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Peoria Council adopts $1.2 billion FY‑26 budget; truth‑in‑taxation triggered for small primary levy increase
Summary
The Peoria City Council unanimously approved the city’s fiscal 2026 final budget and a required truth‑in‑taxation finding after county assessed valuations increased, adding roughly $194,000 in expected primary levy revenue for existing properties.
The Peoria City Council on June 3 adopted the city’s final fiscal year 2026 budget and approved a required truth‑in‑taxation finding after county assessed valuations rose, creating a modest increase in the primary property tax levy.
City finance staff described the budget as balanced and said most of the year‑over‑year growth reflects capital projects and carried‑over spending. “The budget as proposed is balanced in every way,” Deputy Finance Director Peter Christiansen told the council at the public hearing.
The proposed budget totals about $1.2 billion, a roughly 20% increase from the prior year driven mainly by a $572 million capital program and higher contingency authority. Staff said the city increased its contingency appropriation to $88 million to preserve flexibility for large economic development and capital opportunities. Operations total about $478 million, and debt service is roughly $52 million.
Because assessed valuations rose, the city projects an increase of roughly $298,000 in the property tax levy; staff said approximately $194,000 of that increase is attributable to existing properties rather than new construction. State truth‑in‑taxation rules require additional notices and a roll‑call vote when primary levy revenues increase because of valuation changes; the council completed the required roll‑call vote after the public hearing.
Public comment was mixed. John Forsyth told the council, “This budget is immoral and unethical,” and warned of recall efforts; several residents told the council they supported the budget and its investments in public safety, water infrastructure and economic development. After public comment, the council approved the budget by unanimous roll‑call vote.
Council members and staff said the city will not raise the combined primary/secondary tax rates, which have been held steady for many years. Staff emphasized the increase in levy dollars is tied to higher assessed valuations provided by the Maricopa County Assessor, not a higher tax rate.
The formal adoption occurred later in a special meeting; council approved the budget and the related resolution on a 7–0 vote.
