Phoenix is gearing up to collect a little more from homeowners next year, with a Truth in Taxation notice showing that primary property tax collections are slated to rise by $6,268,660, about a 2.79% increase for fiscal 2026-27. For the average owner, the city’s share on a $100,000 home would bump from $123.09 to $126.52. A public hearing on the plan is set for Wednesday, June 17 at 2:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers at 200 W. Jefferson St.
The City's Numbers And Explanation
According to a City of Phoenix release, the proposed primary property tax rate for 2026-27 would be $1.2652 per $100 of assessed valuation, just under last year’s $1.2658 rate. Rising assessed values, however, mean the total primary property tax levy would still go up. The release notes that the $6,268,660 figure excludes revenue from new construction and any voter-approved bond levies. City officials present the notice as part of state Truth in Taxation compliance and tie the proposed levy directly to the preliminary budget.
Why Bills Can Rise Even If The Rate Falls
State law requires a Truth in Taxation notice any time a taxing entity’s primary levy would collect more than the prior year, even if the tax rate itself ticks down. The statute spells out what must happen, including publication and hearing requirements. See A.R.S. § 42-17107 for the full list, which includes publishing the notice in a newspaper of general circulation and issuing a press release. The process is meant to shine a light on “silent” increases that come from higher assessed values and to give taxpayers a formal chance to weigh in.
Where The Money Would Be Spent
The city’s budget documents say primary property tax collections help fund general fund services, including police, fire, parks and recreation, libraries, and senior and community centers. They also include the Truth in Taxation worksheet and summary schedules for the 2026-27 proposal. The City budget documents lay out the line item estimates that accompany the proposed levy and the state forms used for the notice. City officials also point out that secondary property taxes for bonded debt are listed separately in the budget materials.
How To Weigh In
The legally required public hearing on the Property Tax Levy and Truth in Taxation is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers at 200 W. Jefferson St., according to the legal notice in The Record Reporter. That notice and the city’s budget postings list additional budget hearing dates and explain that budget materials may be inspected at the City Clerk’s office. Residents may call the Budget and Research office at 602-262-4800 with questions or accommodation requests. Materials and preliminary schedules are also posted on the city’s budget website for anyone who wants to study the numbers before the meeting.
What The Law Requires Next
Under Arizona law, the council must consider any motion to levy the increased primary taxes by roll call vote. If the proposed levy exceeds last year’s by 15% or more, a unanimous roll call vote is required for approval. The statute also instructs the governing body to mail a copy of the truth in taxation notice and the result of its vote to the Property Tax Oversight Commission within three days of the hearing. Those procedural steps mean the June 17 hearing is set up as the main public moment for residents to oppose or support the city’s proposed levy under A.R.S. § 42-17107.
