The U.S. Small Business Administration has Low Interest Federal Disaster Loans available for those affected by drought starting January 1st, 2012.  According to Alfred Judd, Director of the Disaster Field Operations Center West, eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not for any actual property damage.  Governor Jan Brewer had requested that Yavapai and other counties be designated as disaster areas due to the drought.   Businesses primarily involved in farming or ranching aren’t eligible for disaster assistance.  For more information, call 1-800-659-2955 or go online to sba.gov.  The deadline to apply is March 12th, 2013. 

The Town of Prescott Valley is working to put a stop to unfair business practices.  Last night, Auditor Sara Herzog told Town Council there are currently 19 liens on businesses that haven’t remitted their sales tax to the Town.  This unpaid amount is more than 145 thousand dollars.  In addition, there are 6 businesses that owe more than 50 thousand dollars that are on a payment plan.  Herzog explains Council action is being requested to stop this unfair practice of businesses not complying with the Tax Code. Herzog adds steps would be taken before the license is actually revoked. Council has expressed support for the Business License Revocation Ordinance, which will be voted on next Thursday. 

The City of Prescott will be covered in the event its water supply from Chino Valley is ever interrupted.  Public Works Department officials have announced the completion of a new 3 million gallon reservoir located near Willow Creek Road and Douglas Street.  This reservoir will be filled and tested before it becomes operational in about a month.  There is an additional 3 million gallon reservoir near the new one that will remain in service.  According to Capital Projects Manager Tim Sherwood, water from the Chino Valley transmission mains is initially delivered to these facilities.  Both reservoirs will have a 6 million gallon capacity to serve the area. 
The process to get a new Yavapai County Superior Court Administrator is moving forward.  Yesterday the County Board of Supervisors held a special session to consider a hiring exception for this position.   Board Chairman Tom Thurman explains an exception is used to fill a critical position during a hiring freeze. Presiding Superior Court Judge David Mackey, who made the request, says the Administrator performs many duties. Following approval by the board, the Administrator position is expected to be posted by next week on the county’s website, yavapai.us.

You can shop for arts and crafts this weekend while helping out area fire departments.  The Williamson Valley Fire District and the Prescott Area Fire Training Group is hosting an Arts and Crafts Show on the Courthouse Plaza this weekend.  Event Co-chair Marge Thomas says the show is a fundraiser. Hours are 9 to 5 tomorrow and Sunday.  In partnership with this event, the Prescott Area Wildland Urban Interface Commission will host a Wildfire Expo.  Prescott National Forest spokeswoman Debbie Maneely explains when the Expo will be taking place. Maneely adds officials will have some useful information to share with you. Maneely says there is always a good response to the Expo. There will be vendors and information booths, fire prevention displays and kids activities during the Expo, which is free and open to the public.