Avondale council sets FY2026 primary and secondary property tax levies; primary levy rise equals $1.90 on median home example

The Avondale City Council on June 16 approved the fiscal year 2026 property tax levies, setting the primary levy at $4,336,412 and the secondary levy at $6,045,322 for a combined total levy of $10,381,734.

Finance Director Renee (last name not provided) explained the primary rate is decreasing slightly (from 0.6241 to 0.6095) while the secondary rate is increasing because it is tied to voter-approved debt service. The combined tax rate was proposed to remain flat year-over-year; staff noted that changes in individual homeowners’ bills depend on changes in their property’s net assessed valuation.

Nut graf: The council approved the levies after staff explained that the allowable statutory levy increase is limited and that the revenue choice affects the city’s five-year forecast; staff said not increasing the primary levy would reduce recurring general fund revenue by $84,791 in year one and have cumulative effects in future years.

Renee illustrated the impact with a hypothetical median home market price of $405,000 (subject to statutory limits): the portion of the levy tied to the primary increase would result in roughly $1.90 in additional tax for that example household for the year. Council discussed property tax assistance programs administered by the Maricopa County Assessor (senior value protection and personal exemptions) and the budgetary implications of leaving the levy unchanged.

Councilmember Garcia recorded a “no” vote and council approved the levies 6–1. The mayor and staff said council will continue broader budget discussions in November as the next budget cycle begins.

Ending: Staff emphasized future budget briefings to discuss levy philosophy and long-term revenue planning.