Nanos Under Fire from Pima County Supes Amid Rape Investigation; NW Side Housing Boom Gains Momentum

Pima County Supervisor Steve Christy is urging action from his fellow board members following an external investigation that indicates the Sheriff’s Department may have breached protocols regarding an alleged deputy-on-deputy sexual assault. The inquiry, led by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, examined the circumstances surrounding the incident, which reportedly occurred at a party attended by both colleagues and supervisors of the alleged victim. Allegations claim that his lieutenant, captain, and chief failed to intervene.

The Pima County Deputies Association has accused Sheriff Chris Nanos of attempting to conceal the matter by appointing the chief present at the party to oversee the investigation. In September 2023, the supervisors formally requested an inquiry into the Sheriff’s Department’s actions and the possibility of a coverup. By August 2024, the AG’s report concluded that while no criminal wrongdoing was found, four departmental rules might have been violated. Specifically, allegations stated that command staff did not take adequate measures to assist a colleague in danger and failed to create pertinent reports as required.

As early ballots are being mailed out to voters, Christy, a Republican, is pressing for these discussions. Nanos, a Democrat, continues his campaign for re-election. This has created a politically charged atmosphere, with both sides aware of the stakes involved.

The Deputies Association, dissatisfied with Nanos’ leadership, has voiced concerns about a toxic workplace culture marked by retaliation. This sentiment does not solely reflect party lines; Democratic Supervisor Matt Heinz has publicly backed Nanos’s opponent, Republican Heather Lappin. With early voting underway, the focus lies on ensuring government procedures remain transparent and credible.

Meanwhile, Pima County is addressing other local governance matters. County Administrator Jan Lesher has approved the transfer of $50,000 to the Green Valley Consolidated Justice Court to initiate the recruitment of an additional probation officer, contingent on the board’s approval of the complete $100,000 budget. Updates on the county budget will also be provided, with property tax revenues anticipated to start rolling in this month.

The board is set to vote on a $4.2 million contract with Omaha’s EX2 Technology to implement the “Middle Mile” project—a vital initiative aimed at enhancing internet connectivity in rural Tucson areas. Additionally, enhancements such as new bridges over local canyons are on the agenda, funded partly by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

In local school news, the Sunnyside School District is considering a proposal to refund $1.4 million in bond savings to taxpayers. This refund stems from the refinancing of older bonds at lower interest rates, ultimately resulting in savings for property owners.

In another shift, the Tucson Unified School District is set to discuss a new digital budget book that aims to provide a more transparent understanding of its annual budget, a move welcomed by financial observers. Furthermore, the district’s board is expected to vote on adopting a new textbook for its precision machining course.

On the housing front, Marana is revisiting the 249-acre Rancho Marana specific plan, initially approved 34 years ago, to facilitate the development of apartment complexes and commercial spaces. The Planning and Zoning Commission has unanimously supported this updated proposal, reflecting a broader trend of revitalizing old development plans in the Tucson area as housing demand grows.

Furthermore, the Oro Valley Town Council is reviewing an auxiliary dwelling unit ordinance, commonly known as “casitas,” as mandated by recent state legislation. This change aims to simplify the process for such structures, which now allow kitchen facilities, thus altering the definition of traditional guest houses.

Lastly, Santa Cruz County supervisors are set to vote on a new ordinance aimed at protecting night skies by regulating ambient light levels in natural areas. The proposed restrictions are designed to maintain the integrity of natural environments against intrusive artificial lighting, establishing a multi-tiered zoning system for light usage.