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Tax rates

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In my quest for information on the tax rates in Maricopa County and where we stand, I learned that Fountain Hills is among the lowest taxed communities.

According to the county treasurer, there are 174 taxing districts in the county. For the primary rate we are at 4.7563 and a mere four are lower. For the approximate residential rate we are at 4.0721, again with only four lower. In the secondary rate category, we are at 2.1456 with only 23 lower. The secondary rate would include school bonds, civic center bonds and the Saguaro street bonds. Folks, we are undertaxed in comparison with our neighbors.

Pick and choose your reason for not supporting the town’s need for more reliable revenue. Yes, I think we may hire too many consultants, but just maybe the severe cuts in town staff are a factor there. Yes, the streets are in decent condition now, but how long will it remain so if we don’t maintain them on a timely basis? We are fortunate to have excellent fire/EMT services, but how are we going to replace vehicles as they age out?

Cars running red lights and stop signs or driving too fast? Public safety items make up about one half of the town’s budget. Things wear out, the liner for the lake is approaching projected life expectancy and the pumps are over thirty years old. The cost to repair or replace either is significant.

I urge everyone who cares about what we have in our fair town to take the time to learn the ins and outs about how the town gets its monies and how they may be spent. I guarantee it will open your eyes. This tax rate detail is readily available on the Maricopa County Treasurer’s website at maricopa.gov/582/tax-resources.