MOHAVE COUNTY – Some terse words from Mohave County Board of Supervisor Gary Watson punctuated the start of Monday’s Board of Supervisors meeting that included action on a veritable potpourri of items. Watson expressed his disdain for civil disobedience that has shocked the nation with violence and vandalism from Minneapolis to Scottsdale.

Watson said the police action that choked the life out of George Floyd was unconscionable and he said those officers responsible should meet justice swiftly. Yet Watson said he swore an oath on five different occasions to uphold the law and protect the people of Arizona and that he has no patience for destructive demonstration.

“I have a message for anyone attempting to harm our citizens of Mohave County. Rioting and looting will not be tolerated. This bulldog will not stand and turn another cheek,” Watson said. “I’ll let my redneck show for a little bit right now and I have a little bit of a warning for those attempting to come to Mohave County with those purposes in mind. Don’t corner something that’s meaner than you are. This is Mohave County and our citizens matter!”

COVID-19:

Department of Public Health Director Denise Burley told supervisors that 70 new cases made last week the busiest week to date for new coronavirus case confirmation in Mohave County. She said, however, that 24% of those cases connect to nursing homes when the percentage was 41% the prior week.

Burley’s point was that the county is still seeing dozens of new positive coronavirus cases, but that fewer of them were tied to long term care facilities. The Board also approved Burley’s request to hire up to three temporary, clerical positions to assist with data entry and the statistical burdens of dealing with the pandemic.

COUNTY MANAGER:

The hiring of Sam Elters as County Manager was completed during the Board meeting. His pay was reduced and his start date was better defined.

Supervisors asked Elters if he would work for $150,000 per year rather than the $155,000 that had been proposed. Elters said he negotiated that contract figure in good faith and in measurement with his market worth, but he said he still wants to serve as county manager at the lesser figure.

The board also modified the proposed contract so that Elters can start his new job as early as June 22, but no later than June 29.

DOT FOODS:

Supervisors approved the payment of another $200,000 in incentives for a food distribution facility that is successfully operating in Bullhead City. Board member Hildy Angius said Dot Foods met or exceeded all of its employment promises and has been an outstanding corporate citizen.

Angius expressed hope that Dot Foods plant manager Rocky Vecera might report to the Board in the future regarding jobs and philanthropy.

• Dave Hawkins

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