The Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner has recovered the remains of more than 2,000 deceased migrants over the past 13 years, with more than a quarter remaining unidentified.

A new, searchable mapping system will be unveiled Monday, May 6, and will serve as an important tool in helping the office do its work, while providing information and raising awareness about the ongoing problem of migrant deaths along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The new tool consists of websites that allow users to interact with the data that has been collected since 2001 on migrant deaths.

The grant-funded system, supported in partnership through the Office of the Medical Examiner and Humane Borders, Inc., allows users to pinpoint migrant deaths by name, if known, or cause of death, as well as search by gender, travel corridor and land management jurisdiction. Users also can use the system to determine how many other deaths have occurred within a specified distance, or can search a specific geographic area by zooming in and out of the map.

Archaeologist John Chamblee, Ph.D., the research chair for Humane Borders, will lead a demonstration of the system at 11 a.m. at the Pima County Medical Examiners’ Office, 2825 E. District St., behind the Abrams Public Health Center at Ajo Way and Country Club Boulevard.

Dr. Gregory Hess, Pima County’s Chief Medical Examiner, said his staff members will use the mapping system as they go about the painstaking work of identifying the deceased, often with little to go on because of the severely degraded state of the remains. If his staff finds a single human bone or small collection of bones, for example, they can use the search radius function as a starting point to see if the bone may belong with another set of previously recovered remains. Along with heightened public awareness, law or border enforcement officials will be better able to determine trafficking or death patterns from the map, while groups such as Humane Borders can use the site in determining where to best locate water stations, for example.

Chamblee said while the partners in the effort have distinct missions, “both are committed to the common vision of raising awareness about migrant deaths and lessening the suffering of families by helping to provide closure through the identification of the deceased and the return of remains.”

Pima County’s proposed $1.26 billion budget for next fiscal year is lower by $216 million – or 14.6 percent – than the budget of six years ago when the recession began.

The proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2013/14, which is scheduled for final adoption in mid-June, is primarily a maintenance-of-effort budget. With no significant expansion or addition of programs, the recommended budget is slightly higher than the current year’s budget, by 2.6 percent.

The County primary levy – which is the sum total of primary property taxes the County collects to fund general operations – has been reduced by more than $39 million over the past four years as a result of declining real estate values. Overall, in light of reduced revenues and despite increased service demands, budgets for General Fund departments have been cut 11.5 percent since Fiscal Year 2007/08, and the County workforce has shrunk by 12.8 percent.

While the sales tax and vehicle license tax are beginning to recover, the market value of existing property in the County is anticipated to decrease 8 percent next fiscal year.

A major source of revenue for the County budget is property tax.  The recommended and balanced County budget will reduce total property taxes by $4.3 million for next year.  Property taxes fall into two categories – primary and secondary.

To afford key priorities, the County Administrator is proposing to increase the primary property tax rate by 24 cents, from $3.41 per $100 of assessed valuation to $3.65. As a point of reference, 10 years ago, the primary property tax rate was $4.07.  The proposed rate would essentially keep the amount of primary property taxes for next year the same as that collected this year and allow the County to:

• Invest $5 million to fix and maintain approximately 100 miles of County roads;
• Supplement the Sheriff’s and County Attorney’s offices by $4 million to replace declining federal and state revenues;
• Replace $4 million that would be lost to the general fund because of declining property values;
• Afford a 1 percent cost-of-living adjustment for employees at the beginning of the fiscal year, with 2 percent to follow at the start of 2014. Employees have not received an across-the-board compensation increase since Fiscal Year 2007/08, with the exception of a 1 percent adjustment related to increased retirement contributions in Fiscal Year 2011/12.   (Continued)

With the exception of the Library District, secondary property taxes will decrease.  The Library District tax rate will increase by 2.9 cents, bringing the total rate to 37 cents.

Even with the primary and library tax rate bump, the County is still expected to collect $4.3 million less in taxes than it collected this fiscal year due to continued declining property tax valuations and an expected reduction in the secondary tax base next year.

Meanwhile, the County’s projected end balance for this year’s budget is $44 million. Recommended uses of these non-recurring, one-time resources include:

• $15 million to University of Arizona Medical Center – South Campus, which since 2005 has seen an 87 percent increase in adjusted patient days, an increase of 22 percent in emergency department visits and a nearly 300 percent increase in surgical procedures.
• $2.2 million to subsidize three departments hit particularly hard by the prolonged recession: solid waste, development services and the stadium district.
• $3.4 million in a one-time employee compensation award, based on length of employment, to address inflation.
• $22.8 million in general fund reserves. A healthy reserve contributes to an enhanced bond rating, which has saved the County $2 million a year in lower interest payments on bond projects.

“This budget responsibly balances priorities while being sensitive to ongoing economic challenges,” said Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry. “It continues the work we’ve done to keep spending in line with revenues, while ensuring that we make the investments we must to promote opportunity and ensure Pima County continues to move forward.”

To see the Pima County Administrator’s memorandum about the recommended budget, please visit http://www.pima.gov/finance/AdptBdgt/2013-2014/pdf/00btransmit.pdf. Please check out the recommended budget in its entirety at http://www.pima.gov/finance/RecBdgt/2013-2014/index.html

When Ellie Beaubien received a citation from Pima Animal Care Center for having a rooster in an urban environment, it set her on a career path she never anticipated.

Just out of high school, she brought the rooster in to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, saw a “we’re hiring” notice, and has been working with animals ever since.

Now, as the first full-time staff member at Pima Animal Care Center dedicated solely to adoptions, her whole focus will be on helping pets find their new homes, both in the Silverbell adoption center and at off-site events, such as baseball games, home shows, fairs and storefronts.

Both are key, she said. While there are more adoptions in a given day at the shelter, the off-site events are important for exposure and as a reminder that the adoption center at 4000 N. Silverbell has great options when it’s time to adopt another pet.

With the shelter doing a few off-site adoption events a month, her goal is to increase that over the near short-term to once a week, with an eventual goal of doing seven.

Beaubien is not new to Pima Animal Care Center, serving as the shelter supervisor since 2009. It’s a tough job, and that experience is fueling her in the new role, she said. “The motivation that I have to save more is really a driving force for me,” she said. “I won’t stop.”

The owner of two pitbulls, Beaubien said there’s a reason she likes the challenge of her job. “There’s nothing stagnant about this environment. There’s something new and exciting every day.”

Over her desk is a placard reading, “Dwell in possibility.”

“The possibilities really are endless, so why not embrace them?” she asks.

There are two ways to help Beaubien reach her goals. If you have a business or an upcoming event and would be willing to share some space with some of our adorable pets for a day, she’d love to speak with you. Ditto if you have some time to help volunteer at those events. Give her a jingle at 243-5962 if you can assist.

As we observe National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), the Pima County Health Department would like to recognize local child care providers who have scored between 95-100 percent on their first immunization data report, which is a record of children immunized within their centers.

Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. They not only help protect vaccinated individuals, but also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases.

Young children rely on the champions in their lives to keep them safe and healthy. Those champions may include parents who keep a record of their child’s vaccinations and ask at each doctor appointment whether their child is up-to-date on immunizations. Those champions may also be doctors, nurses, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals who share scientifically-accurate, up-to-date information about vaccines with parents. During this week, communities across the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia celebrate these CDC Childhood Immunization Champions.

“We would like to recognize the childhood immunization champions here in Pima County child care programs who are working hard to ensure a safe and healthy environment in which children can thrive and grow,” said Dr. Francisco García, Public Health Director.

On the following page is a list of local child care providers who have achieved between 95-100 percent rate of immunization within the center on their first immunization data report.

For more information about National Infant Immunization Week, visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/index.html.

The dogs at our adoption center have had their daily dose of fresh air and exercise this week because of the volunteers who lace up tennis shoes each morning.

Families have added to their “packs” because our volunteers have helped make great love matches.

Thirteen of our dogs visited the Pima County Fair last weekend and found new homes because volunteers helped staff our booth.

And this weekend, volunteers will be armed with paint brushes to spruce up the walls of the shelter.

In honor of National Volunteer Week, which was established in 1974 and runs through April 27, Pima Animal Care Center celebrates the extraordinary individuals who make such a difference in this community by opening their hearts to animals waiting for a second chance at happiness.

“It really does take an entire community working together to make things better,” said José Ocaño, the volunteer coordinator for Pima Animal Care Center. “Every single volunteer who gives of their time makes a tremendous impact. We couldn’t face the critical challenges we have to address every day without them and we are deeply appreciative.”

Want to help? In a 45-minute Open House on Saturday, April 27, at 1 p.m., we’ll share all the information you’ll need to see how you can help our animals find new homes and to help our adoption center be the best it can be.

If this Saturday won’t work, we have plenty more sessions coming up. Please visit http://www.pimaanimalcare.org/aboutus/calendar.asp

You may never have a treat in absolute peace again.

A lint roller may now be part of your morning routine.

Kneading paws or assorted vocal stylings may replace your alarm clock.

If you ever move something heavy, rest assured that a particular little furball may develop a pitch-perfect knack for getting in the way.

And you may on occasion find yourself stumped that a seemingly interminable game of ball is so powerful in its allure to your furry friend.

Naturally, you wouldn’t have it any other way.

And that’s why Pima Animal Care Center would like to give a big shout-out on National Pet Parents Day for all you do to provide warm, stable homes for your four-legged little buddies.

Pets give so much back in return, from encouraging physical activity to counteracting isolation. They may even provide some health benefits, including decreasing blood pressure. For a more comprehensive list of potential benefits, please visit http://pets.webmd.com/ss/slideshow-pets-improve-your-health.

Want to be a Pet Parent? We’d love to help you find your match. We’ll be open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on National Pet Parents Day at 4000 N. Silverbell Road.

Fitch Ratings on Thursday affirmed Pima County’s general obligation bond program, with a ratings outlook that is stable.

Fitch Ratings cited a number of positive drivers that led to the AA rating, which denotes a very high credit quality with expectations that there is strong capacity to fund financial commitments. It allows the County to pay a lower interest rate on its voter-approved bond projects.

The report indicates Pima County “maintains a sound financial profile with healthy operating revenues.”

Among the findings:

• County management has responded aggressively to the economic downturn and accompanying revenue declines over the recent past, making necessary spending adjustments to maintain fiscal balance and a satisfactory financial cushion.
• The County’s debt burden is manageable and debt repayment is rapid.
• Conservative fiscal management has supported historically strong financial performance, with ongoing spending reductions to absorb revenue declines, while avoiding large-scale layoffs, furloughs, pay reductions and service cutbacks.
• Although secondary assessed valuation has declined roughly 18 percent since the market downturn, the County’s expectation of two additional years of decline appears reasonable. Meanwhile, the County’s unemployment rate is improved from the prior year, with the most recent rate comparing favorably with the state and U.S. averages.

“We are pleased that Fitch has affirmed the County’s continued stability and future outlook,” said Chief Deputy County Administrator Martin Willett. “We take our responsibility to taxpayers seriously and are gratified that the ratings show Pima County continues to demonstrate strong fiscal stewardship.”

For more information, please visit www.fitchratings.com

The Pima County Health Department is currently contacting 174 dental patients who were seen at the T Dental Clinic at 3662 W. Ina Road in Marana between January and July of 2010 because they may have been exposed to blood borne diseases like Hepatitis of HIV. This is a precautionary measure and at this time, no cases of transmission of disease have been identified.

The Health Department is working to contact all patients who may have been exposed, which appears to be limited to a pool of 174 individuals based on dental records. However, if you were a patient of the T Dental Clinic between the time of January and July 2010 and have not yet been contacted, please call us at 520-243-7808 for specific guidance.

“At this time, we are trying to help provide residents with sufficient information so they can take the appropriate steps to feel secure about their health. The only individuals at risk for infection are those who were seen at T Dental Clinic during a very specific period of time,” said Dr. Francisco Garcia, Public Health Director. “Although medical and dental offices are not regulated by the County Health Department, we believe it is important to inform the public about this possible health risk.”

The potential exposure may have been the result of improperly installed dental equipment, but at this time, there is no evidence that patients were exposed to Hepatitis B, Hepatits C, or HIV. However, the Health Department strongly recommends the people who have been contacted make an appointment with their primary care physician to test for these diseases. Patients of the T Dental Clinic who have questions or may need a referral on where to get tested are advised to speak with Health Department staff by calling (520) 243-7808 from 8 am. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Pima County Health Department has partnered with the Arizona Department of Health Services to look into the incident and contact patients of the dental office. The T Dental Clinic is no longer in practice, closing operations around the time of July 2010.

Pima Animal Care Center needs a poster dog for its dog licensing campaign materials and we need your help selecting from the five finalists.

Sure, licensing is the law, but what owners should know is that it also helps protect their pets. If they ever get loose, a license helps us know where they belong so we can reunite your family. Plus, the license fee – $15 a year for a dog that’s been spayed or neutered – helps us do our job protecting animals from cruelty, sheltering strays and responding to dog bite calls.

Now that the Sheriff’s Department has selected the five finalists – Laila, Checkers, Chaps, Neil and Oliver – it’s your chance to read a little about them and let us know whose whiskered face has the license to steal some hearts and encourage responsible pet ownership.

Please visit http://www.pima.gov/vote/

You can only vote once and the deadline will be midnight, May 5.

It is going to take $268 million and comprehensive transportation funding reform to bring Pima County’s poor and failing roads up to standard. And that money isn’t readily available.

In a new transportation funding report released Thursday, Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry outlined a number of strategies that will help manage short-term needs, including a $5 million general fund appropriation in the coming budget year to target key areas for pavement preservation and maintenance, and a request that the Legislature return some or all of the state-shared gasoline tax revenues that were siphoned away from cities, towns and counties to balance the state budget.

But ultimately, he said, with jurisdictions throughout the nation facing similar funding challenges, it is going to take a combined effort at the national, state and local levels to come up with a long-term fix.

“There is no single recommendation that will significantly resolve our existing highway maintenance investment dilemma, let alone allow us to make the investments to prepare for future needs that will support economic vitality in the region, whether that is in air, transit or rail systems,” he said. “We need to focus on the problem using multiple strategies and continue to stress the need for long-term, stable and consistent funding for transportation.”

There are a number of reasons that transportation funding hasn’t kept up with demand:

• State gas tax: At 19 cents per gallon, which includes a penny for environmental remediation of underground storage tanks, the gas tax has not increased since 1991 and remains one of the lowest in the nation. Meanwhile, over that 22-year period, construction costs have increased by 96 percent. The same dollar of revenues in 1991 can now only buy 51 cents of highway improvements.
• Economic conditions. State-shared transportation revenues from the gas tax in 2012 were $44 million – lower than at any time dating back to 1999. People just aren’t filling up like they used to. They may be intentionally driving less to save money on high gasoline costs, which have doubled since 2005. Their vehicles are 20 percent more efficient than they were 10 years ago, which means they use less gas but cause just as much wear-and-tear on the roads.
• Fund sweeps. If the State Legislature had not swept shared transportation revenues to balance the budget, Pima County would have had $38 million more for highway maintenance and repair.

Pima County Supervisors recently have invested approximately $20 million in road repair, but that has taken care of only 10 percent of the problem. The County isn’t alone in trying to find answers to these challenges.

In Virginia, lawmakers are pushing a plan that would restructure the gas tax from a flat cents-per-gallon fee to a percentage of sales that would rise over time with inflation. As of July, Wyoming will increase its gas tax from 14 cents to 24 cents. Oregon is weighing per-mile fees for high-efficiency vehicles. It is a discussion taking place across the nation.

Among the additional steps inArizonathat can be taken in the near term to provide more revenues:

• The state can steer the one-cent gas tax allocation for underground storage tanks to pavement repair and maintenance, given regulatory and technological advances that should diminish the magnitude of the contamination problem;
• The state can increase the state gasoline tax by 10 cents to coincide with the 29.7-cents-per-gallon average gasoline tax of the surrounding states. It’s not popular. But it’s necessary.
• Ensure that any future funding initiative, such as the renewal of the Regional Transportation Authority tax, allocates a significant portion of the revenues to pavement preservation and repairs.

To read the report in its entirety, please visit http://www.pima.gov/Administration/bd-transportation%20funding%20report.pdf