Graham County signs agreement to accept $280,000 in state funding to continue school safety system

The Graham County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a one-year agreement with the Arizona Department of Administration to receive $280,000 in state funding to maintain a school safety interoperability system.

County Manager Welker told the board the system — funded initially by the state and implemented across nearly every public school in Graham County — links school panic-button software, school cameras and local law enforcement, and integrates with dispatch. "They've provided $280,000 to Graham County, and that would be enough funds for all of the schools to continue receiving the service for another year," Welker said.

Manager Welker said the Department of Administration prepared a simple agreement that restricts the funds to the system and requires the county to sign to receive the money. He said the county has not yet received the county’s contract with the system provider, Mutualink, which will follow and include pricing details that the board has asked to see separated out by agency and school district.

Vice Chairman David and other board members asked whether school districts understood that funding might not persist each year; Welker said the county will present per-agency cost breakdowns from the Mutualink contract when it comes back to the board and noted a state legislator had expressed confidence funding would continue but cautioned budgets can change.

Supervisor Howard moved to approve the agreement with the Arizona Department of Administration; Vice Chairman David seconded and the motion passed by voice vote. The Mutualink contract with itemized costs will return to the board for review.