At the May 17 meeting, the Queen Creek Town Council approved a budget of $867.1 million for the 2023-24 fiscal year, which begins on July 1.
The approved budget continues to prioritize infrastructure, with nearly 70% of the budget dedicated to transportation, parks and trails, public safety, water and wastewater, and other infrastructure projects.
“I’m pleased that we were able to approve a balanced budget that maintains fiscal responsibility while fulfilling the town’s commitment to the community,” said Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley. “The budget continues to prioritize public safety and infrastructure, which is so important for our growing town. It also invests in quality of life through the recreation and aquatic center, parks and trails.”
Of the infrastructure investments, $88 million is slated for transportation improvements, continuing the town’s commitment to roadway improvements. The infrastructure budget also contains $170.9 million for parks and trails, which includes funding for the new recreation and aquatic center, the 85-acre Frontier Family Park, located on Signal Butte Road north of Queen Creek Road, and phase two of Mansel Carter Oasis Park.
Funding is also included for the extension of the Queen Creek Wash Trail from Crismon to Rittenhouse roads. Additional funding in the infrastructure budget includes $168 million for water resources, $53 million for public safety, $75 million for water and wastewater infrastructure and $2 million for municipal facilities.
Additional budget highlights include 21 positions for the Queen Creek Police Department that launched last year and full funding for the town’s expanded ambulance service slated for this summer.
The budget includes a recommendation to lower the primary property tax rate from $1.83 to $1.72 per $100 of assessed value. In November 2022, Town Council approved a policy that freezes the primary property tax for existing taxpayers for five years, which means the tax rate will go down as property values go up. The primary property tax rate will be adopted by Town Council at the June 7 Town Council meeting. 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 is dedicated solely for public safety.
To review the full budget, visit QueenCreekAZ.gov/Budget.
