Porterville officials question APS over streetlight maintenance contract

The Cochise County Light District Meeting held on July 9, 2025, focused on the maintenance and accountability of street lighting in the area, particularly concerning the services provided by Arizona Public Service (APS). The meeting began with a discussion led by Miss Gomez, who raised concerns about the effectiveness of the current arrangement with APS regarding streetlight maintenance.

Gomez highlighted that in the past, the county had been issuing payments to APS without verifying whether the streetlights were functioning properly. She questioned the lack of a formal contract with APS that would ensure they are responsible for maintaining the lights, especially since citizens are paying taxes that contribute to these services. Gomez expressed frustration over the county's reliance on residents to report non-functioning lights, noting that during her campaign, she observed that a significant number of lights were out.

The discussion revealed that the county does not have a binding contract with APS, which complicates accountability. Gomez suggested that if the county is paying for services based on usage, a decrease in usage should trigger an investigation into whether the lights are operational. She proposed that county personnel could conduct regular checks to monitor the status of the lights, particularly during early morning hours when visibility is low.

The meeting concluded with a call for further exploration of the issue, emphasizing the need for better oversight and communication with APS to ensure that the services paid for are being delivered effectively. The attendees agreed to address each agenda item methodically, indicating a structured approach to resolving the ongoing concerns about streetlight maintenance in Cochise County.