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MINUTES
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL SESSION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BISBEE, COUNTY OF COCHISE, AND STATE OF ARIZONA, HELD ON TUESDAY,
FEBRUARY 24, 2026, AT 5:30 PM IN THE CITY OF BISBEE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 118
ARIZONA STREET, BISBEE, ARIZONA.
THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY MAYOR BUDGE AT 5:30PM.
ROLL CALL
COUNCIL
Councilmember Karen Schumacher, Ward I Excused
Councilmember Pete Skinner, Ward II
Councilmember Trish Damon, Ward III
Mayor Ken Budge
Councilmember Anna Cline, Ward III, Mayor Pro Tempore
Councilmember Mel Sowid, Ward II
Councilmember Lori Reynolds, Ward I
STAFF
Ashlee Coronado, Interim City Manager / City Clerk
CITY ATTORNEY
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS DISCUSSED AND/OR CONSIDERED AT THESE MEETINGS:
1. Discussion and Possible Approval of the Request for Proposals for the City’s
Destination Marketing Organization (DMO).
Ken Budge, Mayor
Mayor Budge opened the special session, explaining it was called to move forward with releasing the
RFP for a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). He noted Council had the document since the
previous Thursday, supported the revisions made, and recommended a 30-day posting period to allow
adequate response time.
Ms. Coronado confirmed the required minimum was 15 days but may be extended.
Councilmember Reynolds proposed language revisions to ensure consistent use of the term
“organization” throughout the RFP, replacing terms such as “firm,” “vendor,” and “partner” to eliminate
ambiguity. She also clarified language in the introduction, project description, and scope of work to
clearly define the City’s expectations.
Ms. Coronado confirmed the changes would be incorporated.
Mayor Budge and Councilmember Damon agreed clearer language would strengthen proposals.
Councilmember Damon supported the addition of 10 evaluation points for familiarity with Bisbee,
crediting Councilmember Schumacher for the suggestion.
Mayor Budge then discussed forming a scoring committee in case multiple proposals are received. He
noted no more than two Councilmembers may serve to avoid open meeting requirements and suggested
including staff and knowledgeable community members, provided they are not applicants.

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MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL SESSION OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL FEBRUARY 24, 2026
Councilmembers Sowid and Reynolds expressed interest. It was agreed the final committee composition
would be determined after proposals are received to address any conflicts of interest.
MOTION: Mayor Budge moved to approve the Request for Proposals for the City’s Destination
Marketing Organization (DMO) with the language changes as discussed.
SECOND: Councilmember Damon MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUSLY
Mayor Budge stated that, as there was nothing else before this Council this meeting was adjourned.
ADJOURNMENT: 5:44PM
___________________________
Ken Budge, Mayor