BISBEE — Responsibility for changes in signage and speed limits will now be approved by the head of the Highways and Floodplain Department rather than by the county supervisors’ consent for the next year.

After highways and floodplain chief Benny Scott made his case for the change in policy, the supervisors approved the change at a meeting Tuesday. To seehow things work out, they attached a sunset clause that would end the change in August 2010.

Supervisor Pat Call was rather reluctant to give the authority to Scott and said he would rather be a part of any decision-making concerning stop signs and increases in speed limits.

“I’m all for efficiency, but on the other hand, I enjoy being a part of the conversation,” Call said.

Supervisors Ann English and Richard Searle agreed that the option of leaving a decision up to the department head would be acceptable and asked that Scott keep them abreast of changes.

A recommendation by County Administrator Mike Ortega to add the sunset clause was included in the motion to approve, so the resolution will expire in August 2010. At that time, the supervisors can revisit the matter and decide whether to continue the practice.

IN OTHER BUSINESS ...

Bisbee school district grows

Forrest School District is now officially a part of Bisbee Unified School District. County school Superintendent Trudy Berry recommended supervisors approve the suspension of the district as allowed by Arizona statutes. Berry said there are only four students in the district, and two of them attend Bisbee schools.

Supervisors also ...

• Approved an agreement between the Arizona Department of Education, the National School Lunch Program and the county juvenile detention program for breakfast and lunch for juvenile detainees.

 • Accepted three grant awards totaling $151,491, all dealing with victims of crime. The funds are used to provide victim advocate services to assist crime victims.

• OK’d a cooperative purchase deal for enhanced legal services between the county attorney’s office, the county superintendent, Cochise County Community College and some school districts.

• Approved the use of county property for the Bisbee Stair Climb.

• Agreed to hold a work session to continue talks on a road abandonment policy.