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Board plans publicity schedule as county refines $120M–$130M jail budget; bond size, state grant noted
Summary
Officials discussed using an initial reserve, a state funding contribution and a bond to finance the jail. Board members pressed for a clear, conservative cost figure for the election publicity pamphlet and asked Banner to provide a milestone schedule for outreach.
Cochise County supervisors on July 23 discussed financing assumptions for the proposed jail replacement, urging staff to produce conservative figures and a milestone schedule suitable for the election publicity pamphlet.
County staff told the board there is roughly $10 million currently available from an existing tax collection, and the county expects a $20 million state contribution if the project proceeds. That combination would reduce the bond amount the county would need to issue. Board members and Banner presenters discussed a planning baseline of about $120 million, with some speakers describing a total planning range up to $130 million; the county emphasized that the bond amount presented to voters should be clearly explained and, if possible, as low as feasible.
Board members repeatedly asked for a simple milestone schedule — program/requirements, RFP for architects, design period, contractor selection, construction start and anticipated ribbon-cutting — that could be included in the publicity pamphlet mailed to voters. Banner said its 90-day plan would deliver project controls, a draft milestone/phasing schedule and procurement documents needed to move quickly if voters approve funding. The county clerk’s office is preparing the publicity pamphlet; staff said the pro/con arguments deadline is Aug. 6 and that early- August publication schedules require concise, verifiable cost and schedule statements.
Why this matters: Because the county intends to ask voters to approve a bond or reauthorize tax measures to fund a new jail, the accuracy, presentation and timing of cost and schedule numbers in the publicity pamphlet can shape public perception and voting outcomes. Supervisors explicitly sought numbers that reflect likely costs but are not inflated by avoidable contingencies.
Speakers noted that contingencies and procurement choices affect the bond amount. Banner described owner and contractor contingencies and said a well-managed procurement can reduce the chance of later change orders; board members said any ballot materials must state whether the figure is a project budget or the bond ask, and must make clear how much existing local funds and expected state contributions will reduce the bond request. The board did not set a final bond amount at the work session; staff said they would prepare materials and return with a scope and proposed contract at the Aug. 5 meeting.
