The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors (MCBOS) has released a “Truth in Taxation Notice,” announcing that it will hold a hearing on June 23rd as part of its annual budget process. The new budget will lower the combined primary and secondary “overall tax rate.” However, the primary property tax rate is remaining flat which would increase homeowners’ property taxes due to the increase in property values in Maricopa County.
According to the County Supervisors, the FY 2026 Budget “lowers the overall tax rate” and “is $269.5 million below the maximum amount allowed by state law, meaning the county collects less in taxes than it could.” But as stated in the notice, it would increase the primary property tax levy by 1.81%, raising homeowners’ property taxes on a $100,000 house from $113.85 to $115.91. The Maricopa County Truth in Taxation Calculation factors the current primary property tax levy, and the net assessed valuation, excluding the value of new construction. The Maricopa County Truth in Taxation Calculation factors the current primary property tax levy, and the net assessed valuation, excluding the value of new construction, which appears to generate the net decrease in the overall tax.
The release from the MCBS also provided a disclaimer stating that, “The Board does not control property values. However, as property values increase, the tax levy for existing property owners will also increase. And as a result, some property owners may be subject to a slight tax increase due to positive property value market adjustments in a growing economy.”
The FY 2026 Tentative Budget has been approved unanimously by the Board of Supervisors.
The public will be able to comment on the tentative budget between now and the final vote which is scheduled for June 23, 2025. pic.twitter.com/wQh06Uutke
In a statement released with the preliminary budget on May 19th Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Thomas Galvin, District 2 said, “I promised as Chairman that we would be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, and with this budget, we are showing how government can run efficiently and effectively to enhance public safety and promote economic prosperity. This budget ensures Maricopa County won’t just weather the storm of economic uncertainty but will thrive. And I’m pleased to be keeping a promise to improve compensation for the courageous and dedicated members of MCSO.”
The County Supervisors stated that they were able to “decrease the property tax rate slightly, bringing the overall rate to 1.348, down 0.37% from the prior year.” The new budget per the board does not decrease existing programs and services.
Supervisor Mark Stewart, District 1 stressed, “While many counties are imposing taxes at the maximum rate permitted under state law, Maricopa County’s tax levy remains $269.5 million below that limit. Our approach is not limited to reduced taxation—we’re also delivering significant cost savings through greater operational efficiency, such as moving county personnel out of expensive leased spaces, while also investing in public safety and making our parks more enjoyable for all Maricopa County residents.”
“The County’s conservative budgeting philosophy has long protected county taxpayers from potential economic downtowns or unanticipated costs,” Vice Chair Kate Brophy McGee, District 2 added. “I’m proud to vote for such a responsible budget that puts money where it matters—with nearly 50% going to public safety.”
Supervisor Debbie Lesko, District 4 emphasized the board’s partnership with Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan in developing the budget, stating “The best way to keep our communities safe and crack down on criminal activity is to fully support our law enforcement professionals, not just with words, but with action. Over the past few months, the Board has worked in partnership with Sheriff Sheridan and our Human Resources and Budget teams on a fiscally responsible plan to boost compensation for MCSO patrol and detention staff. I’m looking forward to finalizing those details before the approval of a final budget in June.”
Editor’s Note – This article was updated to accurately reflect the distinction between the tax rate which the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors controls, and the overall tax levy which is a combination of property values and the property tax rate.
“Promise made. Promise kept.” Congressman Abe Hamadeh was celebratory last week and praised the decision by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to rescind a politically driven report against the Phoenix Police Department on “patterns and practice” of discrimination that was found by law enforcement experts to be 97% “factually or contextually inaccurate.”
Describing the report as being from a “weaponized investigation by the Biden Administration,” Hamadeh urged FBI Director Kash Patel to take action to refute the report in a letter previously reported by AZ Free News. In a statement issued Wednesday, Hamadeh’s office said the Arizona Republican had engaged in “aggressive advocacy for the men and women of the Phoenix Police Department,” which culminated in a meeting with top DOJ Officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel and Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon.
“I promised our law enforcement officers before taking office that I would end the weaponization of our judicial system and work with President Trump’s Department of Justice to undo the damage wrought by the Biden Administration,” Hamadeh said.
He added, “I am grateful to President Trump and his team of patriotic professionals dedicated to the men and women of our local law enforcement agencies who run to the sound of danger to keep our communities safe and secure.”
Hamadeh explained, “As I noted in my communications with Trump Administration officials, our officers did everything right, voluntarily cooperating in good faith, opening their records, and participating in lengthy interviews. They were met with stonewalling, mischaracterized testimony, and a final report riddled with glaring inaccuracies.”
🚨ICYMI🚨
Congressman Hamadeh Delivers on Promise, DOJ Retracts Phoenix Police Department “Pattern and Practice” Report
— Office of Congressman Abe Hamadeh (@RepAbeHamadeh) May 22, 2025
“The Trump Administration has now shown that it will not tolerate attacks on our law enforcement officers – either through physical violence or bureaucratic machinations,” said Congressman Hamadeh.
“Overbroad police consent decrees divest local control of policing from communities where it belongs, turning that power over to unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats, often with an anti-police agenda,” added Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. “Today, we are ending the Biden Civil Rights Division’s failed experiment of handcuffing local leaders and police departments with factually unjustified consent decrees.”
As reported by Law Enforcement Today, law enforcement experts Dr. Travis Yates and Dr. JC Chaix released a bombshell analysis on May 1st describing the DOJ report as detailing 134 incidents of which 130 were “either factually or contextually inaccurate,” in a shocking “97% rate of false reporting.”
Yates and Chaix wrote, “The answer lies in the DOJ’s investigative methodology—one that leans heavily on anecdotal narratives, hindsight bias, and advocacy framing rather than factual accuracy. While the individuals conducting this investigation are anonymous, it’s clear that they lack expertise in police operations, policy, or law. In many cases, their descriptions misidentified lawful force as unconstitutional, ignored established case law standards, such as Graham v. Connor, and omitted critical contextual information, including suspect behavior, threats, or prior warnings.”
A Mexican national identified as Jose Herrera Daniel, 56, of Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, was arrested on May 13th during a brazen attempt to smuggle over 6,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition from Arizona into Mexico via the Douglas Port of Entry. Daniel was charged the next day for attempting to illegally export ammunition from the United States into Mexico as part of “Operation Take Back America” per the Department of Justice.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO), District of Arizona, the criminal complaint against the accused smuggler alleges that during a search of Daniel’s vehicle at the Port of Entry in Douglas, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection K-9 officer trained to detect weapons, ammunition, and currency alerted handlers to the vehicle. The suspect’s vehicle was then sent through a scanner which detected multiple anomalies in both the driver and passenger side rocker panels leading to a physical search that yielded thousands of rounds of ammunition hidden in plastic bags.
Jose Herrera Daniel, 56, was charged by criminal complaint on May 14, 2025, for attempting to illegally export 6,399 rounds of ammunition from the United States into Mexico through the Douglas Port of Entry.https://t.co/5UByHX1jzApic.twitter.com/vHmntrcKnf
As described by the USAO, Operation Take Back America is “a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).”
The arrest and charge of Daniel would appear to align with an internal memo from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche describing the operation.
The memo from Blanche directs the DOJ to pursue charges for the most serious, readily provable offense and emphasizes “the Department’s focus on illegal immigration, human trafficking and smuggling, and crimes by Cartels and TCOs such as Tren de Aragua (TdA) and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13).”
The Phoenix law firm of Timothy La Sota issued a complaint to Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell on Wednesday requesting that her office launch an investigation into Attorney General Kris Mayes for allegations of illegal use of public funds on campaign activities.
In the complaint, La Sota cites A.R.S. § 16-192(A) which states that a state official “shall not spend or use public resources to influence an election, including the use or expenditure of monies, accounts, credit, materials, equipment, buildings, facilities, vehicles, postage, telecommunications, computer hardware and software, web pages and personnel and any other thing of value of the public entity.”
Reflecting on the powerful stories shared at last night’s Community Impact Hearing on federal firings and DOGE funding freezes. I won’t stand by while billionaires in D.C. cut jobs and services—I'll keep fighting for the funding Arizonans deserve. pic.twitter.com/VKjTp10K0F
— AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes (@AZAGMayes) March 6, 2025
La Sota describes two specific incidents in which he alleges Mayes violated the law, drawing from posts by Mayes to social media and reporting from The Arizona Republic.
He wrote, “We have more facts about the one in Phoenix at Central High School last month…This event was nothing more than a thinly veiled political rally hosted by people who hate Donald Trump, and organized by Kris Mayes. The event featured three other far left Democratic Attorneys General, including Keith Ellison of Minnesota, Raul Torrez of New Mexico, and Dan Rayfield of Oregon. Mayes used it as an opportunity to boost the electoral chances of Congressman David Schweikert and Juan Ciscomani’s opponents, according to The Arizona Republic: ‘Where is (Rep.) David Schweikert? Where is (Rep.) Juan Ciscomani? If I have to, I’ll go hold the town hall in David Schweikert’s district, or Juan Ciscomani’s district, if that’s what it takes to give his constituents the right to speak out about this,’ Mayes said, taking aim at Arizona’s most vulnerable GOP House lawmakers.”
I will keep fighting to hold the Trump administration accountable and ensure they follow the law.
— AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes (@AZAGMayes) March 7, 2025
La Sota alleged that Mayes’ staff “clearly helped put this event together.” Further the complaint states that, though he wasn’t listed on the invitation, Ellison attended the March 5th event as shown in a Democratic Attorneys General Association livestream.
WATCH:
The attorney then contends that Mayes “returned the favor by flying to Minnesota, with taxpayer money, and participating in another political rally hosted by Ellison, this one also featuring scary, radical left-winger New York Attorney General Letitia James.”
La Sota concludes, “We support Ms. Mayes’ right to associate with whoever she wants to, no matter how extreme their political views are. Likewise, she has the right to say what she wants, no matter how far out of the Arizona mainstream she is. But she may not use taxpayer resources to amplify this message. And the law reflects the principle that public schools are not to be used for politicians to host political rallies. We ask that you investigate this and ensure that Mayes is held accountable.”
The ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ was passed in a late-night round of voting in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday with near-unanimous support from Republicans. The massive and wide-reaching budget reform bill now moves to the Senate
Two House Republicans, Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Warren Davidson (R-OH), opposed the measure. Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) voted ‘Present’ and two Congressmen, Reps. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) and David Schweikert of Arizona, reportedly missed the vote accidentally, but would have voted in favor.
Commenting on the result of the vote, Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters on Thursday morning, “I just want you to know for the record, we really had 217 votes this morning. Andrew Garbarino did not make it in time. He fell asleep in the back, no kidding. I’m going to strangle him. But he’s my dear friend.” He added, “David Schweikert was going to vote and slipped his card in right at the last minute so it looks like a razor thin margin, 215 to 214 and one present, it was really 217.”
The remaining members of the Arizona House Republican Caucus: Reps. Andy Biggs, Juan Ciscomani, Paul Gosar, Eli Crane, and Abe Hamadeh all voted in favor. Arizona Democrat Reps. Yassamin Ansari and Greg Stanton both joined their party opposing the measure.
Congressman Abe Hamadeh posted to X Thursday detailing the bill’s primary benefits, “Congressman Hamadeh proudly voted in favor of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, keeping his promise to fully fund and advance President Trump’s incredible America First agenda. The bill:
• Delivers Permanent Tax Cuts
• Eliminates Taxes on Tips and Overtime
• Provides Tax Relief for Seniors
• Boosts Economic Growth and Wages
• Supports Small Businesses and Manufacturers
• Enhances Family and Education Benefits
• Promotes Border Security and Energy
• Reduces Federal Spending
And so much more.”
Congressman Hamadeh proudly voted in favor of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, keeping his promise to fully fund and advance President Trump's incredible America First agenda.
The bill:
• Delivers Permanent Tax Cuts • Eliminates Taxes on Tips and Overtime • Provides Tax… https://t.co/9EhoI6wfj7
— Office of Congressman Abe Hamadeh (@RepAbeHamadeh) May 22, 2025
President Donald Trump celebrated the contentious bill through the House in a post to Truth Social writing,
“’THE ONE, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL’ has PASSED the House of Representatives! This is arguably the most significant piece of Legislation that will ever be signed in the History of our Country!
“The Bill includes MASSIVE Tax CUTS, No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, Tax Deductions when you purchase an American Made Vehicle, along with strong Border Security measures, Pay Raises for our ICE and Border Patrol Agents, Funding for the Golden Dome, ‘TRUMP Savings Accounts’ for newborn babies, and much more! “
The President offered praise for Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and House Republican leaders saying, “Great job by Speaker Mike Johnson, and the House Leadership, and thank you to every Republican who voted YES on this Historic Bill! Now, it’s time for our friends in the United States Senate to get to work, and send this Bill to my desk AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! There is no time to waste.”
Trump concluded with an admonishment of Congressional Democrats saying, “The Democrats have lost control of themselves, and are aimlessly wandering around, showing no confidence, grit, or determination. They have forgotten their landslide loss in the Presidential Election, and are warped in the past, hoping someday to revive Open Borders for the World’s criminals to be able to pour into our Country, men to be able to play in women’s sports, and transgender for everybody. They don’t realize that these things, and so many more like them, will NEVER AGAIN happen!”
Looking forward toward the bill’s progress through the Senate, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said at Thursday morning’s press briefing, “We can celebrate this pass in the House for a couple of hours, but now it’s time for the Senate to get to work. The president has great relationship with … Senate Majority Leader [John] Thune, and of course, so many friends on the Senate side of the Hill. And he’s expecting them to get busy on this bill and send it to his desk as soon as possible.”
As reported by ABC News, Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters Wednesday that “there are things that we need to adjust or modify or change,” noting that Speaker Johnson “fully understands and accepts that.”
The bill may face serious challenges in the Senate where the current budget plan holds a trillion-dollar discrepancy with the House bill. Sen. Rand Paul explained, “[The] House bill is going to add about $4 trillion to the debt ceiling. The Senate bill adds $5 trillion. There’s nothing fiscally conservative about expanding the debt ceiling more than we’ve ever done it before. This will be the greatest increase in the debt ceiling ever, and the GOP owns this now … the deficit this year will be $2.2 trillion. The GOP owns that now too.”
Rep. David Schweikert was also skeptical about the Senate’s budget plan saying in an April 5th statement, “To say I’m disappointed with the Senate’s deeply unserious budget resolution would be an understatement. We are faced with an existential threat to both the short-term and long-term prosperity of America that requires a real solution, showing we are serious about slowing the growth of spending in the federal budget. With just $4 billion in cuts— equal to less than a single day’s worth of borrowing {about 20 hours}— the Senate budget resolution is more business as usual at a time when that’s exactly what we’re trying to avoid.”
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) was more optimistic telling reporters, “A lot of it looks pretty good,” adding that the House bill is a “good start.”
Given the narrow majority in the Senate, Majority Leader Thune can only lose 3 votes to pass the bill.
