Carefree voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly rejected a new property tax to support fire and emergency medical services.
If approved, Resolution 2022-18would have funded the transition to a regional emergency response system called Automatic Aid in the small town in northern Maricopa County. The measure was approved by the Carefree Town Council by a 6-0 vote in December.
According to early returns, 80% of residents voted against the primary property tax. Turnout for the special election was more than 65%.
The town of nearly 4,000 residents will continue its contract with Rural Metro. City officials have called this move " inadequate regional assistance during a time of need."
