Residents urge healthcare access, transparency and accountability during public comment

Several members of the public addressed the board during the call to the public on topics including healthcare access, county transparency and law-enforcement accountability.

Brian Cox of San Manuel urged the county to explore using Community Development Block Grant funding and idle hospital facilities to restore local healthcare services, suggesting county-run facilities and training placements for medical and nursing students. Other speakers praised the board’s suicide prevention proclamation and called for expanded resources.

Multiple speakers raised concerns about public access to the consent agenda and called for more timely notice and improved transparency. Roberto Revelas of Gold Canyon urged a forensic audit of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, alleging abuses by Sheriff Mark Lamb and asking the board to pursue institutional accountability; those allegations were raised as requests during public comment and did not prompt immediate board action at the meeting.

Board members took no formal action on the audit request during the meeting; staff indicated items raised during call to the public could be studied or scheduled for further consideration.