Supervisor Mike Goodman’s View

Current Law Enforcement Coverage

• San Tan Valley currently has 15 officers from the sheriff’s department serving the area
• These officers cover a vast territory including San Tan Valley, Gold Canyon, Top of the World (county line), and parts of Kearny
• The 15 officers are responsible for serving well over 130,000 residents
• Local officials are working with the sheriff’s department to develop strategies for increasing enforcement due to traffic issues and community needs

Municipal Responsibilities Upon Incorporation

• The new municipality would assume responsibility for organizing law enforcement services
• The city would need to develop an adequate law enforcement plan to meet community needs
• Road maintenance and infrastructure would become municipal responsibilities
• These law enforcement and road services would be the two primary initial responsibilities

Additional Services and Voter Approval

• Any additional services beyond basic law enforcement and roads would require voter approval if they involve new taxes or funding mechanisms
• The municipality would need to present comprehensive plans to voters for consideration when additional funding is needed
• New funding mechanisms for expanded services would require voter authorization

County’s Role in Transition

• The county’s primary initial involvement would be appointing initial council members
• Appointed positions would have term limits, followed by required elections
• Elections would be staggered between mayoral and council positions to ensure continuity

Service Delivery Options and Precedents

• County officials have had open conversations about potential service contracts during the various incorporation efforts that have occurred since 2010
• The Queen Creek incorporation model serves as a successful precedent, where they contracted with Maricopa County for law enforcement services
• Queen Creek also worked with Maricopa County’s community development department for planning and zoning assistance during their transition

Contractual Service Arrangements

• Pinal County would be willing to provide services at contractual rates if incorporation succeeds
• Contract terms and rates would be negotiated between the new council and county based on available budget
• Multiple service provider options would be available, including contracting with Queen Creek or Apache Junction for police services
• The new municipality could evaluate different providers to find the most cost-effective option

Administrative Structure

• The new city would need to hire a city manager with experience in municipal government
• The city manager would provide expertise in municipal government structure and operations
• The city manager would help the council figure out what they need to do, drawing on experience in city government and municipal structure