Queen Creek's Town Council took a significant step towards finalizing the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget during their regular session on June 4, 2025, by approving the levy of the town's primary property tax. This decision marks the third year of a five-year property tax freeze, allowing the town to maintain a tax rate of $1.55 per $100 of assessed value, which is 40 cents lower than the maximum allowable rate.

Deputy Town Manager and CFO Scott McCarty presented the details of the property tax levy, emphasizing its crucial role in funding essential services, particularly police and fire departments. The approved levy is expected to generate approximately $14.8 million, which constitutes about 8% of the town's total operating budget of $176 million. Notably, this revenue is dedicated to public safety, covering roughly 18% of the annual costs associated with providing these vital services, which total nearly $81 million.

McCarty highlighted that the majority of property tax revenues in Arizona typically go to local school districts, with only a small portion allocated to municipalities like Queen Creek. This context underscores the importance of the town's property tax as a stable revenue source, despite its limitations in fully covering public safety expenses.

The council's commitment to a structured and transparent budgeting process, which began in January, was acknowledged, reflecting their dedication to responsible fiscal management. As the town prepares for the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1, the approved property tax levy will play a pivotal role in sustaining essential services for the community.