Yes, yes and yes. That's what the city of Maricopa was told Tuesday as a steady stream of voters came to voice their opinion on three ballot items that would affect them and the city for years to come.
The people of Maricopa seemed to find it important to have city-run police, fire and emergency medical services while at the same time reaping the benefits of foregoing the secondary property tax currently levied on them by the area's fire district. The city, which has not had a property tax, will have one that will replace the current fire district tax as the city prepares to take over the fire service as well as forming a police department to replace a contract with the Pinal County Sheriff's Office.
By approving the proposition, voters create a maximum base levy of $3,450,000 and will save homeowners an estimated average of $450 annually. According to the primary tax system, homeowners only pay 1 percent of their house's primary assessed value, and primary rates and values are limited in growth.
City financial adviser Greg Schwartz from Piper Jaffray said that with this transference to city funding and the council's forward thinking, Maricopa will have one of the best, most capable and self-sufficient fire departments in Arizona.
"Proposition 400 will help ensure the sustainability of the city," Mayor Kelly Anderson commented later. "A city primary property tax dedicated to public safety goes much farther than most of us think. We are now in a position to recruit the best firemen and policemen to protect and serve the city. We are also in the position to retain the best as well. This is important due to the fact that a truly successful city requires this commitment. Your vote will enable these services to become city departments and they will grow with the city.
The unofficial totals for Prop. 400 were 578, or 94 percent, yes to 39 no.
In Prop. 401, voters ratified the city's General Plan, a plan that city officials composed as a map of actions to take to improve the city as it grows. The plan encompasses many elements. It looks to regulate proper land use in the interest of homeowners, with equal balance for commercial, industrial, educational and recreational uses; improve and continue to create proper roadways for traffic circulation; foster an economic base for the city; identify needs and standards for parks and recreational areas; and construct public services and facilities to match the need as growth continues. The approved proposition does not affect zoning and cannot be used for any Capital Improvement Plan. More information on the General Plan can be seen on the city's Web site at www.cityofmaricopa.net.
The Prop. 401 totals were 575, or 94 percent, yes and 37 no.
Prop. 402 was also approved by a landslide, giving the city the right to acquire utilities in any way possible, either through purchase, to build on or lease property for the sole purpose of offering the city public utilities. The proposition does not affect taxes.
That one passed with 541, or 90 percent, yes and 63 no.
