Rex Scott Slams Steve Spain’s Fabricated ‘Bankrupt’ Allegations Against Pima County Budget

Supervisor Rex Scott, elected in 2020 to represent District 1 on the Board of Supervisors, previously served as a teacher and administrator in local public schools for nearly three decades, from 1991 to 2019.

On August 31, a debate was scheduled by the League of Women Voters between Scott and his opponent, Steve Spain. Both candidates confirmed their attendance; however, just minutes before the event, Spain withdrew.

On the same day, Spain’s campaign team erected signs across the district, falsely alleging that Pima County was engaging in “deficit” spending. Many of these signs featured alarming terms like “bankrupt” and were based on misleading figures generated by Spain and his supporters.

Budgetary and fiscal responsibilities rank among the Board of Supervisors’ most crucial tasks, second only to public health and safety. Candidates for this position must approach these issues with seriousness and transparency. The truth is important: Arizona counties are state subdivisions that must adhere to statutory requirements, including those governing budgets. According to ARS 42-17151, counties are prohibited from adopting budgets with deficits, and Pima County has consistently complied.

Spain has noted increased county expenditures during this board’s tenure, particularly in the 2021-22 fiscal year, attributing these increases to COVID-19 response costs. Counties in Arizona serve as public health authorities, incurring significant expenses related to testing and vaccinations.

Spain’s claims overlook a key aspect: Pima County, like many local and state governments nationwide, received substantial federal funding to address the pandemic challenges. These federal funds, allocated under both the Trump and Biden administrations, played a critical role in covering the extraordinary costs of pandemic response and additional one-time expenditures as permitted by federal guidelines.

It is vital to clarify that there are no deficits. Governments often use both voter-approved debt and internally sanctioned debt to meet various needs, particularly essential in a state with strict expenditure limits. Pima County prioritizes quick debt repayment, along with plans that aim to reduce overall debt by 56% by the end of the 2027-28 fiscal year. The county’s financial management strategies have earned it strong ratings, reflecting a commitment to pay off most debts within a 15-year period, significantly shorter than many other jurisdictions.

A recent demonstration of prudent debt management emerged during the board’s September 3 meeting, where they approved issuing up to $40 million in certificates of participation and $55 million in sewer revenue debt. The budget also allocates $148.7 million for debt principal repayment.

These new debenture approvals received unanimous consent, including from Scott’s Republican colleagues. The sewer revenue debt will fund essential capital improvements, while the certificates of participation support projects like the new Office of the Medical Examiner and the San Xavier Sheriff Substation, in addition to enhancing road repair and maintenance funds.

All relevant budget documents are accessible on the county website, including information on federal pandemic relief fund utilization. Spain’s claims appear to stem from selective data interpretation and a misrepresentation of available data.

The irresponsible use of terms like “bankrupt” and “deficit” in Spain’s campaign signs not only misleads voters but also raises questions about his approach to public office. His actions convey a concerning attitude toward truthfulness and responsibility.

Though it is disappointing Spain could not partake in the debate, his campaign strategy—filled with half-truths and misleading statements—seems to reflect his overall conduct. The constituents of Pima County deserve better and are more discerning than he may assume.