Governor signs 2 Yuma-related bills

On one of her scheduled stops Wednesday, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer stopped by a statewide county supervisors summit and signed two bills affecting Yuma County that were passed during the last legislative session.

Brewer signed HB 2480 and HB 2581 Wednesday during a ceremony at the County Supervisors Association Annual Legislative Summit at the Pivot Point Conference Center.

The three-day event brought more than 100 elected officials and county personnel from across the state - with each of the 15 counties represented.

The first of the two bills will provide for a Regional Transportation Authority for Arizona counties that exceed a population of 200,000 residents. When a county reaches a population of 200,000, it loses the ability to access federal funds for public transportation.

To continue to provide public transportation services, a Regional Transportation Authority is needed.

The bill will allow for the creation of a Regional Transportation Authority if approved by voters. Currently, only counties with a population of 400,000 are allowed to create one.

The second bill will permit the Yuma County Board of Supervisors to be reimbursed for the cost of services provided to county free library districts. Currently, state statute allows the board to be reimbursed for the cost of services provided for all other special districts.

Both pieces of legislation were sponsored Rep. Russ Jones, R-Yuma.

During the summit, elected officials meet to formulate a plan for the next Arizona state legislative session.

"While each county has their own priorities, the summit allows a forum for important policy discussions," said Kevin Tunell, Yuma County communications director. "The county supervisors will consider all legislative proposals brought forward by all 15 counties and prioritize collective county needs and changes that would provide improved services across the state."

In addition to meeting with other county officials, Yuma County Board of Supervisors Chairman Greg Ferguson said the meeting has opened attendees' eyes to "what Yuma really is."

County Administrator Robert Pickels said it's a great way to introduce people to the community. "It's a wonderful opportunity for us, as Greg said, to showcase what we have here in Yuma."

He said Yuma has a lot to offer.

"I can tell you that the feedback that we've had since people started coming in yesterday afternoon is phenomenal," Pickels said. "Everyone is thrilled with the facilities, they're thrilled with the way that the community has developed since the last time they were here, those that have been here.

"It's been nothing but positive for us."