Prop 482, regarding the Home Rule Alternative Expenditure limitation is on this year’s ballot.
WHAT IS PROP 482?
State law requires cities in Arizona to cap their annual expenditures using a formula-based limit developed in 1980. Voters may approve a Local Alternative Expenditure Limitation otherwise known as the Home Rule option. The Home Rule option allows the city council to adopt its own budget.
WHY IS PROP 482 ON THE BALLOT?
• The Home Rule option requires voter approval every four years.
• Prescott voters have consistently approved the Home Rule option every four years since 1989.
• Home Rule was last approved by the voters in 2021.
HAVE OTHER CITIES AND TOWNS AUTHORIZED HOME RULE?
YES – As of 2023, only eight of Arizona’s 91 cities and towns continue to use the formula-based limit.
40 cities and towns, including Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Dewey-Humboldtuse the Home Rule option.
DOES APPROVAL OF HOME RULE AFFECT OUR TAXES?
NO – Home Rule is NOT a tax. Home Rule impacts whether the City can spend the taxes that are collected, but has no impact on the tax rate.
IF HOME RULE IS APPROVED?
A “YES” vote means the City of Prescott will continue to set its own budget limits (Home Rule) for the next four years with opportunities for public input each year. It also ensures the City can continue providing services without delays or cuts.
IF HOME RULE DOES NOT GET APPROVED?
A “NO” vote means the formula-based limit developed by the State in 1980 will apply to the City of Prescott. Taxes would continue to be collected, however the City would have to cut services to stay under the spending cap, losing an average of $90 million, or 33%, in spending capacity each year for the next four years.
To learn more about the Prop 482, Home Rule Alternative Expenditure Limitation, go HERE
