Huachuca City council directs staff to start 'truth in taxation' public‑notice process

At the March 12 meeting the Huachuca City Council voted unanimously to begin the public-notice process required under Arizonas Truth in Taxation procedures, allowing the town to publish estimates and hold the necessary hearings if the council later considers adopting a higher property tax levy than the prior year.

Council members moved the direction as a policy step rather than a final decision on rates. "To begin the truth of taxation, public notice process," the motion recorded in the minutes shows; it was moved by Mayor Johann Wallace and seconded by Councilmember Debra Trate and passed unanimously. Staff presented three example scenarios: a neutral-rate outcome (estimated $17,765 additional revenue in the towns presentation), a midpoint alternative (roughly $128,000 in revenue with modest homeowner impacts), and a maximum-allowable example (about $139,000 in revenue). Staff warned that these are estimates and that sales-tax timing and final budget choices will determine any final rate.

Council direction starts the statutory notice and hearing steps required if the council later adopts a rate above the neutral rate. Staff said it will prepare public notices and incorporate hearings into the budget calendar so the council can decide rates during upcoming budget sessions.