Goodyear Divided: Surprising Early Results from Special Election

Voters in Goodyear, Arizona, participated in a special election on Tuesday, addressing crucial city charter updates and utility franchise agreements.

Initial results, reported by 8 p.m. on May 20, indicated a nearly even voter split on several issues, with a notable support for franchise agreements and strong opposition to certain charter amendments.

Of Goodyear’s over 110,000 residents, only 11,449 ballots were submitted in this election.

Land Use Planning

The first question aimed to clarify that the city council can make decisions on land use, zoning, building design, and site planning, aligning these activities with the city’s general plan. This measure was intended to formalize existing processes without altering operational practices.

Council Salary

The second question sought to empower the council to vote on salary and benefits based on recommendations from the Council Compensation Committee, requiring only a simple majority for approval. Should this proposal fail, any salary increases above 5.1% would still necessitate voter approval.

City Department Organization

This question proposed granting the city manager authority to create, modify, consolidate, or eliminate city departments, aligned with the approved budget and employee count. Currently, this authority lies with the city council.

Tax and Bond Clarification

Aimed at improving transparency, this inquiry sought to specify the categories of taxes and revenues received by the city. It also aimed to reinforce existing regulations regarding bond approvals and issuances.

EPCOR Water Franchise

This measure would allow EPCOR Water Arizona, Inc. to secure a franchise for using city streets in the construction and operation of water and sewer systems. The proposed annual fee would rise to 3% of the company’s earnings in Goodyear, an increase from the current rate of 2%.

Votes against the franchise totaled 4,500 (42.3%), while supporters numbered 6,138 (57.7%).

Liberty Utilities Franchise

The final question would similarly permit Liberty Utilities Corp. to build and operate water and sewer systems using city streets. It proposed the same annual fee of 3%. If rejected, the agreement will require renegotiation.

Opposition for this franchise was reported at 4,235 (39.66%), contrasted by 6,442 (60.34%) in favor.