The Pinal County Board of Supervisors approved an agreement on June 17 that allows the Pinal County Sheriff's Office to continue providing police services within the Town of San Tan Valley. This action finalizes a contract that maintains the existing level of patrol coverage for residents following the community's recent incorporation. San Tan Valley is located approximately 7 miles southeast of Queen Creek.
The board passed the agreement via its consent agenda, a procedural method that groups routine items for a single vote without individual debate. The county's approval completes the arrangement, which the Town Council had previously adopted through Resolution No. 2026-18. Mayor Daren Schnepf signed the resolution on June 1. Because the new municipality does not operate its own police department, the contract outlines the terms of service, funding, and operational control.
San Tan Valley voters approved incorporation in an August 5, 2025 election, and the county formally approved the town's formation on September 17, 2025. New towns must secure their own public services, including law enforcement. Rather than establishing a separate police force, the town entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the county. Under this arrangement, the town pays the county, and the sheriff's office performs the policing duties. The contract applies only to the area within the town's limits. The sheriff's office continues to serve the unincorporated portions of San Tan Valley as a standard county service.
The agreement is effective for six months, running from July 1 through December 31, 2026. Neither party may cancel the contract during this initial term. The town will pay approximately $6.82 million for this period. This total includes roughly $3.54 million for sworn officers and support staff, about $1.36 million for communications and technology, approximately $764,000 for vehicle and fleet costs, and around $102,000 for facilities. Additional costs cover administrative overhead and projected overtime. The town will receive monthly bills and has 30 days to pay each invoice. Late payments incur a 1% monthly interest charge.
The contract does not establish a price for service beyond the current year. If the town wishes to extend the arrangement, the two sides will negotiate a renewal and the county will provide updated cost figures at that time. The agreement maintains the same patrol coverage level the area had as an unincorporated community. This coverage is measured in beats, where one beat represents one full-time deputy position. The contract funds six beats per shift, plus a roving deputy.
