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Bisbee council approves routine payments, grants, contracts and a pay bump for inmate labor
Summary
At its May 19 meeting the council approved accounts payable of $314,663.73, FY27 employee benefit renewals (BCBS rates negotiated to a 12% increase), several arts grants, a $150,000 Brownfields subaward for 30 Main Street, a $3,864.68 change order for Camp Naco, a RICOH copier lease, and raised inmate labor pay from $0.50 to $1.00 per hour.
The Bisbee Mayor and Council cleared a series of routine and project-related items May 19, approving accounts payable and several contract and grant actions that the city said will support local projects and operations.
Council approved accounts payable in the amount of $314,663.73. The consent agenda included minutes, acceptance of a Parks and Recreation Committee resignation, and a parade permit. Council separately approved an Inmate Work Contract specific to the police department.
Personnel Director Bridgette Kantner said Blue Cross Blue Shield initially proposed a 17% increase for FY27 health insurance but broker CBIZ negotiated that down to 12%; some copays increased and emergency room copays rose from $350 to $450. The council approved the FY27 employee benefit renewals. Kantner reported the city has 113 employees and 85 enrolled in healthcare.
The council approved three small Arts Commission grants totaling $1,398 to support local events and performers and agreed to place future Arts Commission approvals on the consent agenda. City Planner Melissa Hartman presented and the council approved a $150,000 Cochise County subaward for environmental remediation at 30 Main Street; Hartman said bids will be solicited in county procurement with a projected bid date in June and a likely cleanup window of 6–8 weeks once work begins. Construction Project Manager Mike Normand secured approval for a $3,864.68 change order to support commercial kitchen design at Camp Naco. The council also approved a new 60-month police copier lease with RICOH that staff said is slightly cheaper than the expiring contract.
Public Works Director Matthew Gurney and the council approved a contract amendment with the Arizona Department of Corrections to raise inmate labor pay from $0.50 to $1.00 per hour; Gurney said 21–25 inmates typically work 6–8 hours daily and Mayor Budge estimated the increase would add about $80 per day for 25 inmates. The council accepted the subaward and all routine items by unanimous vote.
