In a play to ease taxpayers' burdens amid economic strain, Maricopa County officials have passed a provisional budget trimming the fat by 11% and chopping property tax for the fourth year in a row. Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers, vocal about the proactive cut, said, "This is a budget that supports future growth and quality-of-life issues while guarding against the possibility of an economic downturn." It's a move signaling fiscal foresight as the state grapples with a gaping budget deficit.
The tight-fisted budget, unanimously approved, plunges the primary property tax rate to 1.16, a stark drop from 1.4 in 2021. Maricopa's frugal ways in past years are paying off, setting them apart from other counties tapping out under state law limits. Vice Chairman Thomas Galvin celebrated the decision, stating, "We are taxing less, and spending less this year, and yet we are still providing our residents with exceptional customer service." Public safety is getting a hefty slice of the pie at 47%, backing the essentials like cops, courts, and corrections.
With legislative heads scratching over shortfalls at the state level and sales tax takings dwindling countywide, Maricopa's conservative coffers stand resilient. The $3.87 billion budget brings sweet relief not just in tax cuts, but also through padded pension pockets as the county continues to whittle down its unfunded liabilities. It marks a savvy stance as interest rates linger low. Seller’s master plan? Future-proof funding streams for indispensable services touching upon the vitals of law and order.
Hot on the heels of a record number of heat-related casualties, last year, Maricopa ain't sweating the summer scorcher. They're dropping nearly $11 million on cooling the overheated masses, from revamped relief sites to keeping doors open on blistering weekends. The Human Services Department is not skimping on this life-or-death need. "The budget we approved today provides great value," said Supervisor Bill Gates, who oversees District 3, emphasizing a strong commitment to safe, accurate, and secure elections come July and November.
A sprinkle of federal funding from America's pocket — $900 million via the American Rescue Plan Act — has fertilized Maricopa’s economic soil post-pandemic. Affordable housing, homelessness solutions, and workforce development are basking in the green glow of recovery dollars. Supervisor Clint Hickman highlighted nearly $25 million earmarked for training and employment programs, and Supervisor Steve Gallardo's pride is evident with the budget's focus on "key regional priorities that expand access to opportunity for residents regardless of their circumstance."
Big-ticket items on the agenda? From animal shelters to justice for juveniles, and an election center downtown, capital projects are poised to punch up the county's livability. With primary and general elections in the pipeline, $29 million is set to back 2024's democratic derby.
Final judgement day for the county's purse strings is June 24 when the Board of Supervisors hammer out the ultimate budget. For those hungry for more numbers and nuances, the county's budget breakdown is just a click away at Maricopa.gov/budget.
