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Elizabeth Gutfahr Sentenced: County Moves Forward After Historic Embezzlement Case

On June 23, 2025, former Santa Cruz County Treasurer Elizabeth Gutfahr was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to multiple felony charges, including the embezzlement of more than $38 million from county accounts. She received 10 years for the combined charges of embezzlement and money laundering and another 5 years for tax evasion. The two terms will be served concurrently, meaning she will serve a total prison term of 10 years. Gutfahr also received three years of probation and has been ordered to pay restitution.

Health Services Now Offering Birth Certificates; Fee Updates Announced

Santa Cruz County has updated its Health Services Fee Schedule for the first time in nearly 20 years. The changes aim to better reflect the cost and time required to provide services, while also adding new options to improve access for residents.

An important update to the fee schedule includes the addition of birth certificate services, which will be available through Santa Cruz County beginning July 1, 2025. 

CDBG-Funded Recreation Projects

Santa Cruz County has completed its public input process for the FY 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

After reviewing eligible projects and community feedback, the County will use the grant for a new playground at the Pierson School field and tennis court improvements at the Robert Damon Recreation Complex. 

Board of Supervisors Meetings Move to Wednesdays

At the June 3 meeting, the Board of Supervisors voted to change their regular meeting schedule to every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, starting in July. They also approved holding one evening meeting per quarter to increase public access and participation. Miss a meeting? Catch the recordings on the  -> SCC YouTube Channel.

Join the War on Trash

Santa Cruz County is launching a War on Trash and we need your help on the front lines! Whether you live in town or a rural area, we all share the responsibility of keeping our communities clean, safe, and beautiful.

Litter not only impacts the environment, but also affects public health, tourism, and property values. The good news? Small actions from each of us can make a big difference.  

Community Shout-Outs

The Board of Supervisors would like to recognize and sincerely thank some of our local War on Trash heroes for their outstanding work:  Mark Frownfelter, Mountain View Elementary School, the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Santa Cruz County AZ Shining, Friends of the Santa Cruz River, Perrydise Landscape Design, GEAR UP Leaders In Training (LIT) Intern Program and so many others. Your efforts inspire us all.

Get Information When It Really Matters

Sign up for SANTA CRUZ COUNTY ALERTS!  Be prepared when it matters most. In the event of an emergency like wildfire, flooding, road closures, or severe weather, you can receive instant alerts by text, voice call, or email. ✅ Free to sign up ✅ You choose how you want to be contacted ✅ Stay informed to protect yourself and your loved ones Don’t wait for an emergency!  Sign up today!

Government 101: Understanding Property Taxes Santa Cruz County recently presented its Government 101: Property Tax Roadmap to members of the Santa Cruz County Nogales Chamber of Commerce during the regular Government Affairs meeting. Developed in collaboration with the County Recorder, Assessor, and Treasurer, the presentation is designed to help residents better understand how these departments work together throughout the property tax process. This informative session has also been shared with the Rio Rico Rotary and the Tubac Citizens Council, with additional outreach efforts planned. The County’s goal is to increase transparency and provide residents with useful, straightforward information about how local government functions. To learn more about the Government 101 program or to request a presentation for your organization, please contact Shannon Hall at shall@santacruzcountyaz.gov.

UPCOMING EVENTS

CD‑7 Special Primary Election 6:00am - 7:00pm,Tuesday, July 15, 2025 Santa Cruz County residents can cast their votes in the special primary for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at any vote center in the county.

Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors

9:30 am, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 2150 N. Congress Drive, Nogales, Meeting RM 120
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors is held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month.  Board Agendas can be found at  the Santa Cruz County, Arizona Agenda Center.

Walk & Roll

6:30 pm, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, San Cayetano Elementary, Avenida Coatimundi
The community is invited to walk, skate, wagon, stroller, or bike together with the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension.  An AZ Health Zone initiative to get families moving.  For more information, (520) 987-0096.

Movie Night

6:30 pm, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, Rio Rico Community Center, 391 Avenida Coatimundi
This event is free to the public.  Families will watch the new Minecraft movie while enjoying popcorn provided by the Sheriff's Office. 

4th of July Celebration (County Offices Closed)

*Tubac Presidio State Historic Park and Museum 4th of July Celebration
10:00am - 12:00pm,  Friday, July 4, 2025, 1 Burruel Street, Tubac, AZ
Free admission, free food, kids' games, and prizes from 10 am to 12 pm on the 4th of July at the Tubac Presidio Historic Park and Museum.  

*City of Nogales Independence Day Celebration
4:00pm, Friday, July 4, 2025 at Turley Field, 1500 Hohokam Dr., Nogales
The City of Nogales invites you to celebrate!  Starting at 4 p.m., there will be live music, delicious food, local vendors, refreshing drinks, and a fantastic fireworks display to light up the night!  Fireworks begin @8:30 PM.

Social Security 101: Everything you wanted to know

2:00pm - 3:00pm, July 11, 2025, Virtual Teams Meeting
A free workshop from Social Security.  When are you eligible to receive retirement benefits? How does early retirement affect your benefits?  These questions and more will be answered during the workshop.  

Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors

9:30am, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 2150 N. Congress Drive, Nogales, Meeting RM 120
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors is held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month.  Board Agendas can be found at  the Santa Cruz County, Arizona Agenda Center.