Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the County Governance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Gila County supervisors retain manager, approve Axon AI contract and multiple service agreements
Summary
At its June 2 meeting the Gila County Board of Supervisors approved a series of contract amendments and grants — including a one-year, seven-license Axon AI-assisted report contract for the sheriff’s office and continued opioid wraparound funding for Welsa LLC — and voted to retain County Manager Michael Driscoll at $195,000 per year.
The Gila County Board of Supervisors on June 2 approved a string of contract renewals, service agreements and a personnel action, including a one-year, seven-license AI-assisted report-drafting contract for the sheriff’s office and a renewal of opioid abatement-funded wraparound services.
The board voted to retain Michael Driscoll as Gila County manager at an annual salary of $195,000 after an executive session. Supervisor Humphrey moved the retention; the motion passed with Supervisor Klein recorded in the minority.
Why it matters: The decisions combine near-term operational changes — new software for investigative report drafting and renewed maintenance for election equipment — with continued investment in public-health recovery services and longer-term projects such as landfill environmental clearance and a potential 20-year lease for a shooting range. Several items carry grant or contract dollars that will affect county service delivery and capital schedules.
Axon AI-assisted report drafting Cole Davonte of the sheriff’s office briefed the board on a one-year contract with Axon Enterprise Inc. for an AI-assisted report-drafting tool (seven licenses, $13,686.21 annually). He said the product is a closed-system that ingests audio and metadata, produces chronological reports and requires officer review and certification before submission to prosecutors. “We dumped in those 8 hours. It spit out, in like, 3 minutes, a report that is so good,” Cole said, describing time savings that he and the office hope will allow detectives to spend more time in the field. County legal staff noted prosecutors want assurances the tool is closed and that officers must review and attest to reports; the board approved the contract as presented.
Opioid wraparound services — Welsa LLC Public health presented Amendment No.1 to continue opioid abatement-funded wraparound services with Welsa LLC through January 2027, with a renewal term not to exceed $650,000. Stella Gore, vice president of Welsa LLC, highlighted prevention and recovery partnerships with schools, nonprofits and first responders and reported program outcomes: “77 percent of the clients that we have assisted remain drug free and employed 3 months post wrap around assistance.” The board approved the amendment.
Library, elections, finance and other operational items The board approved multiple library service agreements for the 2026–27 fiscal year that incorporate a small overall budget increase and branch funding allocations. The recorder presented finalized participation agreements for election drop boxes at municipal and community locations; the board approved the agreements and confirmed camera installation at sites.
Finance and contracts: The county extended (by one year) its primary banking contract with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., approved a renewal of maintenance services with Election Systems & Software (through 03/31/2027, not to exceed $43,490.15), and approved a time-and-dollar amendment for Kimley-Horn to complete additional environmental clearance work tied to the Buckhead Mesa landfill expansion (an increase of $79,408, to a not-to-exceed $317,408, and a term extension). The board also authorized submission of a US Forest Service lease application (SF-299-23) to secure county lease of the Jim Jones Shooting Range property and discussed requirements for nonprofit subleases and insurance.
Personnel and governance Following an executive session, Supervisor Humphrey moved to retain Michael Driscoll as county manager at a salary of $195,000; the motion passed with Supervisor Klein recorded as the sole dissenting vote. The board also agreed to place the routine chair/vice-chair rotation on the June 16 agenda for formal consideration.
Public safety, infrastructure and flood recovery The board approved an APS line-extension work order to energize an established well at Tunnel Basin for roads maintenance; APS will cover installation costs. Staff updated supervisors on NRCS flood recovery projects (noting percent-complete and cost status for Russell Gulch and Six Shooter projects and upcoming work at Ice House Canyon and Copper Hills Road).
Next steps and follow-ups County staff said they will present a larger funding request if the Axon pilot is expanded beyond seven licenses, and public works will continue to report on NRCS project timelines. The county scheduled an emergency executive session the next day to consider legal advice related to recent IT outages affecting the treasurer and recorder offices.
The board adjourned after the scheduled items.
