By Rebekah Morris for AZBEX
With the 2024 election cycle well underway, various funding measures for public infrastructure are coming into focus. Many local agencies are scrambling to pass new funding measures to overcome reductions in funding from the state – most notably from the elimination of real estate rental tax that takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.
Scottsdale to Request Voter Approval for Sales Tax to Fund Parks – Prop 490 Would Generate $1.5B over 30-Years
According to local media reports, the City of Scottsdale is keeping its Prop 490 on the November ballot after a panel of judges forced the city to reword the description. A 0.2% sales tax measure has been in place since 1995, and this proposed sales tax would continue the measure but at a lower 0.15% rate.
Since 1995, the City of Scottsdale has used the funds to purchase land that makes up the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. If passed, the extension would provide funds for maintenance and upkeep.
Over the 30-year lifespan of the tax, Prop 490 would generate approximately $1.15B, 51% of which would be allocated to fund capital assets at parks across the city.
Gilbert Considers Sales and Bed Tax Increase
These measures are not subject to voter approval thanks to Gilbert’s status as a Town vs. a chartered city. However, the sales and bed tax increase would fund a range of public safety, tourism-related, and parks and recreation projects in the Town. The 0.5% sales tax increase would be the first increase in sales tax rate in 24 years.
Projects the increased revenue could help fund include: future phases of Gilbert Regional and Desert Sky Parks, a Police Crime Lab, a Central and South Police Substation Expansions, a rebuild of Fire Station 4 and a Fire Fleet Maintenance Building.
Next Step: A public hearing will be held on October 22, 2024. If Town Council approves the increased tax measures, they will take effect Jan. 1, 2025. (Source)
Future $70M Payson Bond
While not even on the ballot this year, a future $70M bond for the Town of Payson is proving to be divisive amongst residents due to the price tag of the primary project it would fund: a $50M community and aquatic center. The bond would also fund $10M in upgrades to the event center, a $10M upgrade to Main Street, repairs to Rumsey Park and other projects. The 2024 Town Council Election results will most likely have an impact on the final project list that is eventually brought to voters for approval. (Source)