This article summarizes key points from a meeting held in Kochise County. For more details, please refer to the complete meeting video.
Mayor Badge opened the meeting by reiterating his commitment to representing county residents. He argued that improving the current prison would utilize taxpayer money more effectively than constructing new facilities. His remarks found a receptive audience, reflecting shared values around fiscal responsibility and community safety.
Mayor Steve Paulkin reflected on Bisbee’s challenges in rebuilding City Hall after a fire in 2017. He described the drawn-out decision-making process that not only delayed the project but also drove up costs substantially. Paulkin cautioned against indecision, suggesting that failing to handle the prison relocation debate effectively could lead to similar complications.
Local resident and employee Logan Dodd reinforced support for keeping the prison in Bisbee. He called on the board to consider expert advice and community preferences, underscoring that improvements could be achieved without moving the facility.
The discussion revealed a strong consensus among attendees. Many believe that investing in the current prison is the most prudent choice for Kochise County. Moving forward, the focus will be on how to meet community needs while being mindful of taxpayer resources. Future steps may involve further evaluations and potential upgrades to the facility, ensuring community input is part of the decision-making process.
This summary was generated based on a meeting held on July 11, 2025.
