Coconino supervisors adopt updated mission/vision, values and modest purchasing policy edits

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted an updated set of mission, vision, values and a formal commitment to civility on March 18, a document staff said will be used to guide budget and policy decisions.

The new text emphasizes collaborative leadership, sustainability, transparency and accountability and lists strategic priorities including public lands and natural resources, economic and community vitality, public safety, emergency preparedness, and health and human services. Vice Chair Patrice Horstman read the board’s revised values in the meeting record: “We are a strong diverse organization that respects our environment and cultural heritage, ensuring a sustainable high quality of life for all.”

In a separate consent‑agenda item the board approved limited administrative updates to the county purchasing policy. Finance staff said the changes align the purchasing policy with a recent revision of the county capital‑asset threshold and add clarified employee/vendor ethics language. County staff described the amendments as administrative rather than a major overhaul and said the revisions aim to improve consistency across policies and reduce procedural burdens.

Why it matters: Supervisors said the statements and policies will anchor upcoming budget discussions and give staff and the public a clearer sense of the county’s priorities. County Manager Andy Bertelsen and department leaders told the board the updated mission and values will be posted and used during FY‑26 budget development.

Votes and next steps: The board approved the mission/vision resolution and the purchasing policy amendment in separate motions. The county manager and leadership team said they will use the adopted priorities as a framework during budget discussions and present implementation steps to departments.