Board approves two rezonings, election vote centers, grants and facility HVAC projects
January 27, 2026 | Cochise County, Arizona
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The Cochise County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 27 approved a slate of routine and project items, including two separate rezoning requests near Wilcox, grant-funded agreements with the Arizona Department of Public Safety for victim services, a property-tax abatement package, vote-center designations for the May consolidated election, and capital transfers to replace HVAC systems at county buildings in Bisbee.
On docket RZ2518, the board adopted Zoning Ordinance 26-05 to rezone 5 acres out of Tax Parcel 202-24-001-C from R-36 (one dwelling per 36,000 sq. ft.) to GB (general business). Staff planner Matthew Taylor said the request is consistent with the comprehensive plan and noted the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval without conditions; staff reported two written responses in favor and three in opposition citing water, traffic and noise concerns. An applicant (unnamed in the transcript) described existing agricultural uses and small-scale production and told the board he is taking measures to conserve water.
The board also approved docket RC2519 (Zoning Ordinance 26-06) to rezone 5 acres of a roughly 160-acre property at 6305 North Fort Grant Road from R-36 to RU-4 to allow limited agricultural-related sales (building and outdoor storage capped at 2,500 sq. ft.). Applicant Mario Hernandez told the board his cattle business has declined and he seeks to resell equipment and operate small-scale farm sales.
Separately, the board approved agreement 2025-289 with the Arizona Department of Public Safety for $141,250 in residual grant funds to pay for victim services, forensic software and equipment, specialized training and personnel overtime for forensic examinations.
The county treasurer presented a standard package of abatements and removals for personal property tax liens (treasurer Catherine Traylor said many items are mobile homes or business equipment that cannot be located), which the board approved. The board adopted Resolution 26-02 to designate three vote centers for the May consolidated election covering the City of Douglas and the City of Benson jurisdictions and authorized the elections director to make substitutions under ARS 16-411.
On facilities work, the board approved transferring county capital contingency funds to install 10 VRV condensers and four air handlers at the Bisbee Administration Building at a cost of $1,909,068, and transferring general-fund contingency to replace 10 HVAC units at the Bisbee Annex in the amount of $182,824.64.
Staff repeatedly described the zoning approvals as consistent with the county comprehensive plan and the Planning & Zoning Commission recommendations. Board members and staff emphasized food-sustainability and proper permitting for small agricultural enterprises during the rezoning discussions.
The board adjourned after scheduling a Feb. 5 work session to prepare the Feb. 9 agenda.
On docket RZ2518, the board adopted Zoning Ordinance 26-05 to rezone 5 acres out of Tax Parcel 202-24-001-C from R-36 (one dwelling per 36,000 sq. ft.) to GB (general business). Staff planner Matthew Taylor said the request is consistent with the comprehensive plan and noted the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval without conditions; staff reported two written responses in favor and three in opposition citing water, traffic and noise concerns. An applicant (unnamed in the transcript) described existing agricultural uses and small-scale production and told the board he is taking measures to conserve water.
The board also approved docket RC2519 (Zoning Ordinance 26-06) to rezone 5 acres of a roughly 160-acre property at 6305 North Fort Grant Road from R-36 to RU-4 to allow limited agricultural-related sales (building and outdoor storage capped at 2,500 sq. ft.). Applicant Mario Hernandez told the board his cattle business has declined and he seeks to resell equipment and operate small-scale farm sales.
Separately, the board approved agreement 2025-289 with the Arizona Department of Public Safety for $141,250 in residual grant funds to pay for victim services, forensic software and equipment, specialized training and personnel overtime for forensic examinations.
The county treasurer presented a standard package of abatements and removals for personal property tax liens (treasurer Catherine Traylor said many items are mobile homes or business equipment that cannot be located), which the board approved. The board adopted Resolution 26-02 to designate three vote centers for the May consolidated election covering the City of Douglas and the City of Benson jurisdictions and authorized the elections director to make substitutions under ARS 16-411.
On facilities work, the board approved transferring county capital contingency funds to install 10 VRV condensers and four air handlers at the Bisbee Administration Building at a cost of $1,909,068, and transferring general-fund contingency to replace 10 HVAC units at the Bisbee Annex in the amount of $182,824.64.
Staff repeatedly described the zoning approvals as consistent with the county comprehensive plan and the Planning & Zoning Commission recommendations. Board members and staff emphasized food-sustainability and proper permitting for small agricultural enterprises during the rezoning discussions.
The board adjourned after scheduling a Feb. 5 work session to prepare the Feb. 9 agenda.
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