FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Coconino County residents will see the official publicity and information pamphlet for County Proposition 482 arrive to their mailboxes this week. This pamphlet, presented in both English and Spanish, contains the official language of Proposition 482 as well as the language of a YES vote and a NO vote as they will appear on ballots in November.
Also included in the pamphlet are the detailed description of Arizona’s Constitutional Amendment setting the County’s base expenditure in 1980, Frequently Asked Questions, and statements from community members regarding their thoughts about Proposition 482.
Proposition 482 is not a new tax and does not increase property or other taxes. If approved by voters, Proposition 482 will allow the County to spend revenues that have already been approved by voters but can’t be spent due to the current expenditure limit.
For example, the Road Maintenance Sales Tax (RMST) was passed by about 65% of Coconino County voters in 2014 for road repairs and improvement projects. If the County implements the road improvement projects planned and ready to construct using RMST revenues, then the County would exceed the expenditure limit.
For the last two years, rather than putting projects on hold, the County issued debt to continue projects. This allowed the County to spend voter-authorized RMST without exceeding the limit. Debt financing comes at a cost to taxpayers, but it also creates an allowable exclusion to the expenditure limit.
County residents are encouraged to review the pamphlet in full prior to the November 5 election to be sure they fully understand why Coconino County is asking voters to approve a permanent adjustment to the base expenditure. The pamphlet is also available to view and download online at coconino.az.gov/prop482.coconino.az.gov/prop482.
County residents who have not yet registered to vote in the November 5 general election must do so prior to October 7, early voting begins on October 9. The last day to request an early ballot by mail is October 25.
For more information, frequently asked questions, timeline, handout, and presentation videos visit coconino.az.gov/prop482. Specific questions can be sent to prop482@coconino.az.gov.