By Staff Reporter |
Maricopa County voters overwhelmingly approved the proposition to renew the existing 0.2% sales tax.
Proposition 413 applies the tax proceeds to pay for jail facilities, staffing, and functions, including correctional health care, as well as adult and juvenile probation. The sales tax, called the Jail Facilities Excise Tax, has been in place since 1998. It was set to expire in March 2027.
Maricopa County voters last approved the sales tax in 2002. This time around, 64% of voters approved the renewal. Voter turnout was approximately 61%, representing more than 1.5 million ballots cast.
It was on a committee’s recommendation to put the sales tax on the ballot for reapproval. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors formed the Public Safety Funding Committee to review uses of funds derived from the sales tax.
The committee evaluated current adult and juvenile detention facilities, reviewing the existing jail masterplan, and planning and financing needs for the next 20 years.
The committee held 13 public meetings and two public outreach webinars before issuing its recommendation in December 2024 that the county pursue legislation to put a transaction privilege tax on the ballot to replace the expiring tax.
County leadership said they were grateful that voters were willing to continue to pay for the essential services that their offices provide.
Kate Brophy McGee, chair of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, said that voters had made the correct decision.
“Maricopa County voters gave us a clear direction. Keep essential public safety services funded and keep the tax rate where it is,” said McGee. “I’m grateful for their confidence. The Board’s responsibility now is to make sure those dollars are spent wisely, and the public can see how they’re used.”
County Supervisor Thomas Galvin called it a “practical decision” for the county as it continues its growth. Galvin commended local leadership for ensuring the sales tax was renewed.
“Renewing this funding gives the county a way to plan for major jail repairs and other long-term needs,” said Galvin. “I’m grateful to the residents, business leaders, and public safety professionals who took the time to explain what was at stake.”
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said the funds would ensure her office could continue its work without any hitches.
“My job is to prosecute crimes, seek justice for victims, and hold offenders accountable. A functioning jail system is essential to that work,” said Mitchell. “Operating our jails is a core responsibility of county government. I’m grateful voters chose to preserve the dedicated funding that keeps those facilities operating.”
Similarly, Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan said the funding would ensure adequate pay for corrections employees and facilities upkeep.
“To the voters of Maricopa County, thank you for your continued trust in the Sheriff’s Office to help keep our communities safe,” said Sheridan. “Our detention officers work around the clock to keep our jails secure and protect everyone who works in them or is in our custody. Your vote gives us the resources to keep doing that work, and we take that responsibility seriously.”
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