Nogales council holds hearing on extending home‑rule spending limit; second hearing set for July 15

Nogales Mayor and City Council members held a special public hearing Wednesday on whether to place an alternative expenditure limitation, commonly called a home‑rule provision, on the November ballot. Interim Finance Director Sergio Correa and city staff outlined how the measure would preserve local budget authority and warned that rejecting it could require steep cuts to services.

Correa, who presented the city’s estimates, said state law limits local spending by tying allowable expenditures to an adjusted base year and changes in population and inflation. He said voters must approve any alternative expenditure limitation before the first fiscal year in which it would apply and that the vote would cover four succeeding fiscal years. “A yes vote, again, is, continuing existence of level level of the city services, local budgetary control and not a tax increase,” Correa said.

Using the city’s figures, staff compared amounts allowable under state‑imposed limits with those under home rule and then translated the differences into potential spending reductions. Correa said the comparisons show a multi‑year gap that would require about $28,000,000 in cuts—roughly 43% of current general‑fund spending in the city’s estimates—if the city were forced to revert to state limits. He said such reductions could affect police and fire services, building inspections, parks and recreation, libraries, water, sewer and trash services.

Assistant City Manager Fuentes, introduced at the meeting as the city’s newly assisting manager, urged public support for retaining home rule as a way for Nogales to set its own vision rather than be governed by state limits. “It’s what gives you freedom. It’s what allows you to set your own vision,” Fuentes said.

Council members asked staff to clarify timing and ballot placement; staff confirmed the question would appear on the November ballot and that the city has traditionally held two public hearings before an election on this item. A staff member said the city posts informational material on its website and that the next public hearing was scheduled for July 15. Councilor Miss Motil asked what specific limit would be presented to voters; staff pointed councilors to the comparative numbers in the materials and to the variance chart that will frame the ballot question.

There was no formal vote on the substantive question at the session. After public discussion and staff responses, the mayor moved to adjourn; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The council will hold a second public hearing on July 15; if the council and voters approve the measure in November, the alternative expenditure limitation would take effect in the fiscal year specified on the ballot.