Cochise County officials convened on April 29, 2025, for a budget work session focused on the county's IT needs and strategies. The meeting highlighted key discussions around outsourcing versus in-house IT support, cybersecurity measures, and the impact of fluctuating tariffs on technology procurement.

During the session, county representatives discussed their approach to IT staffing, emphasizing a balance between outsourcing and maintaining an in-house team. They noted the importance of having personnel available for urgent issues, such as server outages, while acknowledging the limitations of their current on-call support system. The team consists of 25 employees, with a focus on enhancing cybersecurity, which was identified as a significant area of cost savings.

The conversation also touched on the challenges posed by recent tariff changes affecting electronics. Officials reported receiving warnings from vendors about impending price increases, prompting them to place bulk orders to secure better pricing. This proactive strategy aims to mitigate the financial impact of tariffs, which have fluctuated significantly in recent months.

Additionally, the county is exploring multi-year software agreements to manage costs effectively. By committing to longer contracts, officials believe they can secure better deals and stabilize their budget against annual price increases. The discussion included the need for efficiency in software usage, with examples cited of how specific tools could save time and resources.

Overall, the meeting underscored Cochise County's commitment to optimizing its IT operations while navigating external economic pressures. The next steps involve finalizing contracts and continuing to assess the balance between in-house capabilities and outsourced services to ensure effective support for county operations.