The city of Tempe is facing a roughly $25 million shortfall. At its Thursday meeting, the City Council decided it will vote later this month to put a sales tax increase on the November ballot.
The proposed half-percent sales tax measure would be placed on the Nov. 3 ballot. This proposal is intended to make up for state budget cuts and stabilize funding for several key city services.
According to a city statement, the effective increase would amount to 50 cents for every $100 spent in Tempe. Groceries will be exempt from the tax.
Tempe said without this tax measure, the city could lose funding for emergency response and public safety.
It adds that the budget deficit is due to the elimination of residential rental tax across the state.
More Tempe News
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Police departments in the East and West Valley this week have unveiled internal investigations into officer misuse of AI surveillance technology used to track license plates. -
Tempe says the change is in response to privacy concerns expressed by the community and recent incidents with the automated license plate readers. -
Tempe officials are looking to design an area on the north bank of Tempe Town Lake. The expectation is that it will be done in phases and include a few distinct parts. -
Former Democratic Congressman and longtime Tempe Mayor Harry Mitchell died at the age of 86 last week. Mitchell’s accomplishments were many — but one was very personal. -
Robbie Sherwood served as district director for Harry Mitchell from 2007-2011; he’s currently the communications director for Arizona House Democrats.
