The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors on March 19 approved changes to the timeline for appointing a replacement for the District 2 supervisor seat and directed the board's subcommittee to consider a public engagement component to the selection process.

Why it matters: The appointment fills an unexpired term on a five-member board. The changes respond to a smaller-than-expected applicant pool and to public comment the board has received about wanting more direct public input.

What the board approved: County Manager Maury Thompson told the board the subcommittee recommended moving the start of in-person public comment earlier. As proposed in the subcommittee's revised calendar, the public-comment period that had been scheduled to open April 4 would now begin March 28. The subcommittee will present its recommendation to the full board on April 2. The calendar also preserves the board's ability to conduct an executive session and to hear candidate remarks when the board meets in April; staff proposed language to give the board flexibility about whether to have candidates speak publicly or in executive session.

Thompson told the board five applicants had met the county's eligibility requirements and that the revised timeline reflects that smaller applicant pool.

Public engagement: Several supervisors urged a public forum where applicants could answer questions from residents. A supervisor who had received constituent letters said the public comments have been routed to the Clerk of the Board and that all submissions will be included in the official record.

Outcome and vote: The board voted unanimously to adopt the amended calendar and to have the subcommittee prepare recommendations on how to handle public engagement with applicants. The clerk recorded "yes" votes from Vice Chair Brooks Compton, Supervisor (name on record: yes), and Chair John Mallory.

Authorities cited: The county's agenda materials referenced Arizona statutes governing vacancy appointments and related timelines (ARS 11-213, 11-402, 16-230 and 38-294).

Ending: County staff said they would issue a press release updating the public if the board adopts the calendar changes, and the subcommittee expected to discuss public-engagement options later the same week.