Pima County rejects federal grant

But official wants to revisit vote on funds tied to border security

TUCSON — An Arizona county official is asking other members of the board of supervisors to reconsider its vote to reject federal border-security funding.

The Tucson Daily Star reports Pima County Supervisor Ramon Valadez is asking fellow board members to take another look at the decision at a Feb. 20 meeting, saying he has learned more about the law enforcement program supported with federal funds.

He had been among three Democrats on Tuesday to vote against accepting federal border-security funding, saying they didn’t want the county involved in enforcing the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

They had voted to reject $1.4 million from Operation Stonegarden, a program meant to help agencies along the border pay overtime and buy equipment to coordinate efforts with federal agencies to improve border security.

The county has received Stonegarden funds for more than a decade, the Arizona Daily Star reported.

It is believed this is the first time the money has been declined in Arizona, according to Sheriff’s Department officials and an Arizona Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman.

Sheriff Mark Napier said he was very disappointed in the decision.

“The funds are directed at the interdiction of drug and human trafficking organizations in Pima County and it allows us to work more effectively with our federal partners,” which contributes to public safety in the county, he said.

The department was set to receive $1.19 million for mileage and overtime and close to $238,000 for satellite data equipment and a wireless transmission device. In fiscal 2017, the four border counties in Arizona were awarded $11.8 million.

From fiscal 2008 through 2016, the federal government has allocated about $59 million annually, or $531.5 million in total, for Stonegarden, according to a November 2017 report.