The Coconino County Board of Supervisors voted 4–1 on Nov. 24 to approve a $95,000 budget amendment to fund a pilot security contract at county buildings, after a brief presentation from Deputy County Manager Erica Philpott.

Philpott said the funding would be transferred from the county manager’s contingency to facilities operating expenses to pay for security at the 219 East Cherry and 110 East Cherry buildings and for board meetings while staff assess longer‑term security needs. “This item is to move money from the county manager's contingency budget to facilities for that pilot,” Philpott said.

Supervisor Tammy Ontiveros said the current physical barriers at building entrances — a movable rope — and the unarmed security guard proposed under the pilot would not prevent a determined attack. “An unarmed security guard is in no way going to neutralize that threat,” Ontiveros said, and added she felt safer when uniformed, armed sheriff’s personnel were present.

Other supervisors described the measure as a first step. Chair Patrice Horstman and Supervisor Lina Fowler said the pilot would inform a more robust security plan during the next budget cycle. Supervisor Judy Begay moved the amendment; Supervisor Fowler seconded. After a roll‑call voice vote there were four ayes (Horstman, Begay, Fowler, Vice Chair Jeronimo Vasquez) and one nay (Ontiveros). The motion passed.

County staff said the pilot will help identify gaps and inform future budget requests for permanent security upgrades.