ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
fire districts; elections
Purpose
Allows the board of directors for a fire district to cancel elections and appoint a nominee under certain criteria.
Background
Pursuant to statute, fire districts in Arizona are a type of special taxing district that provide for the operation, administration and maintenance of fire-fighting facilities. There are currently 156 fire districts in Arizona. The vast majority are small, rural districts with small budgets and volunteer fire fighters. Fire district boards are composed of three to five members depending on the population of the district. When there is a vacancy on the board, current law requires that an election be held to fill the position. Districts administered by an elected chief hold elections every four years; whereas districts administered by a district board hold elections every two years. Smaller districts have expressed concern that holding an election without competition causes unnecessary financial burden. This legislation will allow the board of directors to cancel an election if there is only one nominee.
There is no fiscal impact associated with this legislation.
1. Allows the board of directors for a fire district to cancel an election for a vacancy on the board of directors and appoint a nominee if the vacancy is due to a term expiration. Stipulates that the election may be canceled only if one person has filed a nominating petition and the board appoints the person who submitted the only nominating petition.
2. Stipulates that a person who is appointed to the board is granted the same powers and duties as if the person had been elected to the board.
3. Provides for a general effective date.
House Action
3rd Read
2/13/01 46-11-3-0
Prepared by Senate Staff
March 29, 2001