The Coconino County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 24 approved a $95,000 transfer from the county manager's contingency to facilities operating expenses to pay for piloted security services at two county buildings and at board meetings.

Deputy County Manager Erica Philpott told the board the funds would cover a pilot at 219 East Cherry and 110 East Cherry and help staff evaluate broader security improvements ahead of the regular budget process. Philpott said the pilot complements ongoing facility security reviews and that future improvements would be considered during budget deliberations.

Supervisor Geronimo Ontiveros (District 3) said the pilot did not go far enough and described the existing front‑door barrier as inadequate. "An unarmed security guard is in no way going to neutralize that threat," Ontiveros said, arguing that uniformed, armed Coconino County sheriff's personnel make her feel safer in meetings.

Several colleagues described the amendment as a necessary first step. Patrice Horstman (District 1) said security discussion and facility changes had been underway for years and called the pilot "a good start." Supervisor Judy Begay and Supervisor Lina Fowler said they supported moving forward with the pilot while planning larger investments.

Supervisor Begay moved to approve the amendment; Supervisor Fowler seconded. After a roll‑call style voice vote and a request by Ontiveros to register her opposition, Vice Chair Jeronimo Vasquez announced the motion passed 4 yes, 1 nay.

County staff and the facilities director said the 110 building hosts high‑use public operations such as early voting and the treasurer's office, underscoring the rationale for testing additional security measures. Management committed to return to the board with more detailed budget proposals and a broader security plan during the next budget cycle.

The vote does not itself change long‑term policy; it funds a pilot intended to inform future decisions about armed vs. unarmed staffing, facility retrofits and other measures.

Next steps: staff will implement the security pilot, gather operational observations and bring recommendations for any wider safety or facility changes back to the board during budget discussions.