TOWN OF QUEEN CREEK: Home Rule, Local Expenditure Authority, to be Determined by Queen Creek Voters at Aug. 28 Election

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Town of Queen Creek issued the following announcement on July 12.

Queen Creek voters will have the opportunity to vote on the Alternative Expenditure Limitation on the Aug. 28 ballot. The Alternative Expenditure Limitation measure is called “Home Rule” because the issue can be decided by voters at the local level. Home Rule is part of the Arizona Constitution, and regulates the spending of cities, towns, counties and community college districts based on state-imposed limitations. The formula for the limitation takes the Town’s 1979-80 expenditure level, which is estimated because the Town was not officially incorporated until 1989, and multiples that level by a population and inflation factor.

Home Rule is not about revenues. Instead, Home Rule limits the Town’s ability to spend money. Home Rule is also not a new tax. It allows the Town to create a balanced budget and spend revenues collected on priorities identified by the Town Council.

What does a “yes” vote mean?

A “yes” vote means you are voting for the Home Rule renewal, which permits the Town to set its budget at the local level. This allows for flexibility and local control to address Town priorities and needs. It means the Town can spend the revenues collected for projects and services as prioritized in the Town’s balanced budget.

What does a “no” vote mean?

A “no” vote means you are voting against the Home Rule renewal, and the Town will be required to operate under significantly lower state-imposed budget limitations (approximately 25% of the Town’s projected FY 2019/20 budget).

What happens if Home Rule doesn’t pass?

If the Home Rule renewal does not pass, the state-imposed formula will require a substantial cut to the Town’s budget, despite the Town having available revenues. The cut would result in reducing, and in some cases eliminating, Town programs and services. For example, the Town has a projected budget of $167.6 million for FY 2019/20. If the Home Rule renewal does not pass, the state’s formula would dictate the Town budget could not exceed $41.6 million, a $126 million reduction. The Town would not be able to spend the revenue collected beyond the state-imposed limit, even if the Town Council determines there is a need for roads, fire, parks, or any other purpose. Once the state-imposed limit is set, the Town cannot exceed that limit, despite having additional revenues available.

For Town residents living in Maricopa County, the local Alternative Expenditure Limitation item will be listed on the ballot as Proposition 407. For Town residents living in Pinal County, the local Alternative Expenditure Limitation item will appear on the ballot as Proposition 424.

Home Rule is valid for four years; the previous Home Rule ballot measure passed in 2014 and is effective through June 30, 2019.

For more information, visit Queen Creek.org/HomeRule. To stay updated on programs and events, follow the Town at Facebook.com/QueenCreek and Twitter.com/TOQC_official.

Original source can be found here.

Source: Town of Queen Creek

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