Cochise County supervisors move into executive session to interview RFQ finalist for economic development roadmap study

The Cochise County Board of Supervisors voted Thursday to go into executive session to interview a finalist from a request-for-qualifications process for an economic development roadmap study.

At about 11:00 a.m. at the Board executive conference room in Bisbee, County Administrator Sharon Gilman told the board staff had narrowed the RFQ responses to one vendor and that the contractor was present for an interview. Legal counsel advised the board that the matter could be discussed in closed session. Ms. Gomez moved that, pursuant to ARS 38-431.03(A)(1), the board go into executive session “for the purpose of interviewing and considering the appointment and employment of finalists selected through the request for qualifications RFQ process for economic development services.” A board member seconded the motion and it carried with two votes in favor and one member absent.

Board members and staff who were listed to attend the closed session included Annie Coppola, contract administrator; Sharon Gilman, county administrator; Joe Casey, assistant; Laura Lowenthal; Dylan Hendel; Christine McLaughlin; and board members Tom Crosby and Gomez. The board recessed at approximately 11:04 a.m. to a separate Teams room for the closed interview. Under Arizona law, minutes and discussions that occur in executive session are confidential.

The board later reconvened with the same members present, confirmed a follow-up meeting at 1:00 p.m. the same day, and adjourned the special meeting. The board did not disclose public details of the interview conducted in executive session.