Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega remains in support of new sales tax measure
By Terrance Thornton | Digital Free Press
On the heels of the Tuesday, Aug. 20, Arizona Court of Appeals ruling on ballot language around Proposition 490 — a .15% sales tax question being presented to Scottsdale voters this November — Scottsdale City Council amended adopted language the appellate court found to be misleading.
The new ballot language passed with a 4 to 3 vote with members of City Council Barry Graham, Kathy Littlefield and Tammy Caputi dissenting. Read the new language for yourself, HERE.
The legal issue now settled hinged upon how the .15% sales tax was coined a ‘reduction’ in Scottsdale sales tax levies already in place and original narrative reported at City Hall and in ballot arguments never explains if nothing is done the sales tax would simply expire as originally intended when presented to voters years ago.
Newly approved language states a vote in the affirmative this November for Prop. 490:
“A ‘YES’ vote shall have the effect of authorizing the City to enact a transaction privilege and use tax rate of 0.15% for 30 years for the sole purpose of: 1) improvements and maintenance for Citywide Parks and Recreational Facilities; 2) maintenance and protection for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve; and 3) increased Police and Fire resources related to Citywide Parks and the Preserve, as determined by City ordinance, to take effect on July 1, 2025, immediately upon the expiration of the current 0.20% tax rate.”
Newly approved language states a dissenting vote November for Prop. 490:
“A ‘NO’ vote shall have the effect of denying the City the authority to enact a new 0.15% transaction privilege and use tax rate, and the current 0.20% transaction privilege and use tax rate will expire at the end of June 30, 2025”
The Goldwater Institute lawsuit, which was filed on behalf of former Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane and residents Susan Wood and Yvonne Cahill, began earlier this summer with the most recent legal opinion stemming from a July 22 appeal.
In 1995 and in 2004, Scottsdale voters approved a 0.20% tax — the 0.20% preserve tax today in question — to fund land acquisition only and a 0.15% tax to fund land acquisition and improvements in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Revenues from the 0.20% preserve tax and the 0.15% land and improvement tax were used to acquire over 30,000 acres of land now knows as the McDowell Sonoran Preserve that entailed constructing 12 trailheads and 235 miles of trails in the preserve.
Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega remains in support of new sales tax measure
Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega sat down with the Digital Free Press to explain his position on Prop 490 and why he feels it is a vital piece of funding for the future prosperity of ‘The West’s Most Western Town.’ This is what he had to say:
*Why do you support the proposed .15% sales tax ballot measure — Proposition 490 — on the November ballot?
Prop 490 Supports family values! Prop 490 renews parks in every neighborhood and pays for additional police, fire and park rangers in the Greenbelt and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve too. Families love fun, fresh air, the Railroad Park, hiking, pickleball, sports fields, dog parks and leisure biking– which nurture our healthy lifestyle. Prop 490 secures our home values, draws tourism, and underpins Scottsdale’s financial prosperity. As mayor and 45-year resident of Scottsdale, I strongly ask residents to vote Yes!
*How would you ensure that the revenue generated by the .15 sales tax is used effectively and efficiently for the benefit of Scottsdale residents — more acutely the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and greater infrastructure of the community?
Over a 16-month period, holding 26 public meetings involving 1,800+ residents, a task force and the council documented citywide unfunded deficiencies, prioritized oldest park needs to be fixed first, and formulated pay-as-we-go sales tax funding, for the next 30 years. During the process volumes of exhibits and photos of specific projects were presented and are of record. Prop 490 is all about renewing and maintaining Scottsdale’s high-quality standards — without raising property taxes.
*How would you address concerns from residents who believe the language used to promote the .15 sales tax ballot question is disingenuous?
Opponents filed a lawsuit to prevent voters from protecting our community assets. Meanwhile, our parks continue to deteriorate, and fire danger worsens in the preserve. The Arizona Legislature stripped Scottsdale’s fair share of sales tax revenues, which affects core services. Prop 490 protects our local sales tax revenues and dedicates revenues that will stay in Scottsdale. It was written in good faith and approved by the Superior Court, then reviewed by the Court of Appeals, which questioned two words and allowed the city to cure any doubt, which City Council did.
Sadly, Ms. Borowsky and former Mayor Jim Lane never participated over the last two years in any way, and hurled distortions, which were settled by the courts. Scottsdale families, the Scottsdale chamber, police and fire and the Sonoran Conservancy all support Prop 490 and understand the urgency. Ms. Borowsky has no solutions as conditions worsen and cannot be trusted to carry out Prop 490 when it passes. I trust the voters and will lead future councils to follow the terms and mandate of Prop 490.
*What specific project or initiative do you think warrants priority for funding first with remits from the tax realized at City Hall?
Over a 16-month period, holding 26 public meetings involving 1,800+ residents, a Task Force and the Council documented citywide unfunded deficiencies, prioritized oldest park needs to be fixed first, and formulated pay-as-we-go sales tax funding, for the next 30 years. Beginning July 2025, a $500 purchase would yield .75 cents, which can immediately go to renew our community treasures where Scottsdale families thrive. Full transparency and strong oversight of sales tax revenues and expenditures are provided by two citizen commissions, the city treasurer, and ultimately authorized by the City Council.
After Prop 490 passes, an ordinance is required to enable the two commissions and the process to evaluate critical priorities and move forward with the help of city departments by next summer. Probably hazardous conditions, poor sanitation and public safety will surface first to the commissions.
*How would you measure the success of the .15 sales tax measure in terms of its impact on Scottsdale’s economy and quality of life?
We cannot afford another wildfire season while opponents argue over words, and legislators continue to reduce Scottsdale’s share of its General Fund. Generations of Scottsdale residents have invested in our portfolio of 48 city parks, in the 11-mile Green Belt and our McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Now it is our turn to step up so that our community assets will last for future generations.
Citywide, residents want additional police and firefighters in their neighborhood parks. Citywide, dilapidated restrooms should be replaced and playgrounds and sports fields renewed. Citywide, and of course, residents living near the McDowell Sonoran Preserve should vote “Yes!”
