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Pima County Supervisors Unveil Bold Initiatives to Combat Extreme Heat
Pima County supervisors will receive a briefing on Tuesday about measures to protect residents from extreme heat this summer and in the future. Last year, heat-related deaths in Pima County exceeded 100, according to the Pima County Medical Examiner.
In response to rising temperatures, the board directed county staff in May to establish the Office of Climate and Environmental Health Justice to assist vulnerable populations. On June 4, County Administrator Jan Lesher approved new administrative procedures for heat relief, developed with input from labor and business sectors.
The procedures cover comprehensive training, acclimatization, employer-provided cool water, flexible scheduling, breaks, shaded respite sites, personal protective equipment, and heat emergency protocols. Additionally, the county has nearly 40 mobile heat respite sites, funded by the county, City of Tucson, and nonprofit agencies. The Pima County Health Department is also working on a long-term plan for heat relief.
The county board will vote on a contract with Catholic Community Services of Arizona to support asylum seekers with food, hygiene, shelter, and the opportunity to contact hosts. This service is federally funded and does not cost the county government. Concerns were raised by Supervisor Steve Christy about a subcontractor allegedly overcharging CCS and working without a contract. The issue has been reported to the Pima County Attorney’s Civil Division.
The county stands to receive a $60,000 federal grant from the Department of Agriculture for housing rehabilitation, part of the Rural Housing Service program. This funding aims to improve current housing stock and contribute to affordability.
South Tucson will maintain consistency in street names and addresses under a new contract. Meanwhile, the Workforce Investment Board will provide an update on its activities. Formed in 1997, the board develops training programs and receives funding from the Workforce Investment Act of 2000. In fiscal year 2023-24, 78 percent of dislocated workers found jobs paying a median income of over $40,000.
County Administrator Lesher recommends the board appoint Tracy Ethridge-Nielsen as a new constable for Precinct 4. She is the only candidate for the position in the November election. The post became vacant after Oscar Vasquez resigned.
The Tucson Unified School District Governing Board is expected to approve its $433 million budget. The budget includes a property tax increase due to state-level financial adjustments. One-time funding will support lunch programs and capital expenses, while primary property taxes will slightly decrease.
Lastly, Arizona has reached a $1 billion legal settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors. The Nogales City Council will vote on the agreement, which outlines how settlement funds will be distributed and used for opioid abuse prevention and treatment. The city is expected to approve the terms.