Cochise County voters have approved a new excise (sales) tax to fund the construction and financing of a modern jail facility. The measure, supported by the Board of Supervisors and Sheriff Mark Dannels, is aimed at replacing the current county jail, which officials say has outlived its intended lifespan and faces significant structural and operational challenges.
“This vote is a historic step forward for Cochise County,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Frank Antenori. “With this approval, we honor the will of the voters and proceed with confidence to replace our aging jail facility. We thank the citizens who came out to vote, the community members who engaged in the public process, and the leadership of Sheriff Dannels and his team for articulating the need.”
Sheriff Mark Dannels stated: “This vote shows that the community stands behind law-enforcement and detention staff who work every day in facilities that are outdated, overcrowded and increasingly expensive to maintain. With the voters’ choice, we will be able to offer improved safety and dignity for inmates, enhanced working conditions for staff, and a facility that meets the needs of our criminal-justice system for years to come.”
The existing jail faces multiple issues including power capacity limitations, plumbing problems, leaks, technological deficiencies, and general aging infrastructure. Officials say these problems increase strain on staff as well as inmates.
The newly approved sales tax is set at up to 0.5% on most business transactions beginning July 1, 2026. Revenue from this tax will be used exclusively for jail construction costs as required by Arizona state law. The tax will end either ninety days after related debts are paid off or by July 1, 2043—whichever comes first.
Annual revenue from this measure is projected at about $10 million. This funding will be combined with existing county resources dedicated to ongoing jail operations.
Supervisor Kathleen Gomez expressed her appreciation: “I am truly grateful to the people of Cochise County for your support of the half-cent sales tax. Your support will help us operate a safe, efficient, and well-managed facility that serves both our residents and those in our custody with dignity and responsibility. Your vote shows that you believe in investing in local solutions that keep Cochise County strong.”
Sheriff Dannels added: “By approving this funding measure, voters have shown they trust our team to build the future jail responsibly. We owe it to the people of Cochise County to deliver a facility that is safe, efficient and built to last.”
With voter approval secured, county officials plan next steps including procurement processes for design services, bond issuance for financing construction costs, followed by building activities. They have pledged continued communication with residents along with oversight measures intended to ensure taxpayer funds are managed transparently.
In other areas impacting local youth outcomes in Cochise County schools during recent academic years:
– In 2022-23 assessments administered through AASA testing showed only about 28.5% of students from grades three through eight passed mathematics while roughly 62% failed English; high schoolers saw similar trends on ACT exams where only around one-quarter passed math sections (source).
For more information about plans related to jail district development or election details visit the official county site.
A note regarding election procedure: Per state law A.R.S §16-602(B), post-election hand count audits were not authorized since there were no contested races or statewide questions on this ballot.
