Maricopa’s Proposed 2025-26 Budget

Published on April 24, 2025

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Maricopa is planning for a safer, stronger future in next year’s proposed budget, which includes lowering property taxes and expanding public safety staffing.

The proposal takes into account reductions in state-shared revenues due to recent legislative changes impacting cities across Arizona. In Maricopa, continued local growth is helping to cushion the impact of these cuts. Thanks to this growth and years of sound financial planning, the City is well positioned to focus the proposed 2025-26 budget on priorities that matter most to residents, including:

  • Lowering of property taxes for a seventh year
  • Lowering of secondary property taxes due to a bond refinancing 
  • Six new positions for the Maricopa Police Department 
    • 4 Police Officers 
    • Dispatch Supervisor 
    • Property & Evidence Technician 
  • 12 new firefighter recruit positions in anticipation of launching a new station and ambulance service in the years ahead 
  • And more! 

“We must be resilient, flexible, and nimble… even though these words are not often associated with government,” City Manager Benjamin Bitter said of the budget’s goals.

He adds that because of past planning, we are in a better position financially than other cities around the state in light of recent cuts by the legislature. We can continue to invest in larger-scale infrastructure through the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) alongside the day-to-day operations.

This year’s proposed CIP includes a wide range of projects from new streetlights and additional pickleball courts to major road improvements and completing portions of the city’s trail system. Each project is designed to support Maricopa’s growth and enhance quality of life for residents, keeping Maricopa a great place to live, work, and play. 

See our current CIP Plan here 

Together, the Operational Budget and CIP form a complete financial roadmap—one that aims to keep Maricopa financially strong while delivering the services and safety that make it a place people want to call home.

Want to see how it all fits together?

Watch our quick explainer video here:

 

What’s Next?
The proposed budget will be presented to the City Council on May 6 for review and tentative adoption. This will set the total budget cap for the 2025-2026 Fiscal year, as required by state law. 

This is a key milestone in the City’s annual budgeting process and marks the beginning of the formal public comment period before final adoption in June.

How You Can Stay Involved
Public feedback is a vital part of this process. Even if you haven’t participated in the earlier meetings, there’s still time to weigh in.

Here’s how you can have your voice heard: 

 

  • Attend the May 6 City Council Meeting and speak during the Call to the Public 

 

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