$3.9B Maricopa County spending plan for 2025-26 gets final approval from supervisors

PHOENIX – Officials gave final approval Monday to a new Maricopa County budget that cuts the metro Phoenix total property tax rate for a fifth consecutive year.

The $3.9 billion budget for 2025-26 is slightly larger than last year’s $3.87 billion spending plan.

Public safety priorities make up just under 50% of the budget, which includes funding to improve compensation for Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office deputies, detention officers and dispatch operators.

“This budget ensures Maricopa County won’t just weather the storm of economic uncertainty, but will thrive,” Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chair Thomas Galvin said in a press release. “And I’m pleased to be keeping a promise to improve compensation for the courageous and dedicated members of MCSO.”

The FY 2026 budget has been approved by the Board of Supervisors, some key highlights include:

✂️Cuts property tax rate
✅Keeps existing programs and services
📉Keeps county tax levy $269.5 million below the maximum
🏢Saves $250M+ to consolidate county office space

— Maricopa County (@maricopacounty) June 23, 2025

New Maricopa County budget includes slight total property tax cut

The new budget keeps the county’s primary property tax rate at the same level it was last year. But it whittles a bit off the secondary flood control and library district rates, resulting in a 0.37% reduction of the total property tax rate.

“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,” Supervisor Mark Stewart said in the release.

As an example of operational efficiency, the county said an office space optimization project is projected to save up to $250 million.

Maricopa County budget covers array or projects

Among other things, the 2025-26 Maricopa County budget also includes funding for:

• A new West Valley animal shelter.
• A new library in Anthem.
• Renovations and improvements to multiple MCSO facilities.
• 22 improvement projects at regional parks.

The final vote came a month after the Board of Supervisors approved the tentative budget.

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