Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors - 2026-04-01
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors meeting on April 1, 2026 was primarily informational with no substantive land use votes taken. Key presentations included South 32's quarterly update on the Hermosa zinc mine construction (55% complete, first mining expected mid-2026), approval of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, and recognition of the Chamber of Commerce partnership. The consent agenda passed unanimously including authorization to fill five vacant detention officer positions.
Key Decisions (3)
Consent Agenda Items 1-17
Board approved all 17 consent agenda items unanimously, including various routine administrative matters.
Five Vacant Detention Officer Positions
Authorization to fill five vacant detention officer positions in the jail district, all positions are budgeted.
Special Deputy Contract for Criminal Litigation
Approved contract with Center for Rural American Justice through Garrett Karchner for litigation of pending criminal case in the amount of $15,000, due to deputy county attorney departure.
Development Activity (4)
Hermosa Mine - Zinc Processing Facility
Construction 55% complete. Two shafts at 50% and 65% complete. Zinc processing facility under construction. Peak construction workforce of 900-1,000 workers. First underground mining expected mid-2026. 200-acre footprint on private land. Centro remote operating center under construction in Nogales for up to 200 employees.
Centro Remote Operating Center
Remote operating center for monitoring underground mine operations. All permits in place. Access road on north side complete. Building construction started. Expected to open sometime next year with up to 200 employees.
Bafford Street Housing Project
Housing project discussed during Senator Gallego staff visit. County provided letter of support for grant application.
Moctezuma Hotel Project
Hotel project in downtown Nogales. County provided letter of support for application process.
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
County leadership actively supporting affordable housing projects including Bafford Street housing and Moctezuma Hotel, indicating focus on housing development in Nogales area.
Labor
South 32 reports 115+ local Santa Cruz County vendors onboarded in past year, with local procurement spending doubled year-over-year, creating indirect employment opportunities.
Infrastructure
South 32's Hermosa mine approaching 55% construction completion with 250+ direct employees and plans to reach 600 employees within 18 months, representing significant regional employment growth.
Commercial Demand
Sonoita-Elgin cuisine tourism grant completed with community engagement, indicating county investment in tourism-based economic development for rural areas.
Infrastructure
County launching 2026 comprehensive plan process with 65 community volunteers for technical advisory committees, signaling long-term planning initiative for county development.