Kochise County Government Conference Summary

The Kochise County Government Conference took place on August 14, 2025, covering several important topics such as funding for probation services, updates to personnel policies, and smoking regulations.

A significant point of discussion was a $22 million funding agreement designated for adult probation services. The Court Management Office (AOC) contributes roughly 56% of these funds, while Kochise County has provided about 35%. It’s crucial for the county to maintain the funding levels set in 2020 to support national probation efforts. Notably, there isn’t any matching requirement for the funds, and the primary decision at the meeting was to approve the $2 million allocation for this funding.

Another key topic involved amending county policies surrounding political activities for appointed officers. The goal of this amendment is to ensure that employees are aware of the limitations regarding their interactions with legislative bodies, especially without oversight from the Supervisory Board. This change aims to empower employees by clarifying acceptable behaviors in relation to political engagement.

Concerns regarding smoking and vaping in the workplace were also addressed during the meeting. Discussions revolved around enhancing existing regulations that prohibit smoking and vaping in designated areas, including county vehicles. Employees are reminded to keep a respectful distance from entrances and exits when smoking or vaping to limit exposure for their coworkers.

Additionally, the meeting touched upon upcoming work sessions scheduled for August 19, 2025, focusing on county road issues. These sessions will aim to update attendees on road-related matters and gather public feedback.

In summary, the discussions underscored the county’s commitment to ensuring essential services while establishing clear guidelines for employee conduct and prioritizing public health.

A complete meeting link