Board delays decision on 2026 State of the County; staff asked to return with options

David McAtee, the county communications manager, briefed the board on the 2025 State of the County program and proposed continuing the annual address in 2026. McAtee said attendee surveys were largely positive (71% very positive) but identified the $60 ticket price as a barrier. With sponsorships and ticket revenue, McAtee reported the county’s net expense for 2025 was “just under $1,000,” and proposed that if the board would authorize $20,000 in the 2026–27 budget staff could reduce tickets to $30 and expand attendance.

Supervisors debated venue and format. Some favored keeping the Findlay Toyota Center (table seating and contracted catering), while others recommended auditorium seating at Yavapai College or a smaller community version in the Verde Valley to increase capacity and public access. Questions included whether catering was required by the venue contract, how to engage the public without a paid ticketed meal and the timing for presentation preparation. McAtee confirmed catering is not required and that staff could pursue alternatives.

Several supervisors supported tabling the matter until the first January meeting to allow new board leadership to weigh in and to give staff time to present alternatives and cost estimates. The board voted to table the item and return it on Jan. 7, 2026.

Why it matters: The State of the County is a high‑visibility outreach event that communicates county priorities. Ticket pricing and format will determine public access and the event’s reach.

What’s next: Staff will return in January with venue, format and budget options; the board requested cost‑comparisons and an analysis of attendance capacity under different ticketing and seating models.