Cochise County supervisors select existing Bisbee jail site as official location, 2-1

The Cochise County Board of Supervisors voted 2-1 to designate the existing jail site at 203 North Judd Drive in Bisbee as the official location for construction of a new county jail facility, the board announced at a special meeting in the Supervisor’s Hearing Room in Bisbee.

The vote came after public comment from local officials, jail staff and residents urging the board to keep the facility in Bisbee because of existing utilities, proximity to courts and transportation options. Supervisor Antonori, who led discussion of next steps, told the meeting the county will continue analysis but said, “it will likely be in Bisbee, but it may be somewhere else in Bisbee.”

Why this matters: The board agreed to place a half-cent sales tax proposition on the November ballot to fund the project; voters’ approval of that measure will determine whether the county can issue bonds to pay for construction. County staff said they are preparing a publicity pamphlet and will include estimated costs and pro/con arguments; County staff set an August 6 deadline for submission of pro and con letters for that pamphlet.

The m…