Only 4 new home permits issued in April

The city of Maricopa witnessed new home construction fall to prehistoric levels in April as the city only issued permits for the construction of four new single family homes.

Four permits is nine less than the 13 permits issued in March and a decline of 20 from the 24 permits issued in April 2010.

The construction of homes brings money to the city in the form of permit fees and sales tax on newly built homes. Maricopa bases its budget partially on the number of building permits it expects to issue.

The city initially budgeted for an average of 33 permits a month in the current fiscal year. That number was adjusted to 10 permits a month in December, and the council slashed nearly $1 million from the city’s budget to reflect the change.

For the fiscal year, which runs June to July, the city is averaging 8 permits per month.