Stadium District Board of Directors Approves Chase Field MOU

On Wednesday, the Maricopa County Stadium District Board of Directors voted to approve a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will end the lawsuit over Chase Field, protect county taxpayers, and turn over responsibility for all repairs and maintenance at the stadium to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Under the MOU:

• All litigation will be dismissed
• Maricopa County will maintain ownership of Chase Field
• The Team will be responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of Chase Field and for all repair, replacement, and physical work at or to Chase Field
• The Team will be responsible for all booking and other revenue-generating activities at Chase Field
• The Team may immediately begin exploring options to modify, remodel, or rebuild Chase Field
• The Team will play at Chase Field through the 2022 season except as outlined in the MOU
• The Team will pay a buyout ranging from $5-25 million if it leaves Maricopa County after the 2022 season
• The District will turn over existing reserve funds held for work on the stadium to the Team, with a requirement that they use the funds in the same way, and provide the District with an accounting

The Diamondbacks are a huge asset to our community and we want them in Maricopa County for the long-term.  Ultimately, we took a solutions-based approach to resolving this dispute, rebuilding an important relationship, and retaining an economic and cultural force in our community.

Click here to read the full press release.

State Budget Deal Includes Relief for Counties

Since 2008, mandated cost shifts or direct contributions to the State of Arizona have cost Maricopa County more than $300 million.  The state budget passed on May 3, eliminates or phases out most of those cost shifts. Passing on state costs to counties was never a sustainable, long-term budget solution. I’m grateful to the Governor and the leadership in the House and Senate for eliminating most of these temporary county cost shifts.

Strategic Planning Session

This week county leaders discussed the FY 2019-2022 county strategic plan. The focus was on creating goals surrounding safe communities, regional services, government operations, growth and economic development, and fiscal strength and responsibility.

Maricopa County Library Services for All Queen Creek Residents

On April 11, the Maricopa County Library District Board of Directors approved an amendment that will allow all Queen Creek residents, including those who live in Pinal County, to receive Maricopa County library cards. Town of Queen Creek leaders wanted to provide the same services to all residents and worked with the county to come up with a solution. Through this agreement, the Town will fund library cards for their residents living outside Maricopa County.   This agreement showcases what happens when governments work together. Without this funding, people who live in the Town Queen Creek but happen to be over the county line, would have two choices: pay an annual $50 fee to access the Queen Creek Library, or drive more than 35 miles to the closest Pinal County Library. We came together and found a better option.

New Emergency Management App

Download the free ready.maricopa.gov Mobile App to create a personalized Emergency Preparedness Plan, receive critical emergency alerts, get up-to-date evacuation route maps, and so much more.  Click here for more information.

New Jail Construction Underway

Check out the fast-paced video on how concrete panels weighing up to 90,000 pounds each are constructed and then put into place on the site of Maricopa County's future Intake Transfer and Release Facility.

Annual Farm Bureau Breakfast

Thanks to the Arizona Farm Bureau and Maricopa County Cooperative Extension for hosting the 22nd Annual “Breakfast on the Farm” at Jim Boyle’s Dairy.  We had a great dialogue with the farmers and appreciated support from Sen. Warren Petersen, Rep. Eddie Farnsworth, Rep. Travis Grantham, Sheriff Paul Penzone, Assessor Paul Petersen, Clerk of Superior Court Chris DeRose, Superintendent of Schools Steve Watson and County Manager Joy Rich. Thank you to all that attended!

Recent District 1 Volunteer Appointees

Casey S. Blais - Appointed to the Merit Systems Commission Casey is an attorney with Burch & Cracchiolo and practices in the areas of commercial litigation, real estate law and landlord/tenant disputes. He regularly represents individuals, lenders, developers, and other private and public entities in bringing and resolving a variety of legal matters.

Jim Rounds - Appointed to the Industrial Development Authority Board of Directors Jim is the President of Rounds Consulting Group, Inc. and provides economic advice to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, as well as policymakers at the State Capitol, mayors and other public and private leaders in the community. We appreciate our volunteer public servants!

Tom Manos Outstanding Service Award

Congratulations to Stephany Gallegos who received the Tom Manos Outstanding Service Award at the Board of Supervisors meeting on May 9. Stephany served in the Arizona Army National Guard for 8 years (2005-2013) and in 2009 was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Gratitude. Now she serves our community as a field officer with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control and has trained approximately 85% of all the Field Staff. Thank you Stephany for your service to our country and our county!