Board Discusses $176K IGA Funds for Chiricahua Community Health Testing

The Cochise County government held a special executive session on September 2, 2025, to discuss the Medical Director position and related financial matters. The meeting focused on the remaining funds in an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) and the ongoing community testing initiatives.

The session began with a financial update, revealing that approximately $176,931 remains available in the IGA. This funding is designated for community diagnostic testing through the Chiricahua Community Health Centers. The agreement was described as an extension of a previous arrangement, with necessary renaming to align with the state’s accounting system.

Discussion then shifted to the status of the governor's COVID-19 emergency declaration, which has been rescinded. However, officials clarified that this change does not impact the existing intergovernmental agreement related to testing.

A question arose regarding the health department's stance on unvaccinated individuals with natural immunity and their potential role in spreading COVID-19. The chairperson reminded participants to focus on the agenda topic of testing funding, indicating that discussions should remain within the scope of the meeting.

Overall, the session underscored the county's commitment to maintaining community health services through continued funding for diagnostic testing, despite changes in the broader COVID-19 emergency status. Further discussions and decisions regarding the Medical Director position were anticipated in future meetings.