Scottsdale advances 0.15% sales tax for parks, preserve funding on November ballot, 5-2 vote
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA — April 2, 2024

Scottsdale advances 0.15% sales tax for parks, preserve funding on November ballot, 5-2 vote

Scottsdale City Council advanced a proposed 0.15% sales tax measure for 30-year funding of parks, recreational facilities, and preserve maintenance after extensive task force work, though council member Kathy Littlefield opposed citing preference for bond financing and another speaker questioned the measure's clarity.

Scottsdale Council Votes 5–2 to Advance 30-Year Sales Tax for Parks and Preserve, Overriding Littlefield's Bond-Financing Objection

On April 2, 2024, Scottsdale City Council voted to refer a proposed 0.15% sales tax measure to voters for the November general election, seeking 30 years of dedicated funding for parks capital improvements, preserve maintenance, fire mitigation, police rangers, and Westworld facilities. The vote split 5–2, with Councilwoman Kathy Littlefield casting the only formal dissent and another council member opposing, triggering an extended debate over whether long-term infrastructure belongs in a sales-tax package or a traditional bond measure. Despite 16 public speakers—most supporting the task force recommendation—and passionate endorsements from former mayors and commission chairs, Kathy Littlefield objection highlighted a persistent fault line in local government finance.

The measure would replace the expiring 0.2% sales tax (approved 30 years ago to acquire preserve land) with a reduced 0.15% tax, lowering Scottsdale's overall sales tax rate from 8.05% to 8.0%. The city treasurer's presentation made clear the measure is not a tax increase; rather, it adjusts the tax downward while extending dedicated funding for parks and preserve operations through 2054.

Key Speeches

"I believe residents deserve great parks, we want great assets, we want great recreational facilities and we should prioritize those and we should fight for those, but residents also want and they deserve a local government that openly discusses this and that can demonstrate it's controlling its spending." — Councilwoman Kathy Littlefield

"These costs should be paid for by bonds they are longterm debt which is the definition of what a bond is for. That's not a sales tax. Creating longterm assets requires longterm tax sales tax." — Councilwoman Kathy Littlefield

"I think we're being asked if we would like to let the voters decide and I wholeheartedly would agree with that. This is a complex decision and we are agreeing tonight to allow it to go forward to let our residents tell us what they want to do with their dollars." — Councilwoman Tammy Caputi

"You know Scottsdale is a very ambitious City. We've all praised the group and the task force. Everything is of record. What we are voting on tonight is to put it forward as a ballot measure. And I will clarify that it is a hybrid funding there is there are bonds for the Westworld projects." — Mayor David Ortega

Timeline

Opposition

Number of speakers against: One (Jim Haxby), plus formal council dissent from Kathy Littlefield

Main concerns:

  1. Ballot language is confusing and potentially deceptive; the measure devotes only 18–25% to the preserve while framing the measure as "Protect and Preserve"
  2. Maintenance of existing city assets should come from the general operating fund, not a dedicated sales tax
  3. Sales taxes lack an ending date, whereas bonds mature and cease, allowing debt to decline after 30 years
  4. Long-term infrastructure (30–50 year life expectancy) should be bonded, not tax-financed
  5. The city has sufficient general-fund capacity to absorb parks maintenance if properly prioritized
  6. The measure relies on future council and staff compliance to spend money as promised, rather than the legal certainty of a bond indenture
  7. The ballot language includes "it is not a tax increase," which is argumentative rather than neutral

Most compelling arguments (from Kathy Littlefield record):

"These are longterm hard assets projects and should be paid for by bonds. Bond programs have a stated interest rate a beginning date and they have an ending date. They will stop eventually after 30 years when the projects are done. Sales taxes do not have an ending date." — Councilwoman Kathy Littlefield

"The permanence of this doesn't feel right—once the bonds are sold and the money raised it cannot be spent on any other purchase on any other item and the city can budget for and pay back the bonds on a known and regular basis. Sales taxes can be used for other things. Therefore I will not be supporting the agenda which asks us to approve payment for a defined long-term Bond projects with sales tax." — Councilwoman Kathy Littlefield

Organized groups: None formally organized; Haxby spoke as an individual resident questioning the measure's framing.

Support

Number of speakers for: 15 (Carla—South Scottsdale resident; Mary Manross—former mayor; Carrie Olsen—vice chair, McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission; Stephen Kochio—chair, McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission; Dr. Sunny Kirtley—Coalition of Greater Scottsdale; Maryann McAllen—former Parks and Recreation employee, 59-year resident; Ral Zubia—vice chair, Protect and Preserve Task Force; Mike Vand—Parks and Recreation Commission member; Cynthia Wistrom—chair, Protect and Preserve Task Force; Daniel Schwier—task force member; Daniel Schwartz—task force member; Teresa Quali—Vice Chair, Parks and Recreation Commission; Heather Morwick—South Scottsdale resident; Craig [full name withheld in transcript]; Mark Winkleman—chair, Protect and Preserve Task Force)

Main themes:

  1. Historical precedent: Scottsdale voters approved the original preserve tax 30 years ago; the green belt transformed a flood risk into an iconic asset; the city has a 70-year tradition of visionary infrastructure investment
  2. Quality of life and property values: Parks and preserve are Scottsdale's "face"; they draw tourists, support commerce, and undergird the community's identity and home values
  3. South Scottsdale neglect: Parks in South Scottsdale are 50+ years old; equipment is deteriorating; restrooms are in poor condition; the measure will prioritize aging infrastructure
  4. Fire safety and emergency preparedness: The measure funds preserve fire-fuel mitigation and technical rescue; one speaker (Kuchio) noted a million visitors annually use the preserve and expect maintained trails and safe facilities
  5. Public safety: Additional police rangers and fire department resources will serve parks and the preserve; funding protects residents and visitors
  6. Taskforce credibility: Members came from diverse parts of the city, debated thoroughly, compromised, and reached consensus; former mayors endorsed the process as fiscally responsible
  7. Tourist burden-sharing: Sales tax allows visitors to help fund parks they enjoy, whereas bonds tax only residents
  8. Not a tax increase: The measure lowers the overall sales tax rate; it replaces an expiring tax with a reduced one

Most compelling arguments:

"I stood here 30 years ago and asked the sitting Council to let its citizens vote to preserve the McDowell mountains and tax themselves to do so. Thankfully the council said yes and the residents overwhelmingly said yes. Now it's time to look at Scottsdale's other open space, our Park system, which is sorely in need of reinvestment. The general fund cannot handle it. That's why we're proposing this dedicated funding source. After 15 months of hard work by your citizen appointed task force the answers are there. It's time to ask your residents if they want to support, protect and preserve Scottsdale." — Carla, South Scottsdale resident

"I'm very appreciative of the foresight and the community support to fund the acquisition and development of The Preserve. Unfortunately left out of that original funding was the funding to maintain it. I ask you to vote in support of the proposed ballot measures as recommended by the protect and preserve task force and supported by the McDowell Sonoran and preserve commission to fund the management of Scottsdale's greatest natural asset." — Carrie Olsen, Vice Chair, McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission

"All of these factors with the pandemic significantly reduced our expenditures. In fiscal year 22 we started incurring some of these expenditures. Our facilities opened. The supply chain issues eased. Market and merit adjustments were resumed for our employees." — Sonia Andrews, City Treasurer, explaining 2020–21 pandemic-induced spending reductions

"Let history determine the future. The Indian Bend wash—the green belt—is our flood control, driven by citizens and voted on in support by citizens. The McDowell Sonoran preserve—voted in support by our citizens more than once. As a task force we are residents from South, Central and North areas of our city. We reviewed, debated and came to consensus on every motion before us. In your shoes I would support this proposal, allow it to go to ballot as presented, and trust the citizens of Scottsdale to make that call." — Cynthia Wistrom, Chair, Protect and Preserve Task Force

"People come to Scottsdale even though events take place elsewhere. That's a sense of pride for us. If we don't extend or replace this or whatever word you guys choose, we're going to have a tough time being the Scottsdale that we are. I encourage you to urge you to please pass this resolution." — Ral Zubia, Vice Chair, Protect and Preserve Task Force

Organized groups: McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission (officially endorsing), Parks and Recreation Commission (members present and speaking), Protect and Preserve Task Force (15 members present), Coalition of Greater Scottsdale (represented by Dr. Kirtley)

Project Details

Vote Breakdown

Outcome & Next Steps

The city council voted to place the measure on the November 2024 general election ballot, subject to voter approval. If voters approve, the ordinance becomes effective July 1, 2025, the same date the current 0.2% sales tax expires. The new 0.15% tax would then begin collecting revenue and be distributed according to the percentages codified in Ordinance 4633.

Oversight mechanisms:

Supermajority protection added tonight: Section 5 of Ordinance 4633 now requires a five-member affirmative vote (of the seven-member council) to amend or repeal the ordinance, raising the bar above a simple 4-3 majority. This was Councilwoman Janik's request to provide certainty to voters that the measure's terms will not be lightly altered.

Scrutiny of surplus funds: Treasurer Andrews clarified that the $137–156 million projected fund balance in the Preserve tax fund (2024–2025) is not available for repurposing to parks and recreation operating needs. That fund must service outstanding debt ($148.9 million projected for FY 2425) on preserve land purchases and may be applied to future preserve capital needs (wildlife land bridge, trail improvements, small parcel acquisitions estimated at $75 million preliminary for FY 2526). The fund cannot be redirected to park maintenance or operating costs.

Future actions: A motion to order the ballot measures on the November ballot (Protect and Preserve first, Permanent Base Adjustment second) passed unanimously.

Controversies & Context

Bond vs. sales tax financing (the core dispute):

Kathy Littlefield opposition centered on a structural principle: long-term capital assets with 30–50 year life expectancies should be financed by 30-year bonds, not permanent sales taxes. Her argument:

Kathy Littlefield explicitly stated: "I cannot support the motion tonight to put the sales tax increase on the ballot to pay for these long-term hard asset projects." She indicated she would support the measure if it were financed by bonds, signaling principled disagreement rather than opposition to the projects themselves.

Response from supporters:

Council members countered that approximately 45% of the proposed allocation is for services and maintenance, which cannot be bonded. They argued the measure is a hybrid: Westworld capital improvements are funded through debt (20-year bonds, $4.5 million annual max debt service), while parks maintenance, ranger staffing, preserve operations, and fire mitigation are operationally necessary and appropriately funded through dedicated tax revenue. They also noted that the measure reduces overall sales tax while extending dedicated funding, a point Kathy Littlefield did not dispute.

General-fund capacity argument:

Haxby and Kathy Littlefield both questioned whether the general fund could absorb parks maintenance and improvements, particularly if the city's recent revenues exceed projections. Treasurer Andrews presented a chart of the past 10 years showing inconsistent and limited general-fund allocation to parks due to competing priorities (public safety, capital projects, utilities). She emphasized that if parks remain general-fund-dependent, they will continue to lose funding priority in lean years.

The council majority accepted this reasoning and noted that dedicating a funding source prevents parks from being deferred year to year.

Ballot language clarity:

Austin Fairbanks, the third public speaker, criticized the inclusion of "it is not a tax increase" in the yes statement, calling it argumentative rather than neutral. He suggested the ballot should state only what the measure does, not what it is not. The council retained the language, noting that voter confusion between the permanent base adjustment and a tax increase was a real risk and that the clarifying language had been used in prior Scottsdale tax referrals (1998, 2006).

Task force unanimity and compromise:

Multiple speakers emphasized that the 15-member task force, drawn from across Scottsdale (North, Central, and South), debated fiercely but reached unanimous consensus. Members acknowledged compromises: some wanted more preserve funding; others preferred more park capital. The final allocation reflects a negotiated balance. This consensus was cited as evidence of legitimacy and reasonableness.

Historical parallel:

Former Mayor Mary Manross appeared to urge approval, drawing an analogy to her tenure when voters approved the McDowell Sonoran Preserve tax 30 years ago—a measure she championed. She framed tonight's vote as a continuation of Scottsdale's 70-year tradition of visionary long-term investment. This historical narrative—green belt (1970s), preserve (1994), now parks and preserve maintenance—was repeated by multiple speakers to justify the measure's ambition.

South Scottsdale Park Neglect:

A recurring theme was that South Scottsdale parks (El Dorado, Vista del Camino, Indian School, Chaperel) are 50+ years old and have been under-resourced relative to their age and use. Speaker Heather Morwick reported deteriorated asphalt, out-of-service facilities, and aging restrooms. The task force prioritized these parks for renovation and renewal, a fact that resonated with council members representing South Scottsdale constituencies.

Permanent Base Adjustment Measure (Item 15):

While not the primary item, the council also voted unanimously (6–0) to refer the Permanent Base Adjustment to the ballot. This separate measure asks voters to approve a $22 million adjustment to Scottsdale's state-imposed expenditure limitation (unchanged since 2006). The measure is not a tax increase but a formula adjustment allowing the city to spend revenues it collects without hitting the constitutional cap. It passed with minimal controversy, though Councilwoman Janik secured a policy commitment that the city will review its expenditure limitation status every five years to prevent future crises.

Duration

Other Notable Items

Resolution 13070 – Indian Bend Wash Underpass at Chaperol Road: The council unanimously approved a $3.636 million construction bid to J Beniki Construction Inc. for a pedestrian-bicycle underpass on the east side of Hayden Road under Chaperol Road. The project includes a $1 million federal CMAC grant and a $480,000 local match. It will connect the multi-use path with a grade-separated crossing, removing conflicts between bicycles, pedestrians, and vehicles. Transportation Planning Manager Nathan noted this is one of 87 under-roadway grade-separated crossings in Scottsdale and fills a critical gap in the active-transportation network. Councilman Barry Graham praised the project enthusiastically, noting it will remove a dangerous pedestrian-bicycle conflict and improve traffic flow. Public commenter Lee Coville, an area cyclist, expressed strong support, calling it a long-overdue gap-filler. The measure passed unanimously.

Permanent Base Adjustment (Item 15): The council also voted unanimously to refer a $22 million permanent base adjustment to the November 2024 ballot. This measure adjusts Scottsdale's state-imposed expenditure limitation (unchanged since 2006) to allow the city to spend collected revenues without hitting the constitutional spending cap. Treasurer Andrews explained that cost increases in police equipment, fire operations, water treatment, and new services (two new fire stations, tourism programs, ambulance services) have outpaced the state formula's population and inflation adjustments. The measure passed 6–0 with only supportive council commentary, though Councilwoman Janik secured a commitment that the city will monitor its expenditure limitation every five years to prevent future crises.