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Cochise supervisors debate county memberships and require advance notice before lobbying
Summary
Board members questioned the county's roster of association memberships and urged a formal process so elected officials' legislative lobbying goes through the Board before bills are advanced by affiliates.
Supervisors for Cochise County discussed whether the county should continue paying dues for several state and national associations and asked staff to draft a formal process so elected officials' participation in lobbying is reported back to the Board before legislation proceeds.
At a July 15 work session, Laura Gilman, a county staff presenter, reviewed membership lists and dues the county currently pays through the supervisors’ budget and recommended the Board consider which groups remain useful. The discussion focused on associations that lobby the state or federal legislatures, including AECO (county affiliate lobby), CSA, NACo and related regional groups.
Board members said they support elected officers having a voice in associations that directly affect their offices, but several supervisors said they want better communication when an association advances legislation that could affect the county. Supervisor comments cited a 2020 incident where a bill affecting precinct committee elections reached a legislator without prior notice to the Board, and supervisors said that gap created political and operational problems.
County staff acknowledged the communication gap. One supervisor said she would contact AECO and CSA staff and asked that Legislative Policy Committee email notices be routed to the Board so members see proposed legislation earlier. Another staff direction captured during the meeting asked county staff to prepare a proposed list of memberships and a recommended policy for Board review at the August meeting.
Beyond process, supervisors questioned value for money for some smaller memberships. The presentation cited an umbrella dues figure of $19,600 covering several elected offices; supervisors asked for a clearer cost breakdown and for staff to return with options to retain, reduce, or drop individual affiliations.
The Board did not vote on any membership cancellations during the session. Staff were directed to return in August with a proposed membership list and a communications plan so the Board receives advance notice of association legislative priorities.
