At its May 18 meeting, the Queen Creek Town Council approved a budget of $730.2 million for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, which begins on July 1. The approved budget continues to prioritize infrastructure, with 73% of the budget dedicated to transportation, water and wastewater, parks and trails, and other infrastructure projects.
“Passing a balanced budget is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a council,” Queen Creek Vice Mayor Jeff Brown said. “The fiscal year 2022-23 budget continues to prioritize infrastructure, particularly related to transportation. It also includes funding for the much-anticipated parks and recreation amenities. These investments will enhance the quality of life that we enjoy here in Queen Creek and the budget as a whole supports our five-year Corporate Strategic Plan.”
Of the infrastructure investments, the top priority continues to be transportation including both new and widened roads. Nearly 25% of the total budget, or $180.6 million, is slated for transportation, continuing the town’s commitment to roadway improvements. More than half of that $180.6 million is for transportation projects that are already underway and will continue into the next fiscal year. The infrastructure budget also contains funding for the new Frontier Family Park (formerly referred to as the East Park site, located on Signal Butte Road north of Queen Creek Road) and for phase II of Mansel Carter Oasis Park. Frontier Family Park will include a recreation/aquatic center. Funding is also included for the extension of the Queen Creek Wash Trail from Crismon to Rittenhouse.
Additional budget highlights include 26 positions for enhancing emergency transportation (ambulance) services, which is slated to begin in July 2023, and 15 additional positions for the recently launched Queen Creek Police Department. A substantial amount of the funding for ambulance services operations will be offset by insurance reimbursements.
The budget includes a recommendation to maintain the primary property tax rate at $1.83 per $100 of assessed value. The town’s primary property tax was approved by voters in 2007 at a rate not to exceed $1.95 per $100 of assessed value and can be used solely for public safety. In 2020, Town Council lowered the primary property tax rate to $1.83 per $100 of assessed value. The primary property tax rate will be considered by Town Council at the June 1 Town Council meeting.
To review the full budget, visit QueenCreekAZ.gov/Budget.
