3 Scottsdale ballot measures voters should know
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Scottsdale voters have more than candidates to consider by Nov. 3: Their ballots include a county jail tax, and some voters will also see two Scottsdale Unified School District questions.
Why it matters: The measures could shape how the county pays for detention services, how SUSD updates its schools and what happens to three district-owned properties.
Countywide: Proposition 413
This would extend the sales tax that pays for adult and juvenile detention facilities and related public safety programs. The current tax expires in March 2027.
- The county expects the tax to raise about $313 million during its first full fiscal year.
- Voting yes would keep the existing 0.2% sales tax, or 20 cents on a $100 purchase.
What they're saying: "The county's public safety responsibilities do not expire when the tax expires," Supervisor Thomas Galvin tells Axios.
Flashback: Voters first approved the tax in 1998 and renewed it in 2002. This tax has generated more than $3.25 billion since March 2007.
For Scottsdale Unified voters
If you live within Scottsdale Unified's boundaries, you'll see two more questions.
Question 1: $375 million school bond
The borrowed funds would go toward classroom and campus renovations, including technology, security improvements, roofs, air-conditioning systems and replacement vehicles, and would repay that debt using property tax revenue.
- That would cost about $157 annually, or $13 per month, for an owner-occupied home valued at $607,000, according to the district.
Question 2: District property authority
A "yes" vote would let SUSD sell, lease or exchange its Cholla, Apache and Oak properties and use the proceeds for permitted capital expenses.
What's next: Early voting and ballot mailing began last week.