Supervisors debate memberships, MPO dues and Upper San Pedro involvement; schedule follow-up work session

Cochise County supervisors used part of Thursday—s work session to review a draft list of committee appointments and recurring membership dues for regional organizations, and they scheduled a separate work session to vet several memberships.

Members questioned continued participation in the Upper San Pedro Partnership, noting the county contributes $10,000 under an intergovernmental agreement and that other partners (including Fort Huachuca and the City of Sierra Vista) also contribute. Some supervisors expressed concern that small pots of grant or partnership money can come with policy strings and broader regional agenda items. The board asked staff to consider whether limited membership or alternative participation would preserve county influence while reducing costs.

The board also discussed the Sierra Vista Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and overlapping service areas. Staff explained that MPOs receive federal transportation funding that is apportioned through ADOT and distributed to MPOs or regional planning bodies; being a member gives the county access to a share of the MPO—s project funds and the ability to compete for federal dollars in the MPO process. Staff contrasted that with membership in a broader Southeast Arizona regional organization (referred to in materials as SEAGO/Seagull) that covers multiple counties and distributes additional regional funds.

Supervisors asked staff to prepare a dedicated work session on committee assignments and membership dues; the clerk of the board will arrange the meeting so supervisors can make final assignments and consider whether to continue or withdraw from specific organizations.

Ending: Staff will prepare materials that show membership costs, meeting frequency, benefit to county projects and grants, and any contractual obligations before the scheduled follow-up work session.