Your Weekly Round Up from Pinal County
COVID-19 Latest and Resources
Pinal County remains under the official declaration of a local emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while the State of Arizona remains under a “Stay Home” order.

There have been 317 positive cases of COVID-19 in Pinal County at the time of publication, resulting in 10 deaths. Within wider Arizona, there have been 6,045 positive cases from 60,714 tests and 266 deaths.

Pinal County is compiling a host of resources for residents to help manage the physical, economic, social, and emotional impacts of this global crisis. Residents are encouraged to visit  pinalcountyaz.gov for th e most up-to-date information.
Other News in Pinal County
Pinal County Improves Insurance Rating, Helps Residents Save Money on Flood Insurance
The Pinal County Flood Control District is happy to announce that Pinal County property owners who currently have flood insurance will soon receive an additional 5% discount on their premiums. This was made possible by Pinal County recently receiving a class 6 rating in the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS).

Residents living in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as shown on FEMA’s flood insurance rate maps will see an overall 20% discount and residents living outside of the SFHA floodplain should see a 10% on their flood insurance premiums. By participating in the CRS program with an improved rating, the total discount for Pinal County policyholders results in an average savings of over $100 per year per policy.

To learn more, visit pinalcountyaz.gov/News.
Pinal County to Suspend Issuance
of Open Burn Permits
Pinal County Air Quality will suspend the issuance of all open burning permits starting April 28, 2020, and continuing until further notice.

Burn permits allow for the disposal of plant material by open burning during limited daytime hours. All open burning is prohibited by state law in the areas of Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Gold Canyon, San Tan Valley, and parts of Florence from May 1 through September 30.

The annual cycle of rising temperatures will quickly dry seasonal vegetation, leading to an acute wildfire risk in the desert and upland areas of the County.

The suspension of burn permits will continue until the summer monsoons arrive and mitigate the dual risks to public safety and public health. Learn more at pinalcountyaz.gov/AirQuality/Pages/BurnPermits.
New look for Pinal County Animal Care and Control Lobby
The County Animal Care and Control Center has a bright and inviting new look, thanks to the opening up and removal of walls and a fresh coat of paint. Learn more here.

"The physical changes made were subtle, but it has made a world of difference to our team," said Audra Michael, director of the Pinal County Animal Care and Control. "We want to thank the Board of Supervisors for assisting Animal Care and Control with funding, and also Archie Carreon, director of the Pinal County Facilities department and the rest of his team for doing the work needed to make the space possible. The improvements help tremendously with productivity, and have allowed us to add touches of comfort," expresses Michael.

The team also held their first   drive-thru rabies clinic this morning. For future dates and events, be sure to follow their Facebook channel.
News in Brief
County Seeks Public Comment on Draft 2020 Five-Year Transportation Program
The Draft 2020 Five-Year Transportation Improvement and Maintenance Program for Budget Years 2019-2020 through 2023-2024 is available for public review and comment until May 22nd.
Pinal County Team Selected to Present at International Conference
Congratulations to Detective Robert Pisano - Pinal County Sheriff's Office; Deputy Pinal County Attorney Kristen Sharifi - Pinal County Attorney's Office and Tascha Spears, Ph.D., RN, - Forensic Nurse Manager of Pinal County Medical Forensic Services, who have been selected by international reviewers to present at the  International Conference of Forensic Nursing Science and Practice  which will be held in the United States later in the year.
County Behind State Average in Census Return
The latest data shows 45.1% of Pinal County households have returned the census, which is behind both the state (49.9%) and national (52.4%) return rates.

With the option to complete online or over the phone, filling out the census has never been easier.
BOS Meeting - 29 April
The Board of Supervisors will meet in Florence next Wednesday, 29 April, in a regular meeting. Click below to view the meeting agenda.
Produced by the Pinal County Communications and Marketing Department
Contact us at Communications@Pinal.gov