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Queen Creek council adopts $14.8 million primary property tax levy, continues five-year freeze
Summary
The Queen Creek Town Council unanimously approved Ordinance 865-25 setting the town's primary property tax levy for fiscal 2025-26 at $14,800,000, the third year of a five-year levy freeze that keeps the rate at $1.55 per $100 of assessed value.
Queen Creek Mayor Cathy Wheatley and the Town Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 865-25 on a motion by Councilmember McClure, seconded by Councilmember Benning, to set the town's primary property tax levy for fiscal year 2025-26 at $14,800,000.
Deputy Town Manager and Chief Financial Officer Scott McCarty presented the item, calling it “the last step of the fiscal year 25 26 budget” and explaining the levy funds are dedicated largely to police and fire services. McCarty told the council the levy adopted tonight represents about 13 cents of every property tax dollar that comes to the town and that the recommended levy “will be the third year of the 5 year freeze.”
The council set the levy at a rate that yields $14.8 million for the upcoming fiscal year beginning July 1 and described the action as continuing the council-adopted five-year property tax freeze. McCarty summarized the freeze mechanics: as limited property values rise (capped at 5% annually under Arizona law), the town has reduced its levy rate so the absolute dollar amount paid by existing taxpayers remains unchanged.
McCarty said the market (full cash) value of town property has grown substantially and that assessed value used for tax levies has increased roughly 12% this year, driven by the five-percent statutory increases on existing property and by new construction. He said the town’s assessed value for tax purposes is approaching $1 billion and that the $14.8 million levy represents about 8% of the town’s roughly $176 million operating budget and about 18% of the roughly $81 million annual cost to provide police and fire services.
Councilmembers praised the freeze and the budget process. Mayor Wheatley said keeping the levy lower “decrease[s] the cost of living for our residents.” Vice Mayor Martineau said, “I am very happy to vote yes,” and Councilmember Brown said, “I vote yes,” during the roll call. The motion passed unanimously.
The ordinance number and the levy amount were specified in the meeting record. Councilmembers and staff described the freeze as gradual, with the town having reduced the maximum voter-authorized levy (originally $1.95 per $100) in steps to the current $1.55 per $100. Staff projected the levy would continue toward a projected $1.40 per $100 by the end of the five-year program if conditions hold.
No additional legal or administrative conditions were recorded as attached to the ordinance in the council discussion. The council then moved on to the consent agenda.
