A number of the people attending the town’s second informational meeting March 8 regarding the proposed primary property tax were not accepting of the town’s position that the revenue is needed.

Resident Mike Pulizi called the proposal “baloney.”

“We are being sold a bill of goods,” he said. “I don’t like this town anymore; taxes are more here than they are in Scottsdale.”

A man who had recently moved to town from California said any revenue shortfall is a spending problem – not a result of revenue coming in.

He suggested the town stop work on the Fire Station #2 relocation. He added there would be costs beyond construction to include manning and equipment. This is a replacement facility with no new manning or equipment requirements.

The man also said he believes the cost recovery contract with MCSO for law enforcement is bad for the town, saying there is no incentive for the Sheriff’s Office to cut costs as long as they can just pass it on to the town.

The town is projecting annual contract increases from MCSO at as much as 10 percent; they have already sent word the increase will exceed that as soon as next fiscal year.

The primary issue related to MCSO costs is the state’s public safety pension program, which is underfunded.

Town Manager Grady Miller said the MCSO contract is still a good deal for the town, because such things as aviation support, tactical operations and special investigations can be brought to the town at no extra costs.

He also said start-up for a local police department would be prohibitive.

One woman was concerned about the impact on those with a fixed income, if the tax were approved. The town wants to make sure that anyone who is eligible for assistance paying taxes can receive it. There is information on the county assessor’s website, and The Times will be looking closer at these options in weeks to come.

Bob Shelstrom said he believes the town may need a property tax, but he is not sure the amount is proper. He asked whether staff’s conclusions on projected expenses had been vetted or audited independently. The answer is no.

He also raised some issues related to the site of the new fire station, citing a road curve inhibiting the sight line and a downhill slope that could impact speed for vehicles approaching if emergency lights are suddenly activated.

Fire Chief Dave Ott explained that the new location is considered by far the best option to meet the needs of the department going forward.

Ott said Rural/Metro is not in compliance with response times in its contract with the town and the relocation is vital to addressing that issue.

Contractually, Rural/Metro is to have a response time of five minutes 90 percent of the time. Currently, that number is 70 percent.

Cynthia Magazine, who chairs the Save our Town Committee, said the town forum is the place to go to hear the facts, then decide accordingly how to vote on the property tax measure.

“It is sad to see how much misinformation there is among our residents,” Magazine said.