City News

On the morning of March 31st, the City will briefly close a portion of Maley St at the railroad tracks along Railroad Avenue. The closure will occur for one hour between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM. We ask drivers to cross the railroad tracks on Stewart Street as an alternate route.

This message is to inform the public of an upcoming road improvement project impacting several travel routes. ADOT has identified the exit 336 overpass on Interstate-10 as in need of repair and will construct a replacement to the current overpass. Construction is expected to be completed by November 2021.

Interstate 10 will be periodically closed between 8:00 p.m. on Fridays and 6:00 a.m. on Mondays during this project, and oncoming traffic will be re-routed briefly around the overpass. Please note that Taylor Road will not be accessible from the direction of South Haskell Avenue; all traffic will be diverted to the exit 340 overpass and west onto Fort Grant Road.

The Arizona Department of Transportation will provide additional notifications to the public prior to construction. Further questions can be directed to the ADOT Public Affairs Office or the Willcox Department of Public Safety.

The City would like to remind travelers to drive slowly and divert from construction areas containing flashing lights on the shoulder of the roadway. All fines for speeding are doubled in a construction zone where workers are present.

This Thursday March 18th at 5:30PM will be the second of three public hearings at the city council chambers to discuss the E. Maley annexation covering a total of 25 parcels. The city’s plan is to encourage responsible, incremental growth through annexation. Agenda available online. https://willcox.az.gov/archived-agendas-minutes

The City will be performing road construction at the corner of Cochise Avenue and Stewart Street from Monday, March 15th to Wednesday, March 17th. Water service in this area will be interrupted on Tuesday, March 16th from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Please be aware of workers and find another route if possible. We thank you for your cooperation.

The Federal Consolidated Appropriations Act authorizes financial relief to Arizona renters and landlords for rent and utility assistance. To learn more and apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) please visit the online portal at des.az.gov/ERAP or by calling (877) 600-2722.

Click here for more information from our Facebook page.

Beginning April 12th, 2020, the City will be reseeding and/or fertilizing grass at Keiller, Railroad, and Hazel parks, and tentatively Quail and Gonzales parks. The grass will then be watered intermittently each day during the second half of April. 

If you plan to reserve a park facility during this window, please plan accordingly as the landscape may be wet during this time or protected during the reseeding process. The City reserves the right to deny reservations that may result in damage to the landscape. Please contact Willcox Public Works at (520) 384-6447 with any questions or to modify your reservation.

Thank you for your cooperation as we work to improve our parks and fields.

THE CITY OF WILLCOX will receive sealed general contract bids for the City of Willcox East Delos Regulator Station Replacement project. All bids must be presented on the prescribed forms included in the contract documents.

A sealed original hard copy of the contractor’s bid for the described work will be received by the City of Willcox, 101 South Railroad Ave Ste. B, Willcox, Arizona 85643 until Thursday, February 25, 2021, at 1:00 p.m., after which sealed bids will be opened and read aloud in the Willcox City Hall. Electronic copies of bids shall not be accepted, in addition, bids received after the bid due date and time will not be accepted and will be returned unopened.

LOCATION AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CONSTRUCTION WORK UNDER THIS PROJECT:

The purpose of this project is to replace the existing East Delos Natural Gas Regulator Station located on E. Delos Street with a new 4X6 dual run regulator station. The East Delos Regulator Station has an inlet pressure of 100 psig and reduces the pressure to approximately 25 psig. The MAOP (Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure) of the City’s distribution system is 30 psig.

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS: Plans, Specifications and other bidding and contract documents are available in digital format by contacting Erick Wright at (520) 463-3209 or ewright@bowmanconsulting.com. If the Contractor intends to bid on the project, the Contractor is required to contact Erick Wright and register themselves as a plan holder. Questions shall be submitted in writing up to five (5) business days before the Bid Opening. Address all questions to Erick Wright, Bowman Consulting Group. Only written questions will be addressed.

The following items shall accompany each complete Bid Proposal:

1. A satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the bidder payable to the CITY OF WILLCOX in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the base bid.

2. A Non-Collusion Affidavit of Prime Bidders form completed and signed.

3. List of Subcontractors form completed and signed (if applicable).

4. Contractor’s License Number and Arizona Registrar of Contractors License Class.

5. Bidder’s Qualification Statements and any applicable forms, completed and signed.

6. Project Work Schedule.

Upon receipt of "Notice of Award" and before commencement of work the successful bidder will deliver all required documents stated within the award notice.

Bidder shall clearly mark on the outside of the sealed bid envelope "BID ENCLOSED – CITY OF WILLCOX EAST DELOS REGULATOR STATION REPLACEMENT” and give bidder's name, address, date, and Arizona Contractor's License Number.

THE CITY OF WILLCOX reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive minor irregularities and informalities therein and further reserves the right to award the contract to the most responsive and responsible bidder.

All bids shall be addressed to the City of Willcox, and shall have the project title clearly labeled thereon as provided in this Invitation to Bid.

Shipping and Delivery options are listed below.

Carrier: UPS/FedEx, United States Postal Services. In person delivery.

Address: 101 S Railroad Avenue Suite B, Willcox, AZ 85643

Over the past three years, the Willcox City Council dedicated more funding for street preservation than had been invested in the rest of the decade. To minimize damage to City streets, the Council unanimously approved a Truck Route Ordinance on January 20th, 2021.

Trucks as defined in the ordinance are not to operate on City Streets. Doing so may result in a fine of up to $2,500 as well as fines for any other damages caused.  

Mayor Laws: “While we recognize this may be an inconvenience for some, it is for the good of the community. We need to do a better job of maintaining our roads and this is a step in the right direction.” Please view the Truck Route Ordinance for more information or contact City Hall at (520) 384-4271 with additional questions.

Our next Planning and Zoning open house community meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 19^th at 4pm at the Willcox Community Center (312 W Stewart St) to discuss the Zoning Code, specifically building requirements for each type of zoning. We will also discuss accessory buildings and tiny homes. Packets will be provided highlighting zoning definitions, building square foot requirements, uses permitted, and accessory dwelling requirements for each type of zoning for your knowledge. This will be an open forum discussion; no agenda will be needed.

January 11, 2021

The City of Willcox and Willcox Wine Country invite leaders of the hospitality industry to attend a hospitality forum this Wednesday during a special meeting of the Marketing and Tourism Commission. The meeting will take place at 12:00 PM in the Willcox Community Center at 312 W Stewart St, Willcox, AZ 85643.

The agenda is as follows:

-Presentation of Willcox Wine Country's Passport program

-Introduction of the Willcox Brochure Stand

-Updates in the tourism industry

-Open discussion and networking session

There is no fee to participate. If interested, please contact City of Willcox staff member Jennifer Colby at (520) 507-6994.

January 5, 2020

PRESS RELEASE--The City of Willcox is honored to receive $100,000 in grant funding from the Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona to install LED lighting into three of our sporting fields and Quail Park rodeo arena. Every year the Legacy Foundation awards 'Innovative Grants' for unique projects that promote population health and community wellness. Over the past 10 years, City lighting costs have increased for sporting fields by 138% and the Quail Park rodeo grounds by 239%. Unlike most cities, the City of Willcox has also not charged participants to utilize field lighting. In order to maintain low costs for participants, the City pursued the grant with the assistance of its sporting leagues and Sulphur Springs Valley Electrical Company.

The City currently uses high-intensity discharge lighting which consumes large amounts of energy and is very expensive. By converting to energy-efficient LED lighting, the City will reduce its energy consumption by an estimated 66%, thus lowering expenses.

The City plans to renovate the first field in 2021 and finish the total project over a five-year timeline. The City will continue to budget the same amount each year for field lighting and use the savings to replace additional field lights.

In addition to the Legacy Foundation, the City has many partners to thank for marking this project a reality. We designed the project with feedback and support from the Willcox Unified School District, Youth Football and Cheer League, Willcox Little League Baseball and Softball Association, American Youth Soccer Organization, Willcox Junior Rodeo Association, Willcox High School Rodeo Association, and the Marketing and Tourism Commission.

Typically, the largest cost in replacing field lighting is installation. In cooperation with SSVEC, local SSVEC staff members have generously offered to donate equipment and labor to install the new lights into our fields and rodeo arena. 

A special thank you to City staff member Jennifer Colby for coordinating and successfully being awarded this grant. 

December 30, 2020

PRESS RELEASE--The Willcox Department of Public Safety is honored to receive $3500 in grant funding for the spaying and neutering of cats and dogs. This grant is generously provided by PetSmart Charities and is funded by the purchasing of Pet Friendly License Plates through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division.

If interested in this program, please contact the Willcox Humane Shelter to make a veterinary appointment. All animals must have proof of up-to-date vaccinations, or vaccinations can be administered at full cost to the owner. A co-pay of $50 for dogs and $30 for cats is required to participate. By sharing the expense to neuter and spay, this grant funding can be maximized to service up to 80 animals. 

Chief Hadfield, Director of the Willcox Department of Public Safety, provided the following statement: "I would like to thank the Arizona Companion Animal Spay and Neuter Committee for taking the time to review our grant application and deciding that our program will benefit from the grant support. I would also like to thank PetSmart Charities for their organizing and providing the funding to continue our spay and neuter program, which has and still benefits both Willcox and our surrounding communities. I would like to specially thank all my staff who dedicated their time and professionalism in implementing the City of Willcox Humane Shelter Spay and Neuter Assistance Program and their dedication in writing the grant request. We are proud to continue assisting animal owners who cannot afford to spay or neuter their pets."

The Willcox City Council will be holding a work session with the Planning and Zoning Commission to discuss the 2040 Willcox General Plan. The session will take place on December 9th in the City Council Chambers (300 W Rex Allen Drive) at 7:30 AM, and will be followed by the regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission at 9:00 AM. The public is invited to observe the session. 

The Willcox City Council will vote on the approval of the 2040 General Plan during next City Council meeting on December 17th. If adopted, the 2040 General Plan will be utilized as a basis for growth and development over the next ten to twenty years. 

Click here to learn more about the General Plan. 

December 7, 2020

PRESS RELEASE--During the months of November and December, the Department of Public Safety collects monetary and toy donations to distribute to local children in need during Christmas. The application process is now open and can be filled out at the local Police Department. If you would prefer to fill out the application online, please email dhadfield@willcox.az.gov. On December 22, Officers and Firefighters will deliver toys to local community members. A special thanks to Officer Jose Villa who organized a softball benefit tournament and raised $2,740 for Willcox Gifts for Kids.

Due to COVID 19, the Salvation Army is not allowed to have bell ringers solicit donations at Safeway.  This decision affects the Willcox Chapter as all money raised in Willcox stays in our community and benefits residents who are suffering financial hardships. The City of Willcox is working diligently to add a Salvation Army donation button on the City Website as well as additional locations for bell ringers to be placed.

Chief Hadfield would like to remind residents that “If you can and would like to donate to either Willcox Gifts for Kids or the Willcox Chapter of the Salvation Army please stop by the Willcox Police Department or the City of Willcox (101 S. Railroad Ave. Suite B). I would like to wish you a safe, healthy, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Protect yourselves, others and remember to be kind to one another.”               

The new City of Willcox Strategic Plan will be brought before the City Council for approval on Thursday, December 3rd, at 5:30 PM at 300 W Rex Allen Drive, Willcox, AZ 85643.

Please visit the City Council page to review the full plan: https://willcox.az.gov/city-council

The regular meeting of the MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL scheduled for November 19th, 2020 has been cancelled. 

The next special meeting of the MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2020.

The Willcox City Council will meet to discuss and direct marijuana ordinance following the passing of Proposition 207. 

Arizona residents voted on November 3rd, 2020 to pass Proposition 207, which legalized the possession and use of recreational marijuana for adults (age 21 years or older) in Arizona. Individuals were permitted to possess no more than one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six marijuana plants in their residences. The legislation also allowed any person convicted of certain crimes related to marijuana possession, consumption, and transportation to petition for the expungement of their criminal record starting on July 12, 2021. 

Prop. 207 placed a 16 percent tax on marijuana sales, in addition to the existing transaction privilege tax and use tax. Revenue from the tax was divided between public programs such as community college districts, infrastructure, public safety, and public health organizations.

Through this legislation, local governments have the ability to ban marijuana facilities and testing centers and can control of aspects of licensing, regulation, and zoning.

The community is invited to attend the meeting on Tuesday, November 10th, at 3:30 PM in the City Council Chambers located at 300 W Rex Allen Drive, Willcox, AZ 85643. 

*EDIT: Some of our construction dates have changed. Please view the dates listed below for our current construction schedule.*

The City of Willcox will be repaving Airport Road, Maley Street, and Bisbee Avenue in the upcoming weeks. These closures are set for the dates below:

Airport Road: November 15 - December 4

Maley Street: December 2 - 11

Bisbee Avenue: December 12 - January 7

The total cost of this project is estimated at $1.5 million. As part of this project, ADA compliant sidewalks will be installed along Maley Street, and the current sidewalks along Bisbee Avenue will be repaired.

The City receives $328,000 per year through state highway user revenue funds for roadway projects. This funding is based on the population count within city limits, and the City does not receive funding for roads from county residents.

Please continue checking our website or visit our Facebook page at "City of Willcox" for updates on our street projects. 

The Willcox Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture and the City of Willcox will be hosting the annual State of the City on November 10th at 312 W Stewart St, Willcox, AZ 85643. The Community Center will open at 5:30 PM with a dinner and program to follow at 6:00 PM. All area businesses and business leaders are encouraged to attend. 

A Dash of Willcox: Adding Local Flavor. See program and speakers below:

Laura Duran: Co-owner, Fresh Mart

Chuck Hosington: Board Chairman and Business Consultant, Open Loop

Mark Phillips: Winemaker, Golden Rule Vineyards

Sonny Shores, Jr: Co-owner, Willcox Livestock Auction

Reports and Updates from City of Willcox and Willcox Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture

To RSVP, please send an email to info.willcoxchamber@gmail.com or text the City of Willcox's Community Programs Manager, Jennifer Colby, at (520) 507-6994. There is no cost for attending this event. 

Thank you to SSVEC for sponsoring this event. 

Press Release: Semi-Tractor Trailer Incident at Willcox Visitor Center

On October 19, the Willcox Department of Public Safety, Police and Fire Departments, responded to a report of a collision involving a semi-tractor trailer that drove through the City of Willcox Visitor Center.

Upon arrival of the Willcox Police Department (WXPD), the Willcox Fire Department (WXFD), Health Care Innovations (HCI), and AZ Department of Public Safety (AZDPS), HCI tended to the driver and pronounced him deceased at the scene. Fire personnel immediately began working to free the entrapped driver using the “Jaws of Life”, spray the leaking diesel fuel with an encapsulating foam and shut off the gas leaking into the building.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle was traveling westbound on I-10 about mile post 341 when, for an unknown reason left the roadway to the right, drove through a fence and crossed the desert towards the City of Willcox Visitor Center. It was reported by witnesses that the vehicle did not apply any brakes. After traveling ¼ - ½ mile the vehicle struck a retaining wall on the north side of the Visitor Center property and continued to travel southbound. The vehicle struck the north side of the building and maintained enough velocity that it traveled through the entire building and exited through the south side of the building. This caused massive structural and cosmetic damage to the building. The vehicle then dropped off a loading drop causing it to turn to the right and eventually “jack knife” to a stop in the AZDPS parking lot. The vehicle narrowly avoided striking AZDPS Officers inside the building and their patrol unit.

Chief Hadfield, Director of the Willcox Department of Public Safety stated “I would like to thank all personnel involved in this incident. Although tragic, this incident again shows how well first responders in rural Arizona come together to accomplish tasks. Thank you to all personnel who had a hand in this. Your dedication to preserving life brings great credit upon yourselves, your agencies and the State of Arizona.”

The identity of the driver is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin. This is an ongoing investigation and if anyone has any information please contact the Willcox Police Department at (520) 384-4673.

The City will be replacing certain areas of water piping at two intersections during the dates below:

Maley St and Austin Blvd intersection: October 13 to Nov 2

Maley St and Curtis Ave intersection: Oct 19th to Nov 2

After exercising water valves on October 7th-8th, Public Works identified which valves must be turned off while replacing water piping at these two intersections. Once the piping is replaced, the City will plans to repave certain streets starting next month.

The City will be exercising its water valves in the areas between Haskell Ave - Arizona Ave and Delos St - Wasson St. Water may be shut off periodically during Oct 7th and 8th, and will be shut off for 6 to 8 hours on Oct 16th.

Several areas of City water piping must be replaced before repaving roads in the future. Exercising the water valves on these streets will determine which valves need to be shut off while piping is replaced at the intersections of Maley St - Austin Blvd and Maley St - Curtis Ave later this month.

The Mayor & City Council are soliciting letters of interest and/or resumes from interested persons in both our Planning & Zoning Commission and our Marketing & Tourism Commission.
For additional information, please contact the Community Programs Manager at (520) 507-6994 or jcolby@willcox.az.gov.

Submit letters to the Human Resources Office, 101 S. Railroad Ave., Suite B, Willcox, AZ 85643.

See agendas and meeting minutes for the Planning & Zoning Commission here.

See agendas and meeting minutes for the Marketing & Tourism Commission here.

A draft of the City of Willcox 2040 General Plan will be brought before the Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday, September 9th at 9:00 AM. The public is invited to attend this meeting which will be held in the City Council chambers at 300 W Rex Allen Drive, Willcox, AZ 85643.

Willcox_2040_GP_draft.pdf

Willcox Transit Implementation Service Plan.pdf

The City of Willcox is asking for feedback from the public on their Willcox Transit Implementation Plan. This plan was based on community input for a transit feasibility study conducted in 2019 and provides a detailed plan for implementing a new dial-a-ride (call to reserve a ride) public transit system serving Willcox, Pearce/Sunsites, and the Bowie – San Simon communities. Public input and recommendations provide important feedback to the City which may impact the plan before it is implemented. Copies of the plan are available on the City’s website – www.willcox.az.gov and SEAGO’s website – www.seago.org. The public may also arrange to read the 112 page plan at Willcox City Hall or request a hard copy by contacting Jennifer Colby, Community Programs Manager, at City of Willcox by calling 520-384-4271. Duplication charges for a personal copy of the document may apply. 

Comments may be submitted via email to cdvertrees@seago.org or mailed to Transportation Department, SEAGO, 1403 W. Hwy 92, Bisbee AZ 85603. If reviewing the plan on the SEAGO website, comments may be submitted through that site. All comments must be received no later than September 24 at 3:00 p.m.

Please help the City of Willcox develop a responsive transit system for its residents and nearby communities by reviewing and commenting on the City of Willcox Transit Implementation Plan.

The Arizona Department of Transportation, SEAGO Area Agency on Aging, and Cochise County have been identified as potential funding sources for this transit project. Each of these funding sources require that the public have an opportunity to comment on projects that will be utilizing public funds.

The City is considering relocating the Visitor Center to downtown Willcox in the Train Depot/City Hall. In response to this discussion, we are soliciting proposals for 1500 N Circle I Rd, also known as the Willcox Visitor Center building.

This large space includes a parking lot and visibility from I-10 with close proximity to the Travel Centers of America and Apple Annie's Country Store. This is a versatile facility that could accommodate wine tasting, restaurants, boutiques, office space, event hall and more. A slideshow of facility photos can be found on facebook.

Please submit proposals by June 30 to Willcox City Hall. For more information or to visit the facility, please contact Jennifer Colby at jcolby@willcox.az.gov.

Our 8-week term with the AmeriCorps NCCC team ended last week and was a great success for the Willcox community. 

Although the team was dismissed early as a measure of safety from COVID-19, significant changes were still made in this short time.Their main projects included:

-Residential Property Cleanups: the team assisted with over 20 properties in Willcox and the surrounding area. They performed landscaping, wheelchair ramp construction, and more for those in need of assistance.

-Alleyway Cleanups: several alleys, including that behind Railroad Avenue, were cleared from trash and debris to improve the cleanliness of our historic downtown area.

-Painting: city facilities such as the Visitor Center and baseball field dugouts were beautified by the team.

-Spring Break Camp: four team members instructed a youth camp between March 9 and 12, which included students between ages four and ten. They engaged in outdoor sports, crafts such as decorating picture frames, egg hunts, movies, and more.

-Cochise Lake Preservation: In preparation for Wings Over Willcox, litter and debris were removed from this Globally Important Birding Area. 

-Community Involvement: the team lent their hands at Wings Over Willcox, the monthly POWWOW (Produce on Wheels With-Out Waste), Willcox Community Food Pantry, Willcox Animal Shelter, and Studio 128.

Thank you, AmeriCorps, for helping us to beautify and preserve our city. 

COVID-19, commonly called the Coronavirus, is at a point where it is presenting considereable concern to our citizens and visitors. For this reason, the City of Willcox is taking proactive measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The City cares about the health of our residents, city employees, visitors and those who work in Willcox.

We are implementing certain closures out of an abundance of caution. All city facilities will remain staffed; however, in-person services will be limited until the risk subsides. Until further notice, the library and visitor center will be closed to the public. (The Community Center will be open for voting in the Presidential Preference Election on Tuesday, March 17). All critical services such as police protection, water and wastewater and solid waste pickup will continue to be fully available. Willcox is prepared to continue to provide these uninterrupted services even if the virus spreads.

For those who normally frequent the library, e-resources, e-books and audio books are avilable through the Cochsie County Library District and cochiselibrary.org. Additionally, Willcox Public Library will be offering curb-side services to its patrons. For those who wish to check out items, including books and DVDs, please call the library at (520)766-4250 to request the item(s) you wish to check out. Call again when you arrive at the library and staff will bring the items to you as you wait in your vehicle. 

For those who need to make utility payments, we encourage you to call (520)384-4271 to pay by credit card, pay online on the city's website at willcox.az.gov, or drop your payment in the drop box outside city hall.

Stay tuned for further updates.

A blood drive will take place in the Council Chambers at 300 W Rex Allen Drive.

Anyone who donates blood through January 19th will be entered into a drawing for an all expense paid trip for 2 to the 2020 Superbowl in Florida.

Link to register: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=CityOfWillcox&fbclid=IwAR3pUD53GBlH1pNY8HsOeKRRSO9QSatPtcKw0C7Hnlhyv8AZ4VBb6CJaepo

An AmeriCorps grant has been provided to Willcox that provides the City with 12 individuals to assist those who have difficulty maintaining their property from January 10 to April 4. If you're interested in receiving assistance, apply here: https://forms.gle/DG2BnEsiPQNhQr8f7

This work can include things like repairing fences, weed abatement, trimming trees, repairing roofs, painting and installation of wheelchair ramps.

The homeowner would be responsible for providing needed materials such as paint or trash bags. The City would provide labor and equipment.

If you know of a friend or neighbor who could benefit from this program, please apply here: https://forms.gle/DG2BnEsiPQNhQr8f7

If you have any other questions, please contact City Hall.

Other projects team members will work on include a dog park, assisting Wings over Willcox for its January event, removing trees and debris from the flood canal, cemetery plot repair, and a spring break youth camp. More information will follow!