Maricopa announced its fifth property tax rate reduction in as many years at the city council’s May 16 meeting. Residents will see their 2024 primary property tax drop to 3.87%, a small but welcome reduction from 2023’s 4.17% tax rate. The secondary rate dropped to 0.78% from 0.84%.

“Let’s get right to the good news,” read Matt Kozlowski, deputy city manager and chief financial officer, from the budget transmittal letter. “Our budget is balanced, requiring no new taxes or reliance on reserves and allows us to continue lowering taxes.”

The news earned applause from the audience and accolades from the city council.

“Our citizens should be very proud of the fact that we do live within our means,” said Mayor Nancy Smith. “We have a balanced budget, and we live within our means.”

Councilmember Vincent Manfredi agreed, highlighting the city’s attempts to be fiscally responsible.

“As a city, we have worked really hard to make sure our expenses are not rising as fast as the inflation you see around the country and I’m proud,” Manfredi said. “It’s not that we’re spending less, it’s that we’re spending smarter. We’re being good stewards of the taxpayers’ money.”

2023 revenue from primary property taxes was $15.3 million, and 2024 revenue is projected to reach $16.1 million. Kozlowski said revenue generated from new construction accounted for the tax rate reduction.

Editor’s note: Councilmember Vincent Manfredi is an owner of InMaricopa.