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Adult Probation

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1. What is probation?

Probation is a suspended sentence, which means that instead of ordering you to jail or prison, a judge has decided to give you the opportunity to stay in the community under certain conditions.

2. Can juveniles be placed on adult probation?

Yes. Juveniles may qualify for prosecution in the criminal justice system and placement on adult probation if they are convicted for certain offenses (e.g., certain types of violent felony offenses).

3. Can I use marijuana while on probation if I have a medical marijuana card?

Maybe. Your specific situation will be considered by the judge assigned to your case and he or she will determine whether or not your use of medical marijuana is okay or not.

4. Can my case be transferred to a different county or state once I am on probation?

Yes. If you plan to move to a different county or state, your case may be transferred if you meet certain requirements. Ask your probation officer for more information.

5. Who can I speak with if I have a concern about the probation officer assigned to me?

Try to resolve any differences of opinion with your probation officer first. He/She is here to help you. However, if issues or problems persist, request to speak with the division supervisor.

6. Where do I make or send my court ordered payments?

All court ordered payments may be made in person at (or be mailed to) the office of the clerk of superior court (2160 N. Congress Drive in Nogales and P.O. Box 1265, Nogales, AZ 85628).

7. Once I complete my probation term, how do I go about getting my civil rights restored?

The form you need is available through the office of the clerk of superior court. You must complete and submit the form to get the process started.

8. Can I complete probation in less time than the court has ordered?

Yes. If you comply outstandingly with all your terms and conditions of probation over an extended period of time, the probation department will strongly consider an early termination.

9. Will I be required to undergo drug testing while on probation?

Yes. The use of drug testing is standard to determine if people are refraining from using illegal substances. How often you get tested will depend on your history, risk level, etc.

10. What is community service work (CSW) and why do I have to do it?

CSW hours are ordered by the court and are intended to have you atone, at least in part, for whatever it is you did. Your probation officer will explain to you where you can do them.

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Assessing Mobile Homes

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1. How is my mobile home valued?

In Arizona, mobile homes are valued by taking the original factory list price minus a depreciation factor based on age. When a mobile home is acquired, title is used by the Arizona Department of Transportation, or the owner can record an Affidavit of Affixture, which will add the mobile home value to the property value.

2. How is my mobile home taxed?

• Affixed to Real Property
• Unsecured Personal Property

3. How is my mobile home assessed?

The formula for determining a mobile home full cash value is (factory list price) ~ (depreciation for the age, as set by the Department of Revenue) FCV x Assessment Ratio = Assessed Value.

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Assessor

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1. What is an Affidavit of Affixture?

An Affidavit of Affixture is a document that legally secures personal property to real property.

2. My parent(s) is in a nursing home, can I still file an affidavit?

Yes. A letter from the nursing home (which must be in the State of Arizona) stating that he/she has been a patient and the number of years of residence is needed. Bring a copy of your Power of Attorney with a photo ID of the applicant.

3. How do I report Taxable Personal Property?

File a Personal Property Statement, Form DOR 82520 or an Agricultural Personal Property Statement, Form DOR 82520A, with the County Assessor each year, listing property that has been acquired or disposed of during the year and confirming property items still on the roll. If the Assessor does not mail a business personal property reporting form, it is the owner's responsibility to report his personal property to the Assessor.

These forms are available online.

4. What is my legal class?

The legal class is based on the use of the property. There are 12 different classes. Individual parcels may have more than one use. In this case the parcel will have a "mixed ratio" applied to the total value. Review Chapter 12 Article 1 and Chapter 15 Article 1 for more information.

5. What is the best way to find my property lines and corners?

The best and most accurate way is to have the property surveyed. This is especially critical when erecting fences and building on the property. To find a surveyor, look in the Yellow Pages of your phone book.

6. I recently completed the minor land division process, how do I get Assessor Parcel Numbers for each lot?

The survey required for the minor land division process will not split the property. A recorded deeding action is still required to complete the land division process. The surveyor should have created each lot’s legal description needed for doing this.

7. How do I combine 2 or more contiguous properties into 1 for assessment purposes?

A Combination of Parcels Application is available to download. The Assessor’s Office requires that all parcels be contiguous, the ownership is the same, the vesting is the same, and that they are in the same special districts.

8. How do I find the minimum lot size requirements for my property?

If your property is within an incorporated boundary of a city or town you must contact them. If your property is in unincorporated Santa Cruz County, contact Planning and Development. It is faster and easier if you have your Parcel ID Number before calling. Check your tax bill and/or notice of value for this number. If you need assistance finding your parcel number you can call the Assessor’s Office at 520-375-8030.

9. How do I get an address for my property?

If your property is within an incorporated boundary of a city or town you must contact them. If your property is within unincorporated Santa Cruz County, you must contact Planning and Development to see the requirements for addressing. The Assessor’s Office does not assign addresses to any portion of the county.

10. How do I find out if a parcel of land has legal access?

This is best done through a title search. Any title company will do this for you. The Assessor’s Office does not track easements because they do not affect property size. The Assessor’s Office will not research access to property, however a copy of the parcel history (Alpha Card) may be purchased which sometimes aides in the research.

11. What is the difference between Right of Way and Easement?

In most cases Right of Way (ROW) is fee deeded or taken through a condemnation usually for major roads, and some utility purposes. ROW is removed from the affected properties acreage, and legal description. Some types of ROWs are not actually deeded property, and will not be removed from the acreage or the legal.

Easements only limit the use of the property they describe, and therefore remain in the gross acreage. The Assessor’s Office does not track or note easements for this reason.

12. When is the Property Value Appeals deadline ?

April 29, 2017

13. When are the Notice of Value mailed out?

Usually they are mailed out by the third week in February. But there is no set date.

14. How can I have a better understanding of my Notice of Value?

https://youtu.be/dTbd5htJkdg

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Assessor Exemption

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1. What are exemptions?

Exemptions are available for qualifying widows, widowers, and disabled persons. The applicant must apply each year between January 1 and the last working day in February. First-time applicants must apply in person. Each type of exemption has different qualification requirements.

2. Do you have exemptions for veterans?

No, veterans exemptions were removed from Arizona Revised Statutes in 1990.

3. Can a person who has Power of Attorney file an exemption for another individual?

Yes, they will need to provide a copy of the power of attorney and a photo ID of the applicant when they come to file the application.

4. Will the exemption status go back prior years?

No, your exemption status begins the year you 1st apply.

5. When filing an exemption do I need to come in person the first time?

Yes, it is required the first time. Thereafter, the exemption can be mailed as long as the application is notarized.

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Clerk of the Court

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1. How old does a person have to be to be excused from Jury Duty?

It is your civil duty to attend jury service, however people that are ages 75 years or older may request to be permanently (or temporary) excused from participating in jury service.
Nonetheless, people that are 75 years of age or older and wish to participate in jury service, may do so.

2. Can I be excused from Jury Service if I have a medical condition?

Yes, prospective Juror may be medically excused, however requires a written statement, as in a Medical Excuse Form, from a physician, physician assistant, or registered nurse practitioner (“RNP”) licensed by the state of Arizona, signed and returned to our office. Medical Excuse Form

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County Attorney

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1. How do I report a crime?

If you believe a crime has been committed, you should contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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1. When will I receive a tax bill?

Tax Statements for the current year are mailed in mid-September and include coupons for the 1st and 2nd installments. This is the only statement you will receive unless your taxes are delinquent. Delinquent tax statements are mailed in August and January for Real Property Taxes.

2. Here is a test question people often ask.

Here is the response we recommend.

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Health Services

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1. What is Zika?

Zika is a virus that is spread primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause illness that lasts several days or up to a week.

2. What are the symptoms of Zika infection?

About four out of five people infected with Zika virus don’t experience any symptoms. For people who develop illness, the most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika virus infection.

3. How can somebody get Zika?

The most common way to get Zika virus is from the bite of an infected mosquito. The same mosquito that spreads Zika can also transmit other viruses, including dengue and chikungunya viruses. These mosquitoes can bite all day long, and also into the evenings and early mornings. Mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person already infected with the virus in the first few days of illness.

Zika virus can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth. Studies are still being performed to learn more about how mothers can pass the virus to their babies. There have also been several reported cases of Zika virus infection through sexual contact, and possibly blood transfusions.

4. Is there a treatment for Zika?

There is no specific medicine to treat Zika infection. Getting plenty of rest and drinking fluids to prevent dehydration is helpful. Taking acetaminophen will reduce fever and pain. It is not recommended to take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs due to possible risks from dengue virus.

5. What is the risk for Zika in Santa Cruz County?

There is currently one confirmed travel-associated case of Zika virus in Santa Cruz County. Although Aedes aegypti, a type of mosquito that can transmit Zika virus, is present in the county, there is no evidence that the virus is here.

Zika could be introduced in Arizona if someone was infected with Zika virus while traveling, and then bitten by a mosquito in Arizona during the first few days of illness. This infected mosquito could then spread the disease to other people. Although this is possible, local transmission of Zika virus or other diseases transmitted by the same mosquito has not occurred in Arizona. Zika virus transmission could also occur in Arizona through sexual contact.

6. What is the County Health Department doing to prepare for Zika virus?

Santa Cruz County Health Services has increased their trapping and surveillance in the County. County Health Services has been working closely with the Arizona Department of Health Services to provide information to the public and healthcare providers.

7. What can people do to prevent mosquito bites?

Here are some tips for avoiding mosquito bites:

Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
Stay in places with window and door screens or air conditioning to keep mosquitoes out.
Use insect repellants and always follow the product instructions.
Reapply insect repellant as directed.
Do not spray insect repellant on skin covered by clothing.
Be sure to apply sunscreen before applying insect repellant.
Use Permethrin to treat clothing and gear. Permethrin is registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an insecticide for use against mosquitoes, as well many other insects. Clothing treated with Permethrin will remain protective after multiple washes.

If you have a baby or young child:

Do not use insect repellant on babies younger than two months old.
Dress your children in clothing that covers their arms and legs.
Cover cribs, strollers, and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
Do not put insect repellant on children’s hands, eyes, mouths, cuts, or irritated skin.
Adults: Spray repellant onto your hands and then apply to children’s faces.

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Human Resources

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1. How do I apply for a job at Santa Cruz County?

Go to the Employment quick link to the right of the home page, click download application on the right. Complete, save, print and mail to HR at 2150 N. Congress Drive, Room #119, Nogales AZ 85621

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Juvenile Detention

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1. When can I visit my child?

Call the detention center (520-375-8195) to schedule a visit. You may visit on Saturday and/or Sunday between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Visits are 30 minutes (one hour in some cases).

2. Who can visit my child?

Parents, grandparents and legal guardians can schedule weekend visits without delay. All other persons (siblings, uncles/aunts, etc.) must request and obtain permission from the juvenile court judge. The form to request permission may be obtained at the clerk’s office.

3. Can I call my child?

Your child cannot receive calls while in detention. However, your child will be able to call you between one to three times a week (depending on how many privileges he/she has earned).

4. Who can my child call?

Your child can call and speak with his/her parents and grandparents (and with siblings when authorized). He/She will not be permitted to call anyone else (e.g., friends).

5. Whom do I contact to find out about my child’s first scheduled hearing?

Detention staff will try to reach you by telephone to provide you with the court hearing date and time. You may also call 520-375-8195 to ask about the court hearing date and time.

6. Who can come to my child’s hearing?

Juvenile court hearings are open to the public. Thus, just about anyone can attend. However, all attendees must wear appropriate attire and be well behaved.

7. When is my child’s first court hearing?

Your child must be seen by a judge within 48 hours from the time he/she is detained. How soon he or she is seen is based on factors beyond the control of detention and probation staff.

8. Do I need to take anything to my child while he/she is detained (such as food, clothing, etc.)?

No. Your child is provided with three meals a day and a snack in the evening. He/She is also provided with clothing and toiletries. Food, money and/or clothing will not be accepted by detention staff.

9. Can my child be released on bail?

No. Individuals processed through the juvenile justice system are not eligible for bail. Decisions to release or keep a child in custody are made by a judge.

10. What if my child needs medical care?

The county employs a medical unit that provides care for children who are in custody. If medical personnel employed by the county believe more specialized care is necessary, children may be taken to an area clinic or the hospital if necessary.

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Juvenile Probation

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1. Can my child’s case be transferred to another county or state?

Yes. If you plan to move to a different county or state, your child’s case may be transferred if it meets certain requirements. Ask your probation officer for more information.

2. Who can I speak with if I have a concern involving the way my child’s case is being managed?

Try to resolve any differences with the assigned probation officer first. He/She is here to help you and your child. However, if concerns persist, request to speak with the division supervisor.

3. Where do I make or send court ordered payments?

All court ordered payments may be made in person at (or be mailed to) the office of the clerk of superior court (2160 N. Congress Drive in Nogales and P.O. Box 1265, Nogales, AZ 85628).

4. Why does my child have to do community service hours with a probation work crew?

The probation department believes having your child work with a crew will be a meaningful and long lasting experience. It will raise your child’s awareness of the consequences people may be subjected to for making poor choices

5. Will my child be subjected to drug testing and why?

Yes. We want to make certain your child is drug free and, if he/she is not, we want to refer him to the kinds of services that may help him/her with a possible drug problem.

6. What do I do if I am having difficulties reaching my child’s probation officer and he/she is not returning my calls?

Probation staff is required to be responsive and to return your telephone calls promptly. However, if the latter is not happening, request to speak with the division supervisor.

7. Can my child’s period of probation be terminated early (e.g., in eight months instead of 12)?

Yes. The department is committed to rewarding children who comply outstandingly with their conditions of probation. Of course, ultimate approval or denial of a request lies with the judge.

8. Can I petition that my child’s juvenile court records be destroyed?

Yes. Certain rules apply, but the necessary forms are available through the clerk’s office. They must be completed correctly and in their entirety.

9. Does my child need to abide by a daily curfew?

Maybe. It depends on the program your son/daughter is on while under supervision. If your son/daughter has a curfew, it will be so noted on his/her paperwork.

10. Why does my child have to wear an orange vest while performing community service work hours with a probation crew?

The vest is intended to maximize your child’s safety by being visible to passersby.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. What programs will the Parks & Recreation department offer in 2017?

We are still in the process of developing a list of programs for 2017. Please check back at the beginning of Dec. for a thorough list. Register for 2017 Parks & Rec Programs

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Property Value

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1. When do I file an appeal?

• If you believe the full cash value on your notice of valuation is higher than actual market value, or the legal class is incorrect according to current use, you will want to file a "Petition for Review," DOR 82130.
• Notice of valuation is mailed on March 1. This valuation is used for the next calendar year's tax computations.
• Petition for review of real property valuation and the residential petition for review of real property are available to the property owners from March 1st through April 29. Petitions are available from the Assessor's Office.

2. What is the full cash value?

Full cash value for property tax purposes means the value determined as prescribed by statute. If no statutory method is prescribed, full cash value is synonymous with market value. Market value is the estimate of value that is derived annually by using standard appraisal methods and techniques. This value is no longer used in the calculation of taxes.

3. What is the limited value?

Limited property value is the basis for the assessment of property taxes. Limited property value is constrained in the amount by which it can be increased each year and it cannot exceed the full cash value. This value is used in the calculation of all taxes.

4. What is real property?

Real property includes land, buildings, and other improvements on the land.

5. How is my real property taxed?

Tax rates are set by all budget authorities and are separates into 2 types:

• Primary rates are set by governmental entities such as counties and cities and towns. They are applied to the "limited value" to determine taxes due. These taxes are used for the basic expenses of government and schools.
• Secondary rates are set by special districts, fire districts and bond issues. Usually taxpayers vote for these districts and bonds, so the rates are applied to the full cash value to determine taxes due.

6. How is my real property valued?

The Assessor is mandated by Arizona State Statutes to value property at its full cash (market) value. There are 3 methods of appraising value:

• Income
• Replacement Cost
• Sales Comparison

7. What is sales comparison?

It is also known a market. This method compares your property to other similar properties that have recently been sold. This method is used mostly for homes and land.

8. What is the replacement cost method?

Less depreciation - this method is based on how much it would take at today's material and labor costs to replace your property with a similar structure. It is used mostly for commercial buildings or homes that are not typical or are located in a remote area.

9. What is the income value method?

The income method is based on the income potential of the property. Using operating income and expense data supplied by the owner, the value is determined by capitalizing the potential net income.

10. What is personal property?

For property tax purposes in Arizona, personal property is defined as all types of property except land, buildings or other real property improvements. Taxable personal property includes all assets used in the operation of a business, farm, ranch or residential rental activity. More information is available via aPersonal Property Manual

11. How are my property taxes computed?

The assessed value divided by 100, times the tax rate (set in August of each year), determines property taxes billed in September. The Treasure collects the property taxes.

12. Why is the legal description on my notice of value incomplete?

Due to space limitations, we are unable to use complete legal descriptions. For Assessor purposes, property descriptions may be condensed and/or abbreviated. This description should not be used for transference of property. Please refer to official recorded documents for complete property legal descriptions.

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Public Fiduciary

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1. What is expected of a person or agency after making the initial referral?

The referring person or agency is expected to completely fill out the referral form and to obtain a properly written report signed by a physician, certifying that guardianship or conservatorship is necessary. This information is necessary for assessment of the case and for appropriate follow up if the Public Fiduciary is appointed.

The Public Fiduciary will petition for appointment of a guardian or conservator only in those cases where there is a demonstrated need as defined by Arizona Statues. Because one meets the criteria for a guardianship or conservatorship, does not necessarily mean that there is a demonstrated need that the person have a guardian or conservator.

2. Does the referral of a client to the office of the public fiduciary mean that the client now becomes the Office of Public Fiduciary's responsibility?

No, the first task of the Office of the Public Fiduciary is to determine if guardianship or conservatorship is necessary at all and whether this can be proven in court. The Office of the Public Fiduciary is responsible only after appointment by the court.

3. What if there are other family members?

The Office of the Public Fiduciary should be considered only as a last resort. When a person becomes physically or mentally incapacitated and needs a guardian or conservator, the responsibility of guardianship or conservatorship is best dealt with by the family.

4. Is there a cost?

Yes, the Public Fiduciary has a claim against the estate of the ward, protected person or decedent for reasonable expenses and fees incurred in the administration of the guardianship, conservatorship or decedent's estate.

5. What does the Office of the Public Fiduciary do for the clients after appointment by the court?

The Office of the Public Fiduciary is required to visit its client's 4 times each year and to otherwise fulfill the duties of guardian that includes the following:

• Evaluating the need of the ward for housing, financial support, professional services, medical care, comfort and education.
• Take steps to meet identified needs.
• Make decisions about whether the ward should receive services or participate in activities.
• Seeks enforcement of the ward's legal rights.

6. What else should I know?

When the Office of the Public Fiduciary is conservator of the estate, an Estate Administrator is assigned to the case to do the following:

• Investigate and collect money and assets, of the client.
• Pays bills out of the clients estate.
• Enters into and completes contracts on behalf of the client.
• Defends the clients in any legal proceedings.

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Road Maintenance

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1. How often will may dirt road be graded?

Santa Cruz County maintains approximately 317.67 miles of unpaved roads and streets. One of the most important recurring functions of the Road Division of the Public Works Department is to grade these roads. As part of our regular maintenance program, the Road Division crews blade and smooth most public dirt roads.

Some roads with diminished traffic and located in remote areas are not maintained as frequently. During the rainy season, these roads may get rutted and rough. Potentially hazardous situations should be reported to the Road Division.

2. Who should I call to report a pothole?

Santa Cruz County also maintain approximately 412.322 miles of hard surface county roads and streets. Maintenance requirements for this roadway system includes overlays and chip seal. Another aspect of routine maintenance by the Road Division is the repair of potholes. Crews inspect the roads on a regular basis and patch holes in the road surface as they occur.

When you see a pothole a call to the Road Division 520-375-7830 will assure that a service request is written, and the pothole will be repaired as soon as possible.

3. Who should I call if I see a traffic sign down or damaged?

If you should see a traffic sign down or damaged, it should be reported to the Santa Cruz County Public Works Department at 520-375-7830, during regular hours to assure prompt repair and/or replacement. After 5 p.m. please call Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office at 520-761-7869, to report a traffic sign problem.

4. A tree branch is obstructing my view at an intersection, will the county trim it?

The Road Division trims vegetation that grows within the public right of way (adjacent to roadways) to minimize the potential for any vegetation from blocking or interfering with drivers' ability to see the roadways clearly. If you see an area where the trees or brush block your ability to see the road way and on-coming traffic, please call the Public Works Department at 520-375-7830, and we will schedule the trees or brush for trimming.

Brush growing along right of way that may obstruct vision from a private driveway is the responsibility of the property owner (or driveway owner).

5. Does the county clean out or repair lanes or alleys?

The Road Division does not maintain lanes or alleyways with the exception of keeping lanes or alleys accessible for traffic and fire and emergency vehicles and removing health hazards. The division does not perform alley or lane maintenance. Alley maintenance is the responsibility of the private homeowner, property agent (for rental property), or business owner.

6. Who is responsible for cleaning out my driveway culvert?

Our Road Division does not maintain or clean out driveway culverts. This is the sole responsibility of the property owner. Culverts and cattle guards under roadways are the maintenance responsibility of the Road Division.

7. Can I do work of any kind in the county right of way?

As provided for ordinances, a permit must be obtained before work can be done in the right of way. This includes public utilities, contractors, and individuals, for purposes other than transportation (e.g. trenching or cutting) in the right of way.

Applications for a road cut permit can be obtained in the Public Works Department Office. There is an inspection fee charged to each applicant to assure that the use of the county property is in compliance with permit ordinance.

8. How can we help you?

The Road Division of the Santa Cruz County Public Works Department functions by maintaining, for your benefit, the roadways in Santa Cruz County in the most efficient manner possible.

9. How can you help us?

Citizens can assist us by reporting potentially hazardous road and drainage conditions to the Road Division of the Public Works Department, and by noting the exact location of the problem (road / street and cross street). The phone number of the Road Division is 520-375-7830 - County complex - during regular business hours. Emergencies occurring during non-business hours and on weekends should be reported to the Sheriff's Department 520-761-7869. The county can then take appropriate action.

10. Where does the Road Division get its funding?

The Road Division of the County's Public Works Department, receives its funding from the Arizona Highways user (gasoline) Revenue Fund (HURF), not sales taxes or local property taxes. These highway user revenues currently amount to approximately $124 per resident in the unincorporated area of Santa Cruz County.

The following telephone numbers can be utilized in outlying areas to reach the Transportation Division offices outside Nogales:

• Tubac: 520-398-0179
• Sonoita: 520-455- 5346
  520-761-7889

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Treasurer

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1. When will I receive a tax bill?

Tax Statements for the current year are mailed in mid-September and include coupons for the 1st and 2nd installments. This is the only statement you will receive unless your taxes are delinquent. Delinquent tax statements are mailed in August and January for Real Property Taxes.

2. How do I change my mailing address?

To change your mailing address, click here. This will lead you to the Santa Cruz County Assessor's Address Change form, the Santa Cruz County Assessor manages property owner mailing addresses. 

3. Where is your office located? What are your office hours?

1150 N. Congress Dr. Room #104, Nogales, AZ. off of Mariposa Rd., Behind McDonalds. Map 

Our office hours are Monday- Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm

4. How can I make my payment? Can I use a credit card?

We accept ACH payments or electronic check payments through our online payment options. Our debit/credit card vendor, Point&Pay charges a processing fee of $3.95 for debit card payments & 2.5% fee for credit card payments over $100.00. Credit Card payments less than $100.00 will be charged a processing fee of $2.00. Electronic check processing fee will be $2.50. Same fees apply when paying by phone or in person. 

Payments may also be mailed using a personal check, cashier's check or money order. Please do not mail in cash. Please mail payments to PO BOX 1150, Nogales, AZ 85628 or 2150 N. Congress Dr. Room #104, Nogales, AZ 85621.

In person payments can be made in our office located at 2150 N. Congress Dr. Room #104, Nogales, AZ 85621. Any payment method mentioned above may be accepted. 

5. Why am I charged a processing fee when I pay with a debit/credit card?

Our debit/credit card vendor, Point&Pay charges a fee to process payments. The Santa Cruz County Treasurer's Office does not receive any portion of this processing fee. By law, the Santa Cruz County Treasurer is not permitted to charge any fee for processing tax payments.

6. To Whom should I make my check payable to?

Elizabeth Gutfahr, Santa Cruz County Treasurer

7. Where should I send my payment?

Payments should be mailed to PO BOX 1150, Nogales, AZ 85628 or 2150 N. Congress Dr. Room #104, Nogales, AZ 85621. Personal checks, cashier's checks or money orders. Please do not mail in cash. 

8. How can I find out how much I owe for property taxes?

For the current year, you can check the balance owed via the Assessor's Parcel search here. Enter your parcel number, search by name or site address. Boxes below will auto fill with information pertaining to the parcel. Above the boxes you will find the "taxes" tab where you can find current year taxes owed. If you need information on prior years, please contact our office at (520)375-7580. There may be additional charges that are not reflected on the Assessor's taxes tab. 

9. I have a mortgage. Will you send my mortgage company a bill?

We provide the mortgage and tax service companies tax statement information upon request, so your mortgage company should receive your tax information. As a courtesy, we will also send you an information statement about your taxes. If you find you are now responsible for paying your property taxes, you may use that statement to make payments. 

10. What happens if my taxes go delinquent?

According to state law, once the delinquency date has passed, interest starts to accrue at 16% per year, prorated monthly. That means you will pay 1.333% on the amount of tax due whether you pay on the last day of the month or the first day of the month. 

For taxes that are not paid before January of the following year, and additional $5.00 penalty is assessed. In February, your delinquent tax lien will be offered for sale at our Delinquent Tax Lien Sale. This is a sale of the lien for delinquent taxes not the sale of your property. After 3 years from the date of the sale, the purchaser of your taxes can foreclose on the lien and acquire your property. 

11. When is the Delinquent Tax Lien Sale?

Our Delinquent Tax Lien Sale will be the last week in February.

12. Is there anything special I need to do if my taxes are delinquent?

By Law, partial payment of delinquent tax liens is not allowed. The minimum payment we can accept is the amount of taxes, interest and fees due for a delinquent installment. If a tax lien had been sold on your property, all delinquent taxes, interest, penalties and fees must be paid in full according to state law. 

13. How are my taxes determined?

Taxes are calculated based on a rate applied to the value of your property. The tax rate is a combination of the rates of all the jurisdictions that have a property tax where you live, such as the Santa Cruz County, your school district and your fire district. There is a Primary Tax Rate and a Secondary Tax Rate. Primary taxes are used to pay the operating expenses of a jurisdiction and the rate is applied to the Limited Cash Value of your property. The secondary taxes are used to pay for special districts, such as fire districts, and other voter approved items, for example, bonds and budget overrides.

The calculation is as follows:

Primary Tax = Limited Value times Assessment Ratio times Primary Tax Rate divided by $100

Secondary Tax = Limited Value times Assessment Ratio times Secondary Tax Rate divided by $100

TOTAL TAX = Primary Tax + Secondary Tax  

14. What is State Aid to Education?

State Aid to Education is a reduction for homeowners (owner-occupied) in the primary property tax levied by school districts in your area. This amount will be reimbursed to the school districts from the State through the County Treasurer. 

15. Why am I paying Fire District Assistance?

Per ARS 48-807, Fire District Assistance is a countywide tax used to supplement fire districts. It is levied against every taxable property in the county.

16. What time period do my taxes cover?

Your annual taxes covers the calendar year from January to December. The first installment is due before November 1 and the second installment is due before May 1 (even though this date is in the next tax year)

17. What if I think my taxes are too high?

• If you believe the full cash value on your notice of valuation is higher than actual market value, or the legal class is incorrect according to current use, you will want to file a "Petition for Review," From 82130.
• Notice of valuation is mailed on March 1. This valuation is used for the next calendar year's tax computations.
• Petition for review of real property valuation and the residential petition for review of real property are available to the property owners from March 1st through April 29. Petitions are available from the Assessor's Office.

18. Where do I get information about Tax Exemptions?

Exemptions are available for qualifying widows, widowers, and disabled persons. The applicant must apply each year between January 1 and the last working day in February. First-time applicants must apply in person. Each type of exemption has different qualification requirements. 

There are no exemptions for veterans, these were removed from Arizona State Statues in 1990.

A person who has a Power of Attorney for another individual can file an exemption. A copy of the Power of Attorney and photo ID of the applicant must be provided when filing the application. 

The Santa Cruz County Assessor manages the exemption application. Please contact the Assessor's Office at (520)375-8030.

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1. What time are the Arizona@Work offices opened?

Office is open Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Except Federal holidays.