PHX Reporter

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a tentative budget for the fiscal year 2025, marking the fourth consecutive year of property tax rate cuts. The budget also sees an overall reduction of 11%, demonstrating the board's commitment to alleviate financial burdens on families and individuals amid high prices and statewide economic challenges.

Board Chairman Jack Sellers expressed that this budget aims to support future growth and quality-of-life issues while also preparing for potential economic downturns. "And because we have budgeted conservatively in the past, we can cut the tax rate and still make significant investments in high-priority areas such as public safety, election administration, workforce development, and heat relief," said Sellers.

The county's conservative budgeting approach has placed it in a better position than most to deal with current financial challenges, including a statewide budget deficit and a slowdown in sales tax revenues across Arizona.

Vice Chairman Thomas Galvin emphasized that the new budget prioritizes taxpayers. He said, "We are taxing less and spending less this year, and yet we are still providing our residents with exceptional customer service."

The $3.87 billion county budget includes several taxpayer protections. While some counties are maximizing their taxation under state law, Maricopa County's tax levy is $257.1 million below the maximum. Furthermore, the primary property tax rate has been reduced for a fourth consecutive year.

Supervisor Bill Gates highlighted that the approved budget offers great value to residents by investing in programs that enhance community safety and vibrancy. He said, "It funds staffing and technology that will ensure safe, secure, and accurate elections in July and November. And we did all that while cutting taxes too."

Public safety funding constitutes 47% of the overall budget, covering essential services like law enforcement, jails, probation courts, criminal prosecution, and defense.

Heat relief is another priority for Maricopa County. After a record number of heat-related deaths in 2023, the Department of Public Health has established a heat relief coordinator position and invested nearly $3 million in relief sites around the Valley.

Maricopa County has also allocated all federal funds received post-pandemic from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), directing nearly $900 million towards public health and economic recovery efforts.

Supervisor Clint Hickman emphasized the county's commitment to workforce development. He said, "When we train workers for in-demand careers and help people with substantial barriers to employment get the skills they need to get good-paying jobs, our entire community benefits."

The FY 2025 budget also continues funding key regional priorities that expand access to opportunities for residents regardless of their circumstances, according to Supervisor Steve Gallardo.

Major capital projects funded in FY 2025 include a new West Valley Animal Shelter; MCSO substation and warehouse projects; a new Public Health building; parks and library improvements; a remodel of the Southwest Juvenile Detention Facility; and the construction of a new downtown elections center. The board is scheduled to vote on a final budget on June 24.