposal appears to have been withdrawn, it’s essential for us to stay vigilant, as many of us moved here to enjoy these public lands.”
Kunio also mentioned that the BLM’s “checkerboard” system should be reconsidered.
The resolution articulates, “Yavapai County firmly supports continued federal administration of public lands and opposes any efforts to sell or transfer these lands contrary to local desires. We urge Arizona’s legislative delegation to reject policies harmful to these lands and promote long-term preservation and responsible use.”
However, Kunio pointed out that the board is not outright opposing all federal land transfers and acknowledged efforts to expand Cornville Park with the inclusion of 80 acres of adjacent federal land.
