City Kicks Off Exciting Series of Sales Tax Events!

City Manager Ben Bitter engaged with Maricopa residents regarding the proposed half-cent sales tax aimed at funding improvements to State Route 347 during an open house on April 10, 2025. The event drew a few dozen attendees interested in learning about the tax proposal.

The city has organized this drop-in open house as part of its strategy to educate residents before the city council votes on the tax next month. Proposed in February, the tax aims to generate essential funding for the expansion of State Route 347.

During the event, Bitter was joined by several city staff members to address questions from attendees. He noted that many residents had various inquiries, indicating a strong community interest in the project. “It was a good opportunity to learn about the community’s concerns and needs,” he shared with InMaricopa.

The proposed half-penny tax would apply to restaurant and retail sales, raising the municipal tax to 2.5%. However, Bitter indicated that residents were less focused on the tax rate itself and more concerned with the anticipated timeline for the widening project.

“People want to know when we can expect to see progress on 347,” he explained, acknowledging that final decisions rest with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). “Ultimately, our goal is to find a way to expedite that process.”

Resident Ron Angerame, a member of the 347Facts.com committee, emphasized the importance of the city’s contribution in presenting a stronger case for adding the highway expansion to ADOT’s five-year construction plan. Despite sending out 120,000 emails to state lawmakers, he expressed frustration over the lack of movement on the issue. “We’re still not on the five-year plan. I’m hoping this half-cent sales tax will provide the necessary momentum,” Angerame stated.

Bitter echoed this sentiment, asserting, “Our goal is really to help entice ADOT to get us across the finish line.” The urgency to avoid prolonged construction delays was clear in his remarks.

The city plans to hold two more open houses this month, scheduled for April 19 and 22, prior to the city council vote on May 6. If the tax proposal receives approval, the collection of the new tax could begin as early as October, according to Bitter.

For more details about the open house times and venues, residents are encouraged to visit the city’s website.