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Regular Agenda Item 3. B.

Regular BOS Meeting

Meeting Date:	05/18/2021
Submitted For:	Mary Springer	Submitted By:	Mary Springer, Finance Director
Department:	Finance

Information

Request/Subject

Information/Discussion/Action to adopt Resolution No. 21-05-02 in support of a grant application being submitted to the Ak-Chin Indian Community by the Hellsgate Fire District in the amount of $53,932.36 to purchase a new 4x4 SUV vehicle that can respond to 911 calls for the District; and which authorizes Gila County to act as the fiscal agent by agreeing to be a pass-through agency and accept funding on behalf of the Hellsgate Fire District.

Background Information

The passage of Proposition 202 by the voters of Arizona in November 2002 set the stage for new gaming compacts between the State and the respective tribes. An important provision of Proposition 202 was the sharing of gaming revenues with the State. A portion of the revenue to be shared can be retained by a tribe and distributed itself. Specifically, Proposition 202 states: "The Tribe shall make twelve percent (12%) of its total annual contribution under Section 12(B) in either or both of the following forms: Distributions to cities, towns, or counties for government services that benefit the general public, including public safety, mitigation of the impacts of gaming, or promotion of commerce and economic development. Deposits to the Commerce and Economic Development Commission Local Communities Fund established by A.R.S. Section 41-1505.12." The Ak-Chin Indian Community has opted for option one (above) and therefore distributes these "12 percent" funds directly to cities, towns, or counties through our State Shared Revenue Grants Program. Since the law requires that all funds be distributed to cities, towns, and counties, the other potential grantees are required to cooperate with either a city, town, or county entity to receive any grant funding and act as a pass-through for the other agencies. This process is used throughout Arizona with Tribal Governments that choose to directly distribute a portion of their gaming funds. Cities, towns, and counties are asked to provide resolutions accepting these grants and acting as pass-through agencies for non-municipal entities that are successful grant recipients. Hellsgate Fire District has applied to the Ak-Chin Indian Community for $53,932.36 for a 4X4 SUV vehicle and upfitting to respond to 911 calls for the Fire District. According to the grant application, a resolution from a county or municipality is required stating proof of support and sponsorship and that the county or municipality will act as a pass-through agency for the grant funds.

Evaluation

Due to the short timeframe in which to submit the grant application, Hellsgate Fire District submitted the grant application to the Ak-Chin Indian Community. They have requested this resolution, so they can comply with the grant requirements. Hellsgate Fire District serves a total of 38 square miles with a target population of nearly 20,000 local community members and over 100,000 visitors to local forests in the surrounding area. The 4X4 SUV vehicle is needed to replace a vehicle with high mileage that can respond to on-scene fire and EMS crews. They are situated between the Town of Payson Fire Department and the Christopher-Kohls Fire Department and have automatic aid agreements with both.

Conclusion

The Hellsgate Fire District has a critical need for a reliable 4X4 SUV that can respond and support fire and EMS crews. With this grant request, they will be addressing the need for a vehicle that can provide this service capability.

Recommendation

Staff recommends the adoption of Resolution No. 21-05-02 and acceptance of a pass-through grant on behalf of the Hellsgate Fire District from the Ak-Chin Indian Community in the amount of $53,932.36 that will be used to purchase a 4X4 SUV vehicle for the Hellsgate Fire District.

Suggested Motion

Attachments
Resolution 21-05-02
Ak-Chin grant application