An open meeting law compliant filed at the end of June calling for an investigation over alleged violations in executive session by the council calling them “out of control” has led to an investigation by the Attorney General’s office despite a request in Augst to withdraw the compliant.
According to the letter sent to the City of Bisbee dated September 1, 2026, from Arizona Attorney General (AG) Kristin Mayes Office acknowledged receiving e-mails from city attorney Joe Estes and from Councilmember Karen Schumaucher, who filed the complaint that Schumacher wanted to withdraw her complaint without explanation.
The letter states the investigation was going to move forward despite the requests to withdraw. “The Attorney General is authorized to investigate open meeting law complaints either upon receipt of a signed complaint or “on [her] own initiative.” A.R.S. § 38-431.06(A). We are writing to notify you that the Open Meeting Law Enforcement Team will investigate the above-referenced complaint pursuant to this authority.”