If you think when you write your check out for your property taxes that all the money goes to Pinal County, you are mistaken. In fact, it’s only around 28 percent of you tax bill that goes to the County, while the rest goes to the other taxing entities (depending on where you live), such as school districts and incorporated cities and towns. In Wednesday’s Board meeting, the Supervisors unanimously approved the upcoming year’s tax rates and levies.
Although the Supervisors passed the FY 2007-2008 Budget on Wed., Aug 1st, the next step is to work with the various taxing entities and find out what their tax rate will be and if it is within legal limits. It’s a process that involves the Pinal Co. Treasurer, Assessor, School Superintendent & Budget Offices.
“It’s a huge task,” said Budget Director James Throop. “This is a process that is begun immediately after the budget is passed.”
The people in the Maricopa area will be pleased to note that the Maricopa Rural Road Improvement District tax has lapsed. Last year, residents were levied .7616 per $100 of assessed valuation. It is no longer on the books.
Mutual Aid Agreement will Help Residents
The Supervisors approved the Pinal Co. Law Enforcement Association Mutual Aid Agreement which will set the tone for better cooperation between the various emergency service providers in the County.
Pinal Co. Attorney James Walsh said that the agreement has been needed due to changes with newly incorporated areas & new service providers within the borders of the Co. This agreement looks to encourage increased cooperation & designate lines of authority in the case of an emergency. Walsh added that the agreement will be taken before each participating agencies governing board for approval.
“This agreement will help us preserve life & property for the residents of Pinal Co.” the County Attorney said.
Arizona Association of Counties Presents Update to Supervisors
Since 1968, the Arizona Association of Counties (AACo) has been an organization which advocates, researches & educates legislators on behalf of the 15 Counties inside Arizona. On Wednesday, AACo Executive Director Nicole Stickler & 2 members of the non-profit’s staff presented a brief update to the Supervisors on behalf of the organization.
Jennifer Sweeney, Government Affairs Specialist for AACo, said that lobbying efforts at the Capitol on behalf of its members thwarted some cost shifts from the State to the Counties. “We are always playing defense on behalf of the Counties when it comes to cost shifting,” Sweeney said.
Looking forward to the next legislative session in 2008, Sweeney said that plans are already being made to forward an agenda that will positively affect Arizona Counties. “We need you to help us prioritize legislative proposals & policy positions,” Sweeney said to the Supervisors. She added that the AACo Executive Board (which Treasurer Dodie Doolittle & Recorder Laura Dean-Lytle are members) will meet in Nov. to agree upon a legislative agenda & policy statements.
In looking at the 2008 legislative session, Sweeney noted that several hot topics could be in the hopper that would affect the Counties & their residents. She said that property tax reform, election procedures, immigration enforcement & possible cost shifting may very well be on the table for discussion by legislators.
Next BOS Meeting
The next meeting for the Board of Supervisors will take place on Wed., Aug 29th at 9:30 am at the County Complex in Florence. The Supervisors meet inside the BOS Hearing Room, located inside Administrative Building A. The public is welcome to attend.