Goodyear council holds truth-in-taxation hearing and adopts $1.24 billion FY2026 budget

Goodyear — The Goodyear City Council on June 9 held a public hearing required under state truth-in-taxation law and approved a property tax levy of $303,271 on existing property, then adopted the city’s fiscal year 2026 budget of $1,240,703,500.

The vote to adopt the budget and the Truth in Taxation amount passed 7-0 on roll call votes with Council Member Hampton, Council Member Cano, Council Member Gillis, Council Member Beckles, Council Member Terry, Vice Mayor Campbell and Mayor Pizzello voting yes.

The vote followed a presentation from Ryan Biddle, the city’s finance manager, who summarized the budget process and noted the final FY2026 total. “This amount is unchanged from the last time we met in May,” Biddle said, describing a budget developed through department meetings, the City Manager’s Office and Council retreats.

City leaders framed the budget around continued investment in public safety and infrastructure. Mayor Pizzello and multiple council members praised staff for achieving a balanced package despite state changes that removed taxation of residential rental property from local rolls — a loss Biddle said reduced Goodyear’s revenue by roughly $6 million.

Why it matters: The hearing explained where residents’ property tax dollars go and why a Truth in Taxation notice was required even though the city’s combined tax rate will remain unchanged. Biddle stressed that only a portion of a typical Goodyear homeowner’s tax bill — about 15 cents of every dollar — goes to the City of Goodyear.

During discussion Council Member Terry asked for clarification of state requirements. Biddle answered that the truth-in-taxation process is triggered when the levy on existing property increases: “The statute is related to the levy itself. It doesn't mention the rate at all,” he said. Council members also reviewed the city’s policy to “maximize the primary levy” to stabilize general fund revenues used for public safety, while keeping the combined primary and secondary rate flat.

Public comments included a question from David Souza, a Goodyear resident and Buckeye Union High School District governing board member, who asked whether the tax increase would fund school access roads. Staff replied that most local roads in growing developments are built by developers; limited city transportation funding is available for projects developers cannot construct.

Council members highlighted key budget items and constraints during deliberations. Biddle said the city’s general fund for FY2026 is about $350 million, with roughly $190 million budgeted for core operations. He also described capital programming: staff said roughly $998 million of projected spending over the next five years is programmed for the city’s capital improvement program (CIP), and for the current year nearly $600 million is programmed for CIP projects, including transportation, parks and public safety investments.

The council then adjourned the regular meeting, convened a special meeting as required by statute and adopted Resolution No. 2025-2475 formally adopting the final FY2026 estimates and appropriations by a 7-0 vote.

Discussion vs. decision: The council conducted public comment and staff Q&A (discussion), then took formal votes to adopt the Truth in Taxation amount and the FY2026 budget (decisions). No amendments or continuances were recorded.