Maricopa’s Crucial Tax Vote: What You Must Know About Tuesday’s 347 Ballot

This year’s Wild West Music Fest featured chart-topping star LeAnn Rimes, who—while not singing specifically about State Route 347—captured the essence of Maricopa’s growing traffic woes with her hit “Something’s Gotta Give.” Fast forward two decades, and this sentiment resonates deeply with locals facing daily strain on their commutes.

Maricopa is experiencing rapid growth, attracting new residents eager for opportunities in the Valley. Unfortunately, they rely on SR 347, which is already operating beyond its capacity. This situation drives home the urgent need for infrastructure improvements.

To address these concerns, the Maricopa City Council is set to vote on implementing a new half-cent sales tax aimed at financing the widening of SR 347. The tax would help position the highway for crucial enhancements on the State Transportation Board’s project list.

The council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, where a positive outcome would increase the sales tax rate by half a percent. For instance, a typical Big Mac combo would see a minimal increase of just five cents.

A recent poll from InMaricopa.com revealed that 60% of 1,405 surveyed residents supported the tax. However, a significant portion remains skeptical, with one-third firmly opposed and others undecided.

Past promises for roadway enhancements linger in residents’ minds. Although Proposition 417 was approved in 2017 to gather $28.8 million for SR 347 improvements, it fell victim to a ruling that deemed the tax unconstitutional. Another attempt, Proposition 469, failed to pass in 2022 despite majority support.

The debate around the proposed tax has incited discussions on representation and fairness, echoing a “taxation without representation” sentiment. Residents, currently grappling with inflation and market instability, question whether they can justify an additional financial burden for a much-needed roadway expansion.

The city argues that immediate council approval could expedite improvements before temperatures rise. Mayor Nancy Smith expressed optimism about the project’s potential, describing it as being “close” to fruition.

State Rep. Teresa Martinez, known for her advocacy of SR 347, highlighted that construction costs reach approximately $10 million per mile. With the roadway needing an estimated $396 million for enhancements, the urgency for funding is palpable.

The proposed sales tax is projected to generate around $8 million annually for the next 20 years, at a minimal cost to residents. City Manager Ben Bitter noted that approximately 40% of these funds could come from construction-related sales.

Despite ongoing efforts, Maricopa has struggled to secure funding for SR 347 through county initiatives over the past eight years. Previous county tax proposals have met with legal challenges and voter rejection, leaving residents frustrated.

The local government pivoted towards a new half-cent sales tax proposal following recommendations to shift focus from previous funding strategies. Council members recently held open houses to engage with residents, soliciting their feedback on the proposed tax’s implications for transportation infrastructure.

If approved, the new tax could appear on receipts by October, raising Maricopa’s sales tax rate to 2.5%. City officials emphasize that timely infrastructure improvements are vital for managing the city’s growth responsibly.

Officials believe that without the tax, SR 347 would continue to receive insufficient resources, stranding residents in decades of delay for necessary upgrades. As discussions unfold, community input remains pivotal in shaping Maricopa’s path forward.