Santa Cruz County, AZ

11/03/2026

Rio Rico Halloween Trunk-or-Treat Photo Dump!

Many thanks to everyone who volunteered and everyone who participated, whether at a trunk, directing traffic, scaring people in the haunted house, setting up a movie, or simply attending the event.

A huge shout-out to the Santa Cruz County employees who donated thousands of pieces of candy and to the departments who helped with the event. Thank you to the County Management, Public Works, Community Development, Emergency Management, and the Sheriff's Department.

11/03/2026

The U.S. military has played an important role in shaping the history of the Santa Cruz Valley. From early military posts along the border to the installations and communities we know today, its presence has influenced the region in many ways.

This part of our regions history isn't just about military operations and installations. It is also about the individuals and families whose lives have been shaped by military service. Just outside Patagonia, along highway 82, the Telles Grotto Shrine offers a touching example. Carved into a roadside cliff in 1941, the shrine commemorates the safe return of the Telles family's five sons from World War II.

This small place of remembrance connects a larger chapter of U.S. military history to one family's story, reminding us of the personal experiences and sacrifices behind the history of our region.

Explore our U.S. Military Posts on the U.S.-Mexico Border storyline to discover more: https://santacruzheritage.org/military-posts/

Visit The Sky Islands of Arizona Santa Cruz County, AZ Visit Nogales-Santa Cruz County

11/02/2026

Election Day Is Tomorrow, November 3!

Election Day is almost here! If you haven't voted yet, there's still time to make your voice heard in the November 3 General Election.

Have an early ballot you haven't returned? You can drop it off at any Santa Cruz County Vote Center or official ballot drop box. If you prefer to vote in person, you can also cast your ballot at any Vote Center in the County.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Remember, it's too late to mail your early ballot, so drop it off in person.

Find a Vote Center: https://www.santacruzcountyaz.gov/DocumentCenter/View/23906/2026-General-Election-Vote-Center-List---BOS-Approved?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Find an Official Ballot Drop Box: https://www.santacruzcountyaz.gov/287/Recorder?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Follow Election Night Results
Want to follow the election results? Santa Cruz County provides several ways to stay informed and observe the ballot tabulation process.

Election Night Results: The first unofficial results, including early voting totals, will be posted at or after 8 p.m. on Election Night.

View County Election Results: https://www.santacruzcountyaz.gov/471/Election-Night-Results?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Tabulation Room Live Stream: https://www.youtube.com//live?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Statewide Election Results: https://app.enhancedvoting.com/results/public/Arizona/elections/110326GeneralElection?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

For additional election information, visit the Santa Cruz County 2026 Elections webpage. https://www.santacruzcountyaz.gov/1053/2026-Elections-Elecciones?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

11/02/2026

Halloween Was a Splash!

Well, that was one wet Halloween! We didn't expect the downpour, but that didn't stop the fun! Nearly 1,300 people came through despite the rain, enjoying trunk-or-treating, a haunted house, a movie, food, and plenty of puddle-splashing!

Huge thanks to Rio Rico Medical & Fire, Rio Rico Community Center, Las Lagunas Anza Youth, Circles of Peace, Triple Crown Events, our vendors, trunk-or-treat participants, and all the volunteers who made it happen!

Santa Cruz County truly is The Place of Amazing Places™, and even more Amazing People!

The weather may not have cooperated, but our community certainly did!

Check out the Halloween fun!

10/30/2026

Protecting Your Tax Dollars

Santa Cruz County has made significant changes to strengthen financial controls, improve oversight, and better safeguard public funds.

From enhanced banking security and updated financial procedures to independent audits and additional layers of review, these measures are designed to improve accountability and reduce financial risks.

We've put together a brochure outlining the changes made, our ongoing efforts to strengthen safeguards, and where residents can direct questions or concerns.

Learn more about the steps we've taken to protect public funds:

In 2024, former Santa Cruz County Treasurer Elizabeth Gutfahr embezzled public funds, prompting a comprehensive review of the County’s financial controls, auditing practices, and internal procedures.

10/29/2026

Unable to attend the public presentation? Catch the recording on the Santa Cruz County YouTube channel.

This community presentation explores findings from the newly published Binational Study of the Transboundary Santa Cruz Aquifer.

Featured Presenters:
Sharon B. Megdal, Director, University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center
Elia M. Tapia, Associate in Extension, University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center
Libby M. Wildermuth, Hydrologist, USGS Arizona Water Science
Center

This community presentation explores findings from the newly publis...

10/29/2026

Want to learn more about Proposition 417 and Santa Cruz County’s Annual Expenditure Limitation?

• Proposition 417 addresses Santa Cruz County’s Annual Expenditure Limitation
• The expenditure limit is based on a state formula using 1979-80 spending
• Proposition 417 proposes a $1.5 million adjustment to the County’s expenditure base
• The measure does not increase property taxes, sales taxes, or create new fees
• Voters will decide whether to approve the adjustment

For more information: https://www.santacruzcountyaz.gov/1099/Expenditure-Limitation

10/29/2026

It is now too late to return your ballot through USPS mail. Voters who have not yet returned their completed early ballots should use an official ballot drop box or return them at an authorized election location.

It's Too Late to Mail Your Ballot, But There's Still Time to Vote! Santa Cruz County, Arizona sent this bulletin at 10/28/2026 02:00 PM PDT View as a webpage / Share It's Too Late to Mail Your Ballot, But There's Still Time to Vote! Santa Cruz County, AZ, October 28, 2026 – With Election Day appro...

10/27/2026

🍂 We're Hiring! Join Our Team!

Looking for a new career opportunity? Santa Cruz County is hiring for a variety of positions, from public safety and public works to healthcare, administration, and more!

Check out our current openings and see if there's a position that's right for you.

📋 View openings and apply: santacruzcountyaz.gov/Jobs.aspx

📧 Questions? Contact [email protected]

Come work with us!

10/23/2026

There are still a few spots available!