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Your County News
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January 2026
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Board of Supervisors Invites South32, ADEQ, and Hydrogeologist to Discuss Water Sampling Results
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors has invited South32, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), and local Hydrogeologist Chris Gardner, RG, to provide information regarding the recent water sampling results from the South32 Hermosa Mine. The sampling, conducted to meet the conditions of the mine’s Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Individual Aquifer Protection Permit (APP), revealed an elevated presence of antimony, a regulated pollutant.
The detection of elevated antimony triggered a mandatory ADEQ review under state environmental regulations. These meetings will be an opportunity for stakeholders to update the community and respond to questions.
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 Claims by State and Auditor General Dismissed in Favor of Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County secured a series of decisive courtroom victories in its lawsuit against the Auditor General and State of Arizona arising from the multi‑year embezzlement of public funds by the County’s former treasurer.
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County Approves ADU Zoning Update to Comply with State Law
On December 17, the Board of Supervisors approved Ordinance 2025-04, a Zoning and Development Code text amendment related to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
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Help Us Tell the Story of Santa Cruz County, Arizona—Through Your Photos
Santa Cruz County, Arizona, is defined by its landscapes, culture, history, and people—from mountain and desert views to community events and everyday moments that reflect life in the borderlands.
As we update our county website and outreach materials, we’re inviting the community to help capture the culture and spirit of Santa Cruz County, Arizona, through photography.
If you could tell the story of our county using pictures, what would you show?
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RRHS Students Unveil New Mural at the Tubac Community Center
A beautiful new mural celebrating the Santa Cruz River now welcomes visitors to the Tubac Community Center. The mural was painted by students from Rio Rico High School, working alongside their art teacher, Miquel Grijalva, over 10 weeks.
The artwork was officially presented to the community during a special unveiling event titled “Imagine the Possibilities” on December 18. The celebration included live music and heartfelt commentary, with students sharing the inspiration and meaning behind their individual contributions to the mural.
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2025 Health Needs Report Available
At the heart of public health is a simple truth: where you live should never determine whether you live. In Santa Cruz County, we are committed to ensuring every person has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of zip code, income, background, or health condition. This Community Health Needs Assessment is more than a report. It is our shared story. And it's a roadmap forward.
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Government (GOV) 101
Santa Cruz County is kicking off the new year with a Gov 101 series of department presentations during Board of Supervisors meetings. These presentations provide the Board and the public with an overview of each department’s functions, responsibilities, and how they serve the community.
Presentation Schedule:
- January 7, 2026: Information Technology, Finance
- January 21, 2026: Human Resources
- February 4, 2026: Animal Control
- March 4, 2026: Fiduciary
- March 18, 2026: Emergency Management
- April 1, 2026: Health Services
- April 15, 2026: Public Works
- May 6, 2026: Community Development
- May 13, 2026: Clerk of the Board, Elections Department
The public is encouraged to attend in person or watch the presentations live on the County’s YouTube channel at @santacruzcountyarizona to learn more about county government operations.
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JP East Court
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The Santa Cruz County Justice Court is launching Justice Court East (JPEast), a pilot program designed to expand access to justice for residents in eastern Santa Cruz County. Services begin January 16, 2026, at the Sonoita Community Space/County Building, 3147 AZ-83, Sonoita, Arizona.
JP-East brings limited civil court services closer to the communities of Elgin, Sonoita, Canelo, and Patagonia, supporting the Court's commitment to fairness, accessibility, and public trust. The program aligns with the Arizona Judicial Branch's strategic priority of expanding access to justice and strengthening public trust.
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Your County Library: Opportunity, Access, and Community for All
Our County Library is more than a place to borrow books—it’s a shared community resource that opens doors to learning, creativity, and connection for residents of all ages.
Visit Your Library
From story times and study spaces to community programs and resources, your local library is here for you. Find library hours and branch locations here:https://www.nogalesaz.gov/212/Library-Department. Patagonia Library information can be found here: https://www.patagoniapubliclibrary.org/
Get a Library Card—Fast and Free
Free library cards are available to all via an application https://www.nogalesaz.gov/FormCenter/Library-Department-10/Obtain-a-Library-Card-51, and you can apply online in just minutes.
Anytime Access with Our Virtual Library
Your library card puts a world of content at your fingertips:
- Hoopla gives you instant access to ebooks, audiobooks, music, movies, TV shows, and more—no waiting lists, no late fees, just easy access wherever you are.
- Culture Pass (Culture One Pass) helps families and individuals experience the best of Southern Arizona. Cardholders can redeem free passes to local cultural attractions, including the Tubac Presidio, the Tucson Zoo, the Tucson Botanical Gardens, and more.
AZ/America 250 trivia days will be held during the last week of January at all library locations.
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Click on the Mural Map to view the map and legend.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
First Day Hikes: Boat Rides at Patagonia Lake State Park
9:00 am, January 1, 2026, Patagonia Lake State Park
Discover the lake pontoon boat tours will be offered at 9 a.m. Space on these tours is limited to 8 people, so please call (520) 287-2791 or sign up at the park to make a reservation! Meet at the visitors center 15 minutes before the tour.
As part of the celebration of America's 250th anniversary, all First Day Hikes will be offered with no fee!
Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors
9:30 am, Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 2150 N Congress Drive, Ste 120, Nogales
The meeting can also be viewed on the Santa Cruz County YouTube Channel. The latest agenda is available in the Agenda Center.
Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors
9:30 am, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 2150 N Congress Drive, Ste 120, Nogales
The meeting can also be viewed on the Santa Cruz County YouTube Channel. The latest agenda is available in the Agenda Center.
67th Annual Tubac Festival of the Arts
10:00 am - 5:00 pm, February 4th - 8th, 1 Plaza Road, Tubac
The 67th Annual Tubac Festival of the Arts is a free event celebrating creativity, community, and inspiration! Five exciting days of art, culture, and entertainment in Tubac, Arizona, from February 4-8, 2026. Parking is available for $10 per car and $20 per RV, with proceeds benefiting local nonprofits. The festival closes at 4:00 pm on the last day.
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New Year, New Opportunities
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