About | Town of Star Valley, Arizona

Mayor Bobby Davis

Bobby Davis, AZED Pro, retired Economic Development Director for the Town of Payson. In this capacity, Bobby played a vital role in business retention and expansion. Recruiting new business, working with current business owners for future growth. He played a key role with more than 50 businesses that have expanded or located in Payson, creating more than 300 jobs in the past three years.

Prior to his work with the Town of Payson, Arizona, Mr. Davis was the business retention and expansion officer for BBVA Compass bank, where he helped double the new business accounts within the first year.

Mr. Davis spent seven successful years at the Payson Roundup newspaper as the Marketing and Advertising Director, leading the advertising team and a proud member of an award winning newspaper who won newspaper of the year for 12 years in a row in the State of Arizona with a publication under 10,000 copies per week.

Mr. Davis has over 40 years of experience in customer service, sales, marketing, advertising, business management, economic development, budget planning, and financial sales.

Mr. Davis proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corp from 1971-1977.

Mr. Davis serves on many boards: Council member Star Valley, Arizona; CAG Regional Council Member of Star Valley, Arizona; Central Arizona Government Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy/CEDS planning committees; Local First Arizona, a board member representing Gila County; Arizona Telecommunications & Information Council, board member for rural Arizona; Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce, advisor to the board for the Town of Payson; Rim Country Living Magazine, board member; Big Brother Big Sister, board member 2005-2011; Kiwanis club of Payson; member since 2004; Kiwanis International, Governor, Southwest District 2011-2012.

Mr. Davis and his wife Nina have been married for 38 great years and reside in Star Valley, Arizona. He is a proud father of three daughters and a son and eight perfect grandkids.

Council Member Andy McKinney

Andy McKinney came to Rim Country almost exactly at the time when Star Valley became an official town in Arizona. He came from a 30 year adventure in Alaska. Shortly after coming to Star Valley he retired to live quietly. He supports the 2nd amendment (and the other amendments as well). Since retirement he has worked for the Census in 2010 and has often served Gila County as a poll worker. For the last several years he has written a weekly column in the Payson Round Up on movies. He has occasionally served as the relief host on the local KMOG radio public affairs program Rim Country Forum.
For the last four years he has served as president of the very active Rim Country Republican Club.
McKinney is an occasional consumer of classes at the Gila County Community College believing that an active brain lasts longer than an inactive brain. He has repeatedly taken classes in creative writing in the dim hopes of improving his skill. He currently has a volume “The Armed Forces of Iran” available on Amazon.com as an e-book and hopes soon to publish a work on Zombie movies on the same venue.
He is active in his church and in Alaska served on a local school board and as chairman of the same board for several years. His two grown sons live elsewhere and his beautiful, patient wife lives with him in Star Valley.

Council Member Ray Armington

My name is Ray Armington and I was born and raised in Montana. I have resided in Arizona since 1985 and have been a resident of Star Valley since 2008. I have a daughter Charmayne and son in law Jake Rahorn. I am engaged to Jennifer Simmons and we are planning our wedding for fall of 2018. I am currently employed with Gila County Public Works/Timber division. I own Maverick Hay Company. I am an avid horseman and I enjoy our trail systems of Rim Country and our beautiful and peaceful small community of Star Valley. I am looking forward to serving our community as your Councilman to help the people who reside in Star Valley and to continue to enjoy our rural lifestyle. I have an open door policy. Please feel free to contact me anytime.

Council Member George Binney

Originally from California, George Binney grew up in Chula Vista, relocating in 1993 with wife, Brenda and two sons, Matthew and Ian to Star Valley. The proximity to family, rural living, and climate appealed to both George and Brenda. George and Brenda are the owners of two businesses, Payson General Rental, Inc. and Reliable Plumbing Co., Inc.

George believes that “if things fall apart, I want to know I did whatever I could to prevent it.”

George ran for a Town Council seat and was elected in 2008, appointed as Vice-Mayor in 2014, and has served as the Chairman for the Floodwater Committee and volunteered on numerous subcommittees. George strongly believes in small and efficient government. “The smallest, most local government is the most effective government.” He credits the success of Star Valley as a model small town to the competent and dedicated staff as well as the council that depends on them.

Council Member Belle McDaniel

Belle McDaniel is a lifelong resident of Star Valley and Payson. She grew up in Star Valley and graduated from Payson High School. Belle spent three years caretaking a 33 acre ranch outside of Globe before moving back to Star Valley. When she is not working she loves spending time with her two children and her family, hunting, fishing and attempting to cultivate a green thumb. She is very grateful for the opportunity to serve Star Valley and be a part of helping keep our rural town such an amazing place.

Council Member Dennis Dueker

Dennis Dueker was born and raised in California. He moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1972 and graduated from Westwood High School in 1976. Dennis started swinging a hammer and building houses in his youth at the age of fifteen. He began working for General Motors in 1978 as a high speed test driver at the Desert Proving Grounds. After a 30 year career with GM, he retired in 2008 as the Plant Engineer. Dennis was hired by Orange County Parks in 2008 as a Park Ranger for the North Coastal Division based out of Newport Beach, California. A year later he accepted the position of Heavy Equipment and Trades Supervisor overseeing 64,000 acres.

In 2011, Dennis moved to Payson and worked as an equipment operator for Gila County. He started working for the Town of Payson at the airport in 2012 and is currently the Airport Operations Manager. In 2014, Dennis and his wife Kathy started Dueker Ranch, Inc., a free therapeutic and adaptive Horse Riding Center for special needs children. Over the years they have also branched out to help adults and veterans.

Dennis was appointed to the Star Valley Town Council in 2021, taking the seat of Bobby Davis when he took over as Mayor. In 2022, he was elected to the Town Council for a four year term. Along the way, he and his wife Kathy raised six children. Today they have three grandchildren. Dennis and Kathy love their small mountain town. He is honored to serve his neighbors and friends of Star Valley.

Council Member Matt Highstreet

Matt Highstreet was born in Arizona and has lived in Star Valley for 34 years. He graduated from Payson High School and obtained an associate degree focusing on emergency services and public administration. Matt has been a firefighter/paramedic for eighteen years. He started out working for the Diamond Star Fire District, now known as Hellgate Fire. He was hired full-time in the valley in 2006 and has been working for the Queen Creek Fire Department for the past eight years.

Matt is married to Amanda and they have two children, Connor and Kaylin. Star Valley is Matt’s home and community service is in his nature. He loves people and just wants to help where he can. He believes being on the Star Valley Town Council is an extraordinary opportunity to serve others and grow and learn in the process. “We have a council that is community focused and who, despite not always agreeing with one another, can always find a way to put their differences aside and serve the community to the best of their ability. This is a good example of a healthy council and one I am honored to be a part of.”

Timothy Grier

The Town Manager/Attorney works closely with the Town Council to define and accomplish strategic goals and objectives. Meets with and advises the Town Council Members on matters relating to Town operations and policies including legal matters. Presents the Town’s operating budget to the Town Council for approval. Meets with members of the public on matters of relevance to the Town and promotes and establishes inter-governmental relations with other towns and cities, public and private organizations. Communicates orally and in writing with citizens, the press, Commissions and Town Council Members to solve problems, answer questions and provide accurate information. Prepares, directs and reviews the preparation of legal opinions, drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents. Responsible for the overall direction and coordination of staff.

Tina Ridings

Hello, my name is Tina Ridings, and I am the Finance Administrator for the Town of Star Valley. I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and have extensive experience in both the private and municipal sectors. I have worked as a CFO for a manufacturing company and operated as a Comptroller for a Golf Course. Later in my career, I gained experience as a Budget Analyst in the municipal sector.

I love the beauty and serenity of the Rim Country, and I enjoy spending time outdoors. Hiking, camping, and fishing are some of my favorite activities. As the Finance Administrator for Star Valley, I am committed to serving our citizens and meeting the challenges that come with the job.

The Finance Department is responsible for providing financial services and information to the public, auditors, the Town Council, and the Town Manager.

The Finance Administrator is accountable for accounting, procurement, payroll, utility billing, customer service activities, debt management, banking services, and investment management. Additionally, the Finance Administrator prepares and monitors the annual budget, conducts research, and administers the annual town budget and capital improvement program.

Edie Chapin

I was born and raised in “The Crown City” of Coronado, California. Coronado is home to the famous Hotel del Coronado, and setting of my favorite film classic, “Some Like It Hot”. In 2003, my daughter and I moved to Payson on – what was supposed to be – a temporary basis. I ending up falling in love with the area, and purchased my home in Star Valley in 2004. In my free time (what’s that?), I love hanging out with family and friends, attending local plays and concerts, going to the movies, and reveling in the amazing beauty of the Rim Country. My 20+ years of experience as an administrative assistant/executive secretary in various fields, has prepared me for this challenging, never a dull moment, position. I enjoy the variety of work, and I am so grateful to be working for the Town of Star Valley.

The Town Clerk works closely with the Town Manager/Attorney and Town Council to define and establish goals and objectives. Posts and advertises official meetings, public hearings, bids, maintains affidavits of publication and posting in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes and Open Meeting Law Guidelines. Maintains official Town records, including ordinances, resolutions, elections, policy issue resolutions, Council Action Reports, agendas, minutes and contracts. Works with a variety of officials representing the State and County government in the coordination of activities related to the Town. Acts as legal assistant to Town Manager/Attorney for legal Town business including photo enforcement. Works closely with Town Manager/Attorney and Finance Administrator in the development and administration of the Town budget. Acts as Accounts Payable Clerk for the Town and other duties as required. Provides leadership direction, mentoring and training for staff.

About

The Town of Star Valley was incorporated in 2005, making this community one of Arizona’s newest towns.

The town of Star Valley is located in Northern Gila County and contains 36 square miles of land within its incorporated boundaries, whereas the community’s planning area contains about 100 square miles. Currently, both public and private lands are included. Star Valley’s elevation is approximately 5,150 feet and is nearly surrounded by the Tonto National Forest. The Town is located south of the Mogollon
Rim and north of the Sonoran Desert, which comprises a portion of central and southern Gila County. Immediately west of the community is the incorporated Town of Payson.

Historical Setting:
The earliest inhabitants of the northern region of Gila County are believed to have arrived here around ten thousand years ago. Mogollon culture eventually moved into the region from the east about 300 B.C. followed by the Anasazi from the north and the Hohokam from the south. It is estimated that about 1,000 sites in the Star Valley area were inhabited over the time period from 600 and 1200 A.D. The Mogollons generally lived in villages, hunted, and grew various crops in gardens. Eventually, by about 1500 A.D., the Mogollon culture had been absorbed into other tribes living in the area.One group, who lived in the area and known as the “Ancient Ones”, had a protrusion on the back on their heads referred to as an occipital bun. According to Penny Minturn, who is the advising archaeologist for the Northern Gila County Historical Society, this made them unique from the other prehistoric people who had lived in the area including the Anasazi, Mogollon, Salado, Sinagua, and Hohokam.Once the Mogollon culture disappeared, the Apaches came onto the scene. The Apache culture emphasized hunting more than gardening and were, therefore, more nomadic in nature. The Tonto Apache tribe still maintains a reservation near Star Valley, just to the south of Payson.February of 1863 saw the establishment of the Arizona Territory, but it would not be until 1876 when the area would see its first white settler. By 1878, a few miners were working the nearby hills and more settlers began to migrate to the area. Cattle ranches were also being established at this time. The miners and military were responsible for the early development of roads into the region.The last major battle between the United States military and the Apaches occurred north of Star Valley and just into the southern portion of Coconino County. The engagement is referred to as the Battle of Big Dry Wash and took place in 1882.
Area residents have participated in this country’s major conflicts since World War I. In more recent times, Star Valley became an active participant in the Cold War when a seismological observatory was constructed east of Town on forest service land (Circa 1963). The purpose of this facility was to monitor underground nuclear testing by the Soviets and Chinese. The site is no longer operational and has been abandoned.

Town Council

Bobby Davis

Mayor

Bobby Davis, AZED Pro, serves as the Economic Development Specialist for the Town of Payson…

Andy McKinney

Vice-Mayor

Andy McKinney came to Rim Country almost exactly at the time when Star Valley became an official town in Arizona…

Ray Armington

Council Member

I am a long-term resident of Star Valley, having resided her both pre-incorporation and post. I am familiar with some of …

George Binney

Council Member

Originally from California, George Binney grew up in Chula Vista, relocating in 1993 with wife, Brenda and two sons, Matthew and Ian to Star Valley….

Belle McDaniel

Council Member

Belle McDaniel is a lifelong resident of Star Valley and Payson. She grew up in Star Valley and graduated from Payson High…

Dennis Dueker

Council Member

Dennis Dueker was born and raised in California. He moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1972 and graduated from Westwood High…

Matt Highstreet

Council Member

Matt Highstreet was born in Arizona and has lived in Star Valley for 34 years. He graduated from Payson High School and obtained an associate degree focusing on….

TOWN STAFF

Timothy Grier

Town Manager/Attorney

Tina Ridings

Finance Department

The Finance Department is responsible for providing financial services and information to the public, auditors, the Town Council, and the Town Manager.

Edith Chapin

Town Clerk

I was born and raised in “The Crown City” of Coronado, California. Coronado is home to the famous Hotel del Coronado, and setting of my favorite film classic, “Some Like It Hot”. In 2003, my daughter and I moved to Payson on – what was supposed to be – a temporary basis. I ending up falling in love with the area, and purchased my home in Star Valley in 2004. In my free time (what’s that?), I love hanging out with family and friends, attending local plays and concerts, going to the movies, and reveling in the amazing beauty of the Rim Country. My 20+ years of experience as an administrative assistant / executive secretary in various fields, has prepared me for this challenging, never a dull moment, position. I enjoy the variety of work, and I am so grateful to be working for the Town of Star Valley

~ The Town Clerk works closely with the Town Manager/Attorney and Town Council to define and establish goals and objectives. Posts and advertises official meetings, public hearings, bids, maintains affidavits of publication and posting in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes and Open Meeting Law Guidelines. Maintains official Town records, including ordinances, resolutions, elections, policy issue resolutions, Council Action Reports, agendas, minutes and contracts. Works with a variety of officials representing the State and County government in the coordination of activities related to the Town. Acts as legal assistant to Town Manager/Attorney for legal Town business including photo enforcement. Works closely with Town Manager/Attorney and Finance Administrator in the development and administration of the Town budget. Acts as Accounts Payable Clerk for the Town and other duties as required. Provides leadership direction, mentoring and training for staff.

Committees

See our current committees and what they are working on.

View Committees