Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors - 2026-03-04
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors approved an Early Actions Community Investment Agreement with the City of Nogales, Town of Patagonia, and South 32 mining company, allocating funds for 16 early action projects including emergency services audits, mobile health units, childcare strategic planning, and housing strategy updates. The meeting featured extensive public comment opposing the Hermosa Mine project and calling for independent water and air quality assessments before finalizing community benefits agreements.
Key Decisions (5)
Early Actions Community Investment Agreement with South 32
Board approved agreement with City of Nogales, Town of Patagonia, and South 32 for community protections and planning. Agreement includes 16 early action projects covering emergency services, community health, childcare, housing, and nature-based economy initiatives. Projects derived from University of Arizona Regional Gap Analysis and topic-specific focus groups.
March 2026 Government Employee Appreciation Month Proclamation
Board approved proclamation declaring March 2026 as Santa Cruz County Government Employee Appreciation Month.
WIOA Work Experience Services Contract with SCR Jobs for Progress
Approved professional service agreement with SCR Jobs for Progress of Southern Arizona Inc. for work experience services from March 5, 2026 through May 29, 2026 for $49,499.82 total, supporting 10 students in Nogales Unified School District automotive SCTE program.
Two Vacant Detention Officer Positions
Board authorized filling two vacant detention officer positions in the jail district. Positions are budgeted.
Consent Agenda Items 1-7
Board approved consent agenda items including various routine matters.
Development Activity (1)
Hermosa Mine Project
Mining project with final Environmental Impact Statement released by U.S. Forest Service. Project includes new main access road, tailings facility, overhead power lines, and direct release of treated water into Goldbloom and Maori Wash. 45-day response window for prior commenters.
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
County housing strategy 2022-2027 needs updating with focus on workforce housing for teachers and healthcare professionals who cannot afford homes when starting careers.
Infrastructure
Monte Carlo drainage improvement project advancing with 30% design plans underway for flood control; county working with FEMA on Potrero Creek letter of map revision approved and in 90-day appeal period.
Sentiment
Significant community opposition to Hermosa Mine project with concerns about water quality, air pollution, antimony contamination, and impacts on nature-based tourism economy.
Infrastructure
County pursuing $25 million BUILD grant for I-19 Rio Rico Frontage Road and $30 million WERDA funding for Nogales Wash wastewater infrastructure project.
Labor
AAA Landscaping job fair hired 20 people with another hiring event scheduled for March 19-20 for 20 additional positions through WIOA program.