Mohave County Board extends Today's News Herald contract to June 2026 amid pricing concerns

The Mohave County Board of Supervisors meeting on April 29, 2025, focused primarily on the renewal of a contract with Today's News Herald for advertising and printing services, extending through June 30, 2026. The discussion highlighted concerns regarding recent price increases and the declining quality of local newspaper services.

During the meeting, Supervisor Scotty McClure expressed frustration over the rising costs associated with digital services from the newspaper, questioning how the company could raise prices despite the existing contract. He voiced concerns about the diminishing frequency of newspaper publications in the area, suggesting that the quality of local journalism had deteriorated since the company was acquired. McClure warned that if the trend continued, Bullhead City might see its newspaper reduced to just one publication day per week.

Supervisor Gould clarified that the county has limited control over the newspaper's pricing and publication frequency, as these are dictated by state law and the market. He noted that the county pays for legal advertising based on column inches, with current rates set at $5.71 for legal and display advertising, and $27.76 for classified ads. The county has spent approximately $45,980 this fiscal year on these services.

The board discussed the implications of not renewing the contract, which could lead to legal challenges if publication requirements for zoning changes and other notices were not met. Supervisor Barelli raised concerns about the potential backlash from the newspaper if the contract were not approved, while Supervisor Lehi pointed out that the county's options for alternative newspapers are limited, often resulting in higher costs.

Despite the challenges, the board acknowledged the need for a more reliable publication method. Supervisor Gould suggested exploring online alternatives for public notices, as legislative efforts to allow such changes have faced obstacles. The meeting concluded without a motion to approve the contract renewal, leaving the board to consider its options before the current contract expires.

Overall, the discussions underscored the complexities of maintaining local journalism while meeting legal requirements for public notices, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by both the county and the newspaper industry in Mohave County.