City of El Mirage Bond Election
Voting without knowing what's on your ballot is like lighting your money on fire.
What is the upcoming election about?
Seeks voter authorization to issue and sell general obligation bonds in the principal amount of up to $41,500,000.
What are the significant dates for the election?
- If you aren't already registered to vote, the last day to register in order to be eligible to vote in this election is Tuesday, October 10th, 2023.
Check your voter registration status at ezaz.org/vote
- Ballots will be mailed on October 11, 2023. The last day to request early ballot October 27
- VOTED BALLOTS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 7 p.m., November 7th. MAIL ballots by October 31st.
Who can vote in this election?
All registered voters that reside in the City of El Mirage will receive a ballot by mail with voting instructions in the envelope.
What policies has the City of El Mirage implement with my tax dollars?
- Implemented City-Wide Covid Lockdown & Closed playgrounds, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and fitness areas because of Covid - https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/surprise/2020/03/18/el-mirage-declares-emergency-announces-closures-response-coronavirus/2867783001/ - Implemented Mask Mandates - https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/list-arizona-cities-with-face-mask-requirements - El Mirage wants to create "...a more 'pedestrian/bicycle-friendly' walking and biking environment that encourages people to leave their cars behind..." - https://www.elmirageaz.gov/236/Strategic-Initiatives - El Mirage is dedicated to increasing living density by implementing connected neighborhoods to encourage public transit, walking, and biking. The City wants to "facilitate compact development patterns, where appropriate, that minimize motor vehicle trips and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) while maintaining community character." This means they will implement policies that reduce your ability to drive. The City's "goals are balanced to address a variety of needs throughout the community and intended to distribute the benefits in an equitable and reasonable manner." - https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/324638dc-a67d-4c97-8b5d-fec1eb3dead9 - 15 Minute Cities will restrict our ability to drive. - https://azfreenews.com/2023/06/15-minute-cities-result-in-zoning-permits-limiting-free-movement/ - Equity teaches people and has policies based on the belief that there is systemic racism, they are entitled to reparations and more because of the color of their skin. - https://www.whitehouse.gov/equity/
What are taxpayers in the City of El Mirage being asked?
Voters will be asked to say yes or no on One Measure: Authorization to issue and sell general obligation bonds in the principal amount of up to $41,500,000.
What are the current tax rates for the the bonds?
- An average single-family home in El Mirage is valued at $179,800, and the estimated property tax increase would be $23.75 per month ($267 per year) for that homeowner. - Shows up on your tax bill as secondary property tax. - Property taxes combined add up to thousands of dollars! - To view your current property tax liability, visit https://treasurer.maricopa.gov/Parcel/ParcelSearch.aspx.
Is the City of El Mirage underfunded?
A comparison of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 budget to the previous fiscal year reveals the following information: - El Mirage has a Population of 35,410 and is shrinking. - The adopted budget for FY2024 is $121.2M, an increase of $1.2M from last fiscal year’s budget. - $37.5M of capital expenditures is $11.9M higher than last year. - Personnel – the total projected cost of personnel increased by $4.2M to $29.7M. The significant changes are a result of staffing increases related to new positions and wage increases. - Supplies and services — the total projected cost of supplies and services increased by $2.4M to $15.9M. - Other costs — (e.g. special projects, interest, and fees) decreased by $11.3M to $12.4M. Source: https://city-el-mirage-az-budget-book.cleargov.com/12145/introduction/budget-highlight
If the bonds fail, how will my taxes be affected?
- Once any outstanding Bonds and Overrides are repaid, you won't have to continue paying Secondary property taxes related to the bond.
This is a Tax Increase.
- An average single-family home in El Mirage is valued at $179,800, and the estimated property tax increase would be $23.75 per month ($267 per year) for that homeowner. - If the measure passes, the current Secondary tax rates will increase - If the measure passes, the total amount of taxes paid will likely go higher if there is continued inflation related to property values.
What is a bond election?
It is a vote by the public to allow the City to issue more debt for projects. The Bonds are NOT a continuation and is a separate item on the property tax statement.
What does the City of El Mirage intend to use the additional funds for?
(1) $21,500,000 for fire protection facilities and police facilities public safety projects, including the costs to design, engineer, acquire, improve, construct, reconstruct, equip, furnish, and expand public safety facilities, including, but not limited to, a fire station and a police station and all necessary and related facilities and equipment (2) $20,000,000 for municipal facilities projects, including the costs to design, engineer, acquire, improve, construct, reconstruct, equip, furnish, and expand municipal facilities, including, but not limited to, a court facility and City Hall and all necessary and related facilities and equipment, including, in each case, any and all accessories, land or any other method of acquisition
I’m renting. Why should I care about this election?
- If the bond measure is defeated, your landlord’s taxes will not go up and could mitigate future rent increases. - Irrespective of being a property owner, we all want to see the kids receive a quality education. - To view your current property tax liability, visit https://treasurer.maricopa.gov/Parcel/ParcelSearch.aspx
The information above may have been compiled from the following additional sources:
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Arizona School Report Cards (https://azreportcards.azed.gov/)
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Center Square Website (https://www.thecentersquare.com)
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Arizona Joint Legislative Budget Council (https://www.azjlbc.gov/)
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Arizona Auditor General (azauditor.gov)
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Zippia Website (zippia.com)
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Maricopa County Treasurer (https://treasurer.maricopa.gov/Parcel/TaxBill.aspx)
Please Note: EZAZ.org takes no position for or against the items on your ballot. Vote your conscience.