- Meeting Date:
- 05/06/2025
- Title:
- Resolution Calling for an Election of the Cochise County Jail District
- Submitted By:
- Lara Loewenheim, Board of Supervisors
- Department:
- Board of Supervisors
Submitted for Signature:
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
or Basis for Support?:
Information
Agenda Item Text:
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03 (A)(3), the board may go into executive session for discussion or consultation for legal advice with the attorney or attorneys of the public body.
Background:
The Cochise County Board of Supervisors, acting as the Board of Directors of the Cochise County Jail District, previously established the Cochise County Jail District through the adoption of Resolution 22-28 on October 21, 2022. Following statutory public hearing procedures and public comment, the Board determined that the public interest would be served by forming a Jail District.
An election was held on May 16, 2023, for voter approval of an excise tax to fund jail construction and related purposes. The results of the election were canvassed and accepted; subsequently, the Board levied the excise tax effective January 1, 2024, through Resolution 23-02.
Following litigation concerning the 2023 election (Daniel LaChance, et al., v. County of Cochise, et al.), the Board has approved a settlement agreement stipulating that a new jail district excise tax election must be held in November 2025.
Resolution JD25-01 calls for this election to be held on November 4, 2025, asking voters to authorize an excise (sales) tax dedicated solely to acquiring, constructing, and financing new county jail facilities. If approved, the tax may be collected for up to 20 years but will terminate earlier if sufficient funds are collected for the project and the Jail District is dissolved.
The resolution also directs the preparation of a Publicity Pamphlet in accordance with A.R.S. § 16-228 and § 16-229, ensuring voters are provided information and arguments for and against the ballot measure.