Cochise County Library District approves 3-year E‑Rate consulting agreement

The Cochise County Library District on June 3 approved a three-year agreement with the Yavapai County School Superintendent to provide E‑Rate consulting services, a measure the district said will help secure reimbursement for Internet service at branch libraries.

Supervisor Gomez moved the agreement during the Cochise County Board of Supervisors Library District meeting held at the Board of Supervisors hearing room in Bisbee; Supervisor Crosby seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously to approve the contract, with all three supervisors present voting yes.

Library staff described the contract as a three‑year term effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028, in the amount of $7,500; staff characterized the annual cost as $2,500. "This allows us to get reimbursement for the Internet service at our branch locations, and the annual cost is $2,500," said Miss Ricketts.

Supervisor Gomez emphasized the agreement's importance for rural branches, saying, "I just wanna reiterate how important it is for places like PORTO and Pierce and these rural communities that don't have much of a community center at all...this is where they come and...be able and are able to connect with whether it's doctors or information or anything like that. So it's really very crucial to our rural community." Miss Ricketts confirmed the point.

Earlier in the meeting the board approved consent agenda items 1 and 2, which included the minutes listed on the agenda; that vote was also unanimous. The meeting was convened under Arizona open‑meeting law and staff noted the public had access to attend in person or remotely per Arizona Revised Statutes §38‑431.02(H).

The Library District meeting adjourned to a Flood Control District meeting that followed on the agenda.