La Paz County explores Bankruptcy and restructuring options

Parker, Arizona - In an extraordinary meeting on Monday, July 19, 2010, the La Paz County Board of Supervisors voted to hire a bankruptcy lawyer to evaluate restructuring and other financial options as a result of the Yakima judgment. Many Quartzsite residents were in attendance, including Mayor Ed Foster, Town Manager Alex Taft, Quartzsite Police Chief Jeff Gilbert, Council Members Joe Winslow, Patricia Anderson, and Barbara Cowell.


After voting to hire Randy Nussbaum, of Nussbaum & Gillis of Scottsdale, the three supervisors heard from the public. Quartzsite Council member Winslow and Anderson spoke of their disapproval of bringing bio-solids (human waste) through Quartzsite into the county landfill. Chief Gilbert shared his concerns about the supervisors’ earlier vote of not providing benefit packages for new full time employees within the Jail District (hiring "full time temporary" positions instead). Gilbert explained many Quartzsite citizens have concerns that trucks carrying bio-solids may be going through Quartzsite, again, up Hwy. 95 to the landfill. He said, “We have our mayor here today, and hopefully he’ll get up and say a few words in regards to the town as well.” Mayor Foster did not speak and left the building shortly after the meeting. Starr BearCat of Quartzsite also spoke about her concerns for bringing “bio-solids into our backyard”. BearCat also suggested, “if Yakima wants the golf course, give it to them.” However, the supervisors did approve putting to bid for Grass Seeds for Emerald Canyon Golf Course.

After public comments, the supervisors went into Executive Session seeking legal advice with their attorneys in order to consider its position relating to the County Landfill and restructuring and other financial options, as a result of the Yakima judgment.

For an explanation of Chapter 9 form of bankruptcy from La Paz County Manager, Dan Field, watch: http://www.youtube.com/user/QWatchingEyes#p/u/1/o1kl3HRo-0w

For Quartzsite Police Chief Gilbert's comments to La Paz County Supervisors see:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv8b7VYL7Io&playnext_from=TL&videos=Ag1zFcHyMDo

Other county business included approving the tentative budget for 2010-2011.  Supervisors approved keeping many employees at same salary and asking some employees to become "Full Time Temporary" positions, rather than full time with benefits. Supervisor Drum explained, "We are in tough times, here folks. We need people to work with us during these times."

Also approved were two Memorandums of Understanding between the La Paz County Public Health and Education Program with the Parker School District and the Quartzsite School District, for coordinating prevention programming to the local schools in those two districts.
The Supervisors also approved "Free Golf" for residents, on Sundays only, from August 1st through August 29th, 2010. The park price will still be $10/person.