PIMA COUNTY, May 26, 2026 – All interested citizens are invited to attend public hearings on three proposed tax increases Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 5 p.m. or thereafter, in the Pima County Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 130 W. Congress, first floor.
The increases concern the Flood Control District, the Library District and the County’s primary property tax rate.

In compliance with Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) section 48-254, Pima County Flood Control District is notifying its property taxpayers of its intention to raise its secondary property taxes over last year’s level. The district is proposing an increase in secondary property taxes of $2,856,132 or 8.02%.
For example, the proposed tax increase will cause Flood Control’s secondary property taxes on a $100,000 home to be $34.07 (total proposed taxes including the tax increase). Without the proposed tax increase, the total taxes that would be owed on a $100,000 home would have been $31.54.

In compliance with ARS section 48-254, Pima County Free Library District is notifying its property taxpayers of its intention to raise its secondary property taxes over last year’s level. The district is proposing an increase in secondary property taxes of $5,123,983 or 7.78%.
For example, the proposed tax increase will cause the Library District’s secondary property taxes on a $100,000 home to be $58.20 (total proposed taxes including the tax increase). Without the proposed tax increase, the total taxes that would be owed on a $100,000 home would have been $54.00.

In compliance with ARS section 42-17107, Pima County is notifying its property taxpayers of the County’s intention to raise primary property taxes over last year’s level. The County is proposing an increase in primary property taxes of $26,059,116 or 5.26%.
For example, the proposed tax increase will cause its primary property taxes on a $100,000 home to be $427.33 (total proposed taxes including the tax increase). Without the proposed tax increase, the total taxes that would be owed on a $100,000 home would have been $405.97.

Questions may be directed to the County Administrator’s Office, 520-724-8661.
The hearings can be streamed via the following links: BOS Agenda June 23, 2026 or on YouTube. It can also be seen live on Cox Cable Channel 96.

Notice: Truth in Taxation Public Hearing notices will be published in The Daily Territorial on June 8 and June 15 and in the Ajo Copper News on June 3 and June 10. 

Snakes And Other Pests
The more we understand the desert snakes and critters that share our community, the safer we can be. We would like to review the most common venomous snakes and desert critters in our community, how to recognize them, where they are commonly found, and what to do if you are bitten or stung.

Snakes
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake – most rattlesnake encounters occur during the spring and summer months when warmer temperatures make them more active. It’s not uncommon to see them sunning themselves on rocks or even on roadways.
Arizona is home to about 19 species of rattlesnakes, although the Western Diamondback is the most common in our region. They can be identified by:
• A triangular-shaped head
• Two dark diagonal lines on each side of the face
• Dark diamond-shaped patterns along their back
• Distinct black-and-white bands just above the rattle
• Remember that the rattle is a warning system, if you’re close enough to hear it, stop immediately and slowly move backward the way you came in to get out of striking range (about 3 ft.)

If Bitten
• Seek immediate medical attention
• Stay calm to avoid increasing venom absorption
• Do not suck out the venom or apply a tourniquet
• Do not wash, irrigate, or bandage the wound
• Remove tight clothing or jewelry near the bite as swelling will occur

Gila Monsters
The Gila Monster is the largest venomous lizard native to the US and can grow to 22 inches in length. They have large heads and are covered in striking pink, yellow, and black scales, with long toes and sharp claws. Despite their appearance, they move very slowly and have poor eyesight, relying primarily on smell and taste to find food.
Gila Monsters live in burrows under rocks and are mostly nocturnal – if you see one during the day, it is likely searching for food. These reptiles are protected by Arizona State Law and may not be captured, harmed, or sold. Gila Monsters are not aggressive and will not chase after people. If threatened, they may hiss or back away before biting.

If Bitten
• Keep the affected area below heart level (upper chest)
• Rinse the wound gently with water
• Seek immediate medical attention
• A Gila Monster bite happens quickly, and once they latch on they may clamp down and chew

Bees
The Sonoran Desert is home to over 600 species of bees, with the Western Honeybee being the most common. Bees are generally not aggressive but will sting to defend themselves or their hive. A single sting usually causes mild redness and swelling. Seek emergency medical care if signs of anaphylaxis occur, including:
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of the tongue or throat
• hives
• dizziness or loss of consciousness
• Remember that multiple bee stings are a medical emergency

Spiders
Arizona’s warm and dry climate is ideal for spiders. They often hide in dark areas such as closets, drawers, sheds, flowerpots, and in garages. The two most common in our community are the Black Widow and Brown Recluse.
• Black Widow Spider – black widows are shiny black with a bright red hourglass shape on the underside of the abdomen. Females are larger and most likely to bite. A bite may show 2 puncture marks and may cause severe pain, muscle stiffness or spasms, difficulty breathing, and nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills.
• Brown Recluse Spider – brown recluse spiders have a violin-shaped marking on their head and six eyes. They prefer seclusion and usually bite only when trapped against human skin, often in shoes, towels, bedding, or gloves. Their bite may not be immediately painful but symptoms can worsen over several days and may include tissue damage. Medical care is recommended, and healing may take several weeks.

Scorpions
Arizona has several species of scorpions. The bark scorpion is the most medically significant. It is smaller (2-3 inches) with a slender tail, and while its venom can be dangerous, deaths are rare. Scorpions are most active during warm summer nights. Their sting causes immediate pain, numbness, and tingling. If stung:
• Stay Calm
• Clean the area with soap and water
• Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen
• Call poison control at 800-222-1222

Quick Safety Tips
• Always be aware of your surroundings
• Do not pick up or play with the wildlife
• Wear gloves when gardening or working outdoors
• Shake out boots, shoes, and gloves before use
• Always give the wildlife plenty of space
• Before picking up or opening boxes in your garage, give them a quick kick and listen and watch for any activity

“We live in a beautiful place – don’t let fear of snakes and critters keep you from enjoying it!”

This scam starts with some sudden news – you have won the lottery or a sweepstakes. Or the caller may be informing you that you are the recipient of an inheritance from a distant relative or monies held from a previous inheritance have now been released to you. If you receive an unexpected contact claiming any of these – beware.

Sweepstakes Scams
Scammers will contact you to inform you of your great luck – you won! The scammer will then typically inform you that there are taxes and fees related to your big win, and that you need to send money to cover these costs before you can claim you prize. They commonly ask for payment in gift cards, crypto, or even cash. Scammers may also contact you to inform you of your big win, but this time no upfront payment is needed – they simply need all of your bank account information so that they can deposit your (nonexistent) winnings. In either case, beware! Especially if you don’t recall entering these “sweepstakes”.

Fake Inheritance Scams
Inheritance scams operate by convincing individuals they have a claim to a significant windfall from a distant relative or an unclaimed estate. To “release” these funds, fraudsters demand upfront administrative fees or sensitive personal information. Once the payment is made or data is shared, the scammers vanish, and the promised inheritance never materializes. Scammers will commonly reach out via a letter, email, or text message claiming to be from a fake law firm that is representing an estate. They may also provide you with fake life insurance or will documents naming you as the beneficiary. They will always request sensitive personal information or “tax payments”, “processing fees”, or “legal fees” to release your “inheritance”.

Always remember this when you receive a solicitation through text, phone, email, or social media – if it sounds strange, don’t engage!
Visit our website http://www.scamsquadsav.org to check for other scams and alerts. You can also contact the GVSAV Scam Squad by calling 520-351-6715 Monday through Thursday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. To report an incident of fraud (money lost to a scam) call 911 or 520-351-4900. You can also visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/GVSAV.

Residents all across Arizona are reporting being targeted by a new traffic ticket scam that is both official-looking and threatening. This new scam employs sending residents official-looking documentation that states that they owe money for traffic violations, including speeding tickets, parking fines, toll violations, or delinquecies. They threaten anything from immediate arrest, driver license suspension, or vehicle impoundment if you do not send payment. Often, the scammers will provide a QR code or other links for you to make an immediate payment. Beware of this growing scam.
Be Aware
• ADOT (Arizona Department of Transportation) does not collect for unpaid traffic tickets and does not text residents to demand payment
• Be wary of any misspellings in the document or any incorrect information. For example, there is no Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) – it does not exist. In the State of Arizona those responsibilities fall under the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). 
• This scam often mentions toll road violations – Arizona does not currently have any toll roads. If you are given a notice for a toll road violation, it is a scam.
•Remember that legitimate government agencies do not provide QR codes for quick payment and they do not collect payments through text messages.

Below is an example of a fake document sent by scammers:

If you or someone you know needs assistance with replacing the batteries in their smoke alarms or may need to replace the actual smoke alarms, contact the Santa Rita Fire Corps.

Santa Rita Fire Corps
Smoke Alarm and Battery Replacement Programs 520-393-7505
Call to make an appointment and Fire Corps Volunteers will come to your home and change all of the batteries and/or alarms

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BATTERY REPLACEMENTS (inc. batteries) Up to 8 batteries – $20.00 per residence, 9 or more batteries – $25
SMOKE ALARM REPLACEMENTS $30.00 per NEW lithium battery alarm

Arizona Summer and high heat is just around the corner – please help spread awareness of the dangers of high heat to our visiting friends and relatives, especially those taking medications that can raise the risk of heat-related illness.

Summer temperatures will soon be upon us and with that come high energy bills. Governor Hobbs and the Department of Economic Security (DES) have launched Power AZ, a new program providing critical utility assistance to Arizonans. If someone you know needs help paying their electric bill, please refer them to the website provided below for more information, including how to apply.

Join the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the Green Valley Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers for a Dispose-a-Med and Shred-a-Thon event. Dispose of your pills, tablets, and caplets and have your paper documents shredded safely and securely – all at no cost to you! Saturday, June 6, 2026 8am to Noon
DISPOSE: PILLS, TABLETS, AND CAPLETS ONLY, NO CREAM OR LIQUID
SHRED: PAPER ONLY, NO ELECTRONICS