PIMA — There are just two weeks left for residents in the towns of Pima and Thatcher to make their voices heard when it comes to natural gas service.
In 2020, Graham County Co-op members voted to sell the co-op’s natural gas division to Southwest Gas, which already provides natural gas service to areas surrounding the Gila Valley.
Now the towns are taking the second step in the process, asking voters to approve franchise agreements with Southwest Gas.
If voters say yes, Southwest Gas will have access to Pima and Thatcher rights-of-way for gas service for 25 years. A yes vote will also initiate the towns receiving franchise fees from Southwest Gas based on service volumes.
The election is being conducted exclusively by mail. Ballots were mailed to registered voters in the two towns starting April 20 and all ballots must be received by Graham County Elections for tabulation by May 17. Ballots postmarked May 17 but received after that date will not be counted.
Pima Town Manager Vernon Batty said there was an error in the ballot printed in Spanish, stating incorrectly that the deadline is May 18. The deadline for reception of ballots in both Spanish and English is May 17.
In addition to saving money by holding the election via mail rather than with traditional polling places, Pima and Thatcher voters will not have to bear the cost of the election, as Southwest Gas is reimbursing the towns for the expense.
