Cave Creek, Scottsdale school districts weigh property tax proposals

PHOENIX – One northeast Valley school district wants to raise property taxes, and another is looking to maintain a previous increase.

The Cave Creek Unified School District said in a press release last week it intends to raise annual property taxes by about $2.03 for every $100,000 in assessed valuation.

The increase would add $426,246 to the district’s primary property tax levy for the fiscal year that starts July 1. The email didn’t provide details on how the additional tax revenue would be spent.

CCUSD will hold a public meeting about the proposal June 24 at the district office at 33016 N. 60th Street in Scottsdale.

Meanwhile, the nearby Scottsdale Unified School District’s governing board last week called for a special election to maintain the current budget override tax rate through 2025.

The override tax is a tool communities can use to generate funds beyond what comes from the state.

Residents in the district have been paying an extra 37 cents per $100,000 of assessed valuation since the override was approved in 2014.

SUSD said extending the rate would generate $21.4 million over five years to maintain current class sizes and allow for competitive teacher salaries, among other things.

Ballots for the mail-in election are expected to be sent out in early October and must be returned by Nov. 5.

Before the election, the Maricopa County School Superintendent’s Office will send voters a publicity pamphlet that will include the district’s statement in favor of the override.

Residents can contribute statements for or against the plan to the county superintendent by Aug. 9.

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