Cochise supervisors authorize letter opposing 30‑year State Land Department lease for proposed solar facility east of Sierra Vista

The Cochise County Board of Supervisors on April 28 authorized the chair to sign a letter to the Arizona State Land Department opposing public auction lease number 03-123513, described in the motion as a proposed 30‑year commercial ground lease for a solar generating facility with battery storage east of Sierra Vista, and requesting reconsideration of the lease structure including sale or a shorter term.

The supervisor who introduced the motion argued the state’s Enabling Act of 1910 envisions sale of trust lands to generate revenue for beneficiaries (notably public education) and criticized long leases as diminishing long‑term revenue. The motion cited a stated lease value of $6.8 million over 30 years in the transcript and noted that, as presented, that equates to about $127,000 per year — an amount the speaker said would lose value in real terms over time compared with proceeds from a sale and investment of proceeds into the trust.

Board members also discussed federal subsidies for solar projects as a factor in the lease timing and noted that state trust land is tax‑exempt while a sale could generate property tax revenue for local governments and schools. Supervisor Crosby read and discussed constitutional and federalism points tied to the history of federal land and state trust management.

The board approved the motion and will send the letter. Transcript references to the lease describe the parcel as "approximately 1,61 acres"; that acreage figure in the transcript is unclear and is recorded here as transcribed. The board noted the City of Sierra Vista has public meetings scheduled on the proposal; no formal action beyond the letter was taken at the special meeting.