Pima County Board of Supervisors Meeting - August 11, 2026

The Pima County Board of Supervisors held a meeting on August 11, 2026, which included a variety of agenda items ranging from public acknowledgments to policy discussions. A significant procurement-related discussion centered on the appeal and subsequent denial of a conditional use permit for a 150-foot telecommunications tower in the Diamond Bell Ranch area. Concerns raised by residents included the tower's height, visual impact on scenic vistas, and lack of consideration of alternative sites. Telecommunications experts testified on the technical necessity of the tower's height to provide adequate coverage. The board voted 4-1 to support the appeal and deny the permit, emphasizing the need for greater transparency and community consideration in such projects. Additionally, the board approved a $122,000 contract renewal for the Southern Arizona Education Council amid public calls for greater accountability regarding the organization's expenditures and executive compensation. The board also discussed and approved revisions to policies on nondisclosure agreements and enhanced due diligence for economic development projects, with plans to finalize these revisions by early September. A moratorium on data centers in unincorporated Pima County was enacted pending zoning code amendments. The legislative program for 2027 was approved with provisions for further additions in September. Other items included recognition of retirements, proclamations, and disciplinary actions. Overall, the meeting addressed procurement decisions related to telecommunications infrastructure, education funding, economic development policies, and regulatory measures affecting future county projects.