Maricopa County approves tentative $4.1 billion budget, cuts property tax rate for sixth straight year

Officials gave tentative approval Monday to a new Maricopa County budget that cuts the metro Phoenix property tax rate for a sixth consecutive year.

The $4.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2027 grows the county’s spending from last year’s $3.9 billion budget. The difference amounts to a 6.6% increase in spending.

“There’s no way to sugarcoat this: with an uncertain statewide economic outlook, it’s a tough year to budget. To best serve our taxpayers, we had to say ‘no’ to most spending requests. However, I am proud we found efficiencies to ensure we provide the same level of services and give some relief to taxpayers while safeguarding against an economic downturn.

– Board of Supervisors Chair Kate Brophy McGee

New Maricopa County budget includes property tax rate cut

Even though inflation rose over the last several years, board members voted to keep property taxes at the same level and cut the overall tax rate for a sixth consecutive year

“Keeping your taxes as low as possible has always been one of my top priorities,” Vice Chair Debbie Lesko said.

Chair @KateMcGeeAZ says, “I am proud we found efficiencies to ensure we provide the same level of services and give some relief to taxpayers while safeguarding against an economic downturn.” pic.twitter.com/gjNgRuEbYu

— Maricopa County (@maricopacounty) May 18, 2026

Spending spikes in key areas

While most departments saw flat or reduced budgets, a few line items had large injections of cash.

Funding for the new West Valley Animal Shelter surged from $6.9 million last year to $58 million in the new budget, a more than eightfold increase to fund the project’s construction.

Election-related spending also nearly quadrupled in the recorder’s office, from $5.2 million to $20.4 million, as the county gears up for the midterm elections.

The board also allocated $30 million in one-time funds for the opening of the Vulture Mountain Recreation Area, a network of hiking trails near Wickenburg. It will be the first new regional park in Maricopa County in over a decade.

Maricopa County budget covers array of projects

Among other priorities, the new county budget also includes funding for:

• New Downtown Election Facility construction.
• Continued funding for the expansion of the county’s largest jail, the Intake, Transfer and Release Facility.
• A new pilot program to address a shortage in beds and delays in treatment for people facing serious mental health challenges.
• One-time funds to support recommended interventions that can keep more people in their homes amid a regional eviction crisis.

A final vote on the budget will be held on June 22.

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