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Cochise County supervisors reject proposed settlement in Ramsey Canyon dispute
Summary
After residents described ongoing violations and safety concerns at a Ramsey Canyon inn and cited a judge's preliminary ruling, the Cochise County Board of Supervisors voted 3-0 June 8 to reject a proposed settlement and directed county attorneys to negotiate stronger conditions and a release of claims.
The Cochise County Board of Supervisors voted 3-0 on June 8 to reject a proposed settlement in Cochise County v. Kepner, a dispute over alleged violations at a bed-and-breakfast in Ramsey Canyon, and directed county attorneys to negotiate clearer conditions and a release of all claims.
County staff member Mr. Whitehead told the board the item was brought for county-attorney advice and consultation about proposed settlements and judgments in the Ramsey Canyon matter. The board then heard public comment from residents who said the inn's activities have harmed their properties and safety.
Resident Bob Singler, who identified himself as living at 44 East Ramsey Canyon Road, told the board that "an independent judge said that the B&B was not properly permitted to conduct weddings or events," and urged the supervisors to give weight to Judge Steven Moss's preliminary injunction findings when considering any settlement. Singler said continued violations demonstrated bad faith and were causing irreparable harm to neighbors.
Resident Jen Schildone told the board she and her husband had been negatively affected by noise, traffic and incidents involving guests at the inn. She said more than 30 nearby property owners signed a petition and 12 declarations were submitted to the county attorney's office documenting impacts, and that residents had received "multiple death threat phone calls and five anonymous Bible verse letters" as a result of speaking out. Schildone asked the board to ensure any settlement addressed the injunction's findings and served the public interest.
After public comment, the board entered executive session under Arizona Revised Statutes 38-431.03 (subsection A3) to discuss and consider the settlement and final judgment in Cochise County v. Kepner, case number CV202500223. County staff and legal personnel present during the closed session included County Attorney Zucco; civil deputy Dylan Hanlon; Sharon Gilman; Christine McLaughlin; Development Services Director Joe Casey; Laura Lohenheim (online); and Jonathan Pinkney.
On returning to open session at 2:06 p.m., Supervisor Crosby moved to reject the settlement as drafted and to direct county attorneys to negotiate "clearer conditions and a release of all claims." The motion was seconded and carried by a 3-0 vote. The board did not adopt settlement terms at the meeting and instructed counsel to pursue stronger conditions before bringing a proposed agreement back for the board's consideration.
The board adjourned and scheduled to reconvene in the board room for other agenda items. The decision means the litigation remains active while county attorneys negotiate revised settlement language and conditions for resolution.
Case and legal authority: the board cited ARS 38-431.03 for entry into executive session and ARS 38-431.03(B) regarding confidentiality of executive-session minutes and discussion.
