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Maricopa County OKs $3.9B Budget with Tax Savings

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has approved the final fiscal year 2026 budget, a plan totaling $3.9 billion. The budget preserves essential services, lowers the tax rate, and directs significant funds to public safety and community infrastructure.

Chairman Thomas Galvin stated that the implementation of this budget shows efficient government management while enhancing public safety and promoting economic prosperity. Supervisor Mark Stewart noted that even though many counties are using the maximum tax rate allowed by state law, Maricopa County's tax levy is $269.5 million below that limit.

The budget allocates 49.5% of its funds to public safety. This includes additional staff for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office and Public Fiduciary as well as improved compensation for officers, detention staff, and dispatch operators at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Supervisor Debbie Lesko said the Board has worked with Sheriff Sheridan and other teams on a plan to improve compensation for patrol and detention staff.

Other major projects funded in the budget include a new state-of-the-art tabulation and elections center, a new West Valley animal shelter to complement the East Valley Animal Care Center, a new county library in Anthem, renovations for four sheriff’s substations and other Sheriff’s Office facilities, and 22 projects aimed at improving regional parks. Supervisor Steve Gallardo emphasized that these projects are designed to improve the quality of life for residents and are financially sustainable through both stable and uncertain economic times.

The Board’s approach reflects a conservative budgeting strategy aimed at protecting taxpayers from economic downturns and unexpected costs. Vice Chair Kate Brophy McGee remarked that this philosophy has long provided financial stability for county taxpayers.

Source: Maricopa County

Source Type: Gov

Source Location: Maricopa

Jun 23, 2025 at 3:12 PM

Gov