Payson Roundup

Gila County gave $3,000 to the Tonto Basin Fire District for improvements to its fire station number 2.

County Supervisor Michael Pastor presided over a meeting for east side residents of Tonto Basin on Friday, March 12. Major flooding in the area has stranded residents there for close to two months.

Pastor also presented a check for $3,000 to Tonto Basin Fire Chief Steven Holt. The funds will be used to make improvements to the district’s fire station on the east side of Tonto Creek.

For the past two months the station has been the meeting place for the area’s 400 plus residents. Through aid from Gila County Emergency Services, they pick up groceries, mail, prescriptions, and other staples at the station.

“This station is the only place on this side of the creek that can accommodate the space that emergency services needs,” according to Fire District Board President Brenda Straw. “With the flooding we have had for the last few years, we anticipate a need to have this station available for emergencies. These funds will help us improve and maintain the building.”

More than 100 east residents received updated information on the progress of several issues. Questions were answered about aid for flood victims, FEMA information, road and dyke repair, along with an update on construction plans for a bridge across the creek