Benson meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Benson Council, Planning Commission Weigh AXON Contract, Zoning, Fiber Shelter

The Benson City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission held meetings last week, but no decisions have been reported yet, as minutes have not been published. The agendas included a 10-year police equipment contract, zoning code changes, and a fiber optic shelter request.

City Council (Aug. 10)

The council's regular meeting agenda included several items:

• **AXON police contract:** A 10-year agreement with AXON covering body cameras, Tasers, AI report writing, translation, and Outpost license plate readers.
• **Election results:** Resolution 26-2026 to canvass the July 21, 2026 Primary Election results.
• **Zoning change:** Ordinance 649 to repeal and replace Zoning Code Section 2A on Conditional Use Permits.
• **School resource officer:** An intergovernmental agreement with Benson Unified School District.
• **Natural gas extension:** Service extension to properties near Old Mill Road and North F Triangle Lane.

The council also held a worksession that day for a Q&A with the Southeast Arizona Economic Development Group and the Arizona Commerce Authority. The session was held at AEPCO Headquarters, 1000 S. Highway 80, and was open to the public in person or via Facebook.

Planning & Zoning Commission (Aug. 11)

The commission held a public hearing on a conditional use permit application from Lumen Technologies for an unmanned fiber optic communications shelter at W. Walker St. and Adams St. (APN 123-22-005E). The proposed facility would occupy 2.0 acres and include six prefabricated shelters, six generators, and an 8-foot security fence. Staff recommended approval with conditions, including noise screening and a vegetation buffer.

The commission also considered a consent agenda that included approval of the June 9, 2026 meeting minutes, and heard public comments on agenda and non-agenda items.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are scheduled in the next two weeks.

Benson Council to weigh 10-year police contract, zoning changes; planning commission hears fiber optic shelter request

The Benson City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission met last week to consider several items, including a 10-year police systems contract, zoning code changes, and a fiber optic shelter permit. All items were on the agenda; minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions have been confirmed.

City Council (Aug. 10)

The council met to consider a 10-year AXON Police Systems Contract covering body cameras, Tasers, AI report writing, translation, and Outpost license plate readers. Also on the agenda:

• Resolution 26-2026 canvassing results of the July 21, 2026 Primary Election
• Ordinance 649 repealing and replacing Zoning Code Section 2A on Conditional Use Permits
• Intergovernmental Agreement with Benson Unified School District for a School Resource Officer
• Natural gas service extension to properties near Old Mill Road and North F Triangle Lane

The agenda also listed executive sessions on the Troon Golf contract and a possible new City Hall.

City Council worksession (Aug. 10)

The council held a worksession for an information Q&A with the Southeast Arizona Economic Development Group and the Arizona Commerce Authority. No formal decisions were listed. The session took place at AEPCO Headquarters, 1000 S. Highway 80, Benson, with public viewing available via Facebook or at Council Chambers, 599 S. Dragoon Street.

Planning & Zoning Commission (Aug. 11)

The commission held a public hearing and considered a Conditional Use Permit for Lumen Technologies to build an unmanned fiber optic communications shelter at W. Walker St. and Adams St. (APN 123-22-005E). The proposed facility would occupy 2.0 acres and include six prefabricated shelters, six generators, and an 8-foot security fence. Staff recommended approval with conditions including noise screening and a vegetation buffer. The commission also considered approval of the June 9, 2026 meeting minutes on its consent agenda. Public comments were limited to three minutes per speaker.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed in the provided data. Check the city's official channels for future agendas and notices.

Benson City Council sets property tax rate, approves police vehicle purchase and water agreement

The Benson City Council approved a property tax levy, authorized a $53,021.62 police vehicle purchase, and adopted the Strategic Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 at its July 13 meeting.

Property Tax Levy Approved

The Council approved Ordinance 648, setting the property tax rate at $.8388 per $100 of assessed value, with a 7-0 vote. The ordinance relates to property tax assessments to fund the annual budget.

Police Vehicle Purchase

The Council authorized the purchase of a 2027 Ford Police Interceptor from San Tan Ford for $53,021.62.

Water Extension Agreement

The Council approved a water extension agreement to serve property outside city limits near Jennella and Cooperative Way.

Legal Matters

The Council authorized the initiation of a lawsuit against Marko Sladovich, with a finding of necessity. The agenda also listed a settlement agreement in the case of JJR Investment, LLC v. City of Benson; minutes have not yet been published to confirm the outcome of that item.

Strategic Action Plan and Proclamations

The Council adopted the City of Benson Strategic Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The Council also issued proclamations for Child Support Awareness Month and the Semiquincentennial Year.

Library Advisory Board

The Library Advisory Board met July 13. The agenda included approval of April 13, 2026, meeting minutes; a statistical report for April, May, and June 2026; the Librarian's Report; the Summer Reading Program; and other library programs. Minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not confirmed.

Planning & Zoning Commission

A Planning & Zoning Commission public hearing on a conditional use permit application from Lumen has been rescheduled from July 14 to August 11, 2026. The application involves developing an unmanned fiber optic communication shelter near the intersection of W. Walker St. and Adams St.

Coming Up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days. The rescheduled Planning & Zoning Commission hearing on the Lumen conditional use permit is set for August 11, 2026.