townsites; trustees; board of supervisors.

SB 1218 amends Arizona law to establish procedures for managing land designated as townsites (for incorporated cities/towns or unincorporated areas). It requires trustees (city councils or county supervisors) to enter land at federal offices, survey and plat the site within 3 months, maintain detailed financial records, and handle funds by first reimbursing those who paid for entry, then settling claims, and directing surplus to public improvements. The bill also authorizes trustees to sell unclaimed lots at auction or levy taxes if funds are insufficient, and to set aside land for schools, courthouses, or parks upon community petition. This directly affects local governments and residents in towns seeking to formalize land use for public development.