Review of agenda items for the Board of Supervisors/Directors meetings and work sessions for the week of February 23, 2025. 

Sharon Gilman, Interim County Administrator, presented this item. Ms. Gilman introduced the item, outlining the upcoming regular board meeting agenda and mentioning an annual presentation by Ms. Vada Phelps, Executive Director of Arizona at Work Southeastern Arizona, funded through various counties and state resources. Ms. Gilman moved on to the Consent agenda with no discussion from the Board. 

The Board and staff discussed an upcoming public hearing on two Planning and Zoning matters: a tax parcel rezone and an appeal of a previous denial. 

The Board and staff discussed Action item 6, a resolution on early voting and mail-in ballots, which was moved from the previous agenda, noting ongoing legislative efforts to reintroduce a vetoed bill and emphasizing the challenges rural counties face compared to larger ones like Maricopa.

The Board and staff reviewed Action Item 7, 8 and 9 regarding over-the-counter sales of tax deed properties and discussed two grant applications for County Schools, with Superintendent Jackie Clay set to present details, including a PowerPoint, on funding from Sulfur Springs Electric for student programs.

The Board and staff discussed Action Item 10, focusing on a $1.9 million grant for the County Sheriff's Office to fund law enforcement efforts related to drug and smuggling enforcement. The grant covers wages and benefits for personnel, including deputies, a captain, and sergeants, with $120,000 earmarked for jail costs. Board members debated the broader budgetary impact, emphasizing the need to ensure grants fully cover associated expenses, including pension liabilities. There was also discussion on how these enforcement efforts deter illegal activities and the trickle-down effects on court and defense costs.

The Board and staff discussed Action Item 11 regarding a memorandum of understanding for the Broadband Equity Access Deployment (BEAD) program. Allo was selected through a proposal process to extend broadband access, primarily using fiber, across the county. Mr. Casey stated the project will utilize $2 million from federal Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Funds, which were part of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) but considered separate revenue replacement funds. Mr. Casey stated the funds are flexible, with $3 million already allocated to the county’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) project for HR and finance systems.

The Board and staff discussed Action Item 12 regarding a lease agreement with the University of Arizona (U of A) for the Cooperative Extension program. The lease formalizes an existing arrangement at no cost, as required by Arizona Revised Statutes. The discussion included potential alternative storage solutions, the possibility of leasing unfinished rooms, and encouraging U of A to utilize the space for personnel rather than storage. Staff will follow up to determine U of A’s long-term plans.

The Board and staff discussed Action Item 13 regarding employee health insurance rates ahead of the budget process. Open enrollment begins April 1st, requiring rates to be set in advance, so employees can select their plans before budgeting is finalized. The discussion covered employer versus employee cost distribution, with staff recommending that employee contributions remain unchanged except for a 5% increase in the EPO buy-up plan due to high medical claims. The Board also reviewed ongoing efforts to encourage employees to transition to lower-cost, high-deductible plans to reduce overall expenses for the county. A PowerPoint presentation outlining the details was provided by Human Resources.

Discussion and possible direction to staff on proposed meetings, scheduling, and agenda items for future meetings and work sessions.

Vice-Chairman Crosby asked both Supervisors to review his presentation and information for the upcoming 3:00 p.m. work session regarding the adoption of meeting procedures for the Cochise County Board of Supervisors. 

Supervisor Gomez requested a work session in March to discuss the Port of Entry and Vice-Chairman Crosby requested to add a discussion regarding the railroad. 

Chairman Antenori requested a work session in March regarding Ocotillo Road and Tres Alamos Community Association.

Supervisor Gomez requested a meeting regarding the Mexican Grey Wolves and their impact on Cochise County.

Ms. Gilmam reminded the Board about the upcoming special district meetings on Tuesday regarding demands before the Regular meeting.