MISSION
STOP PROP 417
Letter to the Editor
Santa Cruz County voters should be deeply concerned about Proposition 417, the proposed expenditure limitation increase on this November’s ballot. I urge my fellow residents to vote NO and ask the Board of Supervisors to stop treating taxpayers like an open checkbook. If the Board believes an increase is necessary, they should return with a responsible, short‑term proposal — not a 20‑year leap of faith.
Santa Cruz County already carries one of the highest primary property tax rates in Arizona at 3.997 per $100, exceeded only by Pima and Gila counties. These taxes fund essential, state‑mandated departments such as the Sheriff, Assessor, Courts, Health Department, and Emergency Services. Despite this heavy burden on taxpayers, the Board is now asking for a 67% increase in its spending cap — from $30 million to $50 million.
Their justification relies on optimistic projections of future revenue from the South32 Hermosa mine in Patagonia, using a twenty‑year horizon. And while we hope that it proves to be the case, it is far too speculative to warrant such a dramatic expansion of spending authority.
There are more responsible paths forward. The Board could request a smaller increase while committing to a 25–33% reduction in the primary property tax rate. They could also create improvement districts which restrict the use of funds specifically to the defined purpose, such as recreation and libraries, and in turn would free up roughly $3 million in the budget and make the funds available for operational needs.
Most importantly, the Board has the authority to request expenditure limit adjustments every two years during general elections. This gives voters, when asked, the opportunity to evaluate performance before granting additional spending authority, a safeguard we should use, not bypass.
Prop 417 is excessive, premature, and financially risky. Once you approve a 20-year expenditure limit, it is much harder to correct course. Santa Cruz County deserves a thoughtful, measured approach — not a blank check.
FAQs
What is Prop 417?
Using a 20 year horizon, Prop 417 increases Santa Cruz County’s spending limit by 67%—raising the expenditure cap from $30 million to $50 million.
Why should I vote against it?
Voting NO on Prop 417 prohibits the Board of Supervisors from spending all the new revenue. At the same time, it sends an unmistakable message: lowering the primary property tax rate should come first.
How does it affect me?
In the long term, if the South32 mine in the Patagonia Mountains reaches its planned production, it will generate about 33% of today’s total county property tax. As a taxpayer, you should see a meaningful cut to the primary property tax rate.
What is a Taxing District and how does it affect the expenditure limit?
Taxing districts are excluded from the expenditure limitation. Under the Arizona Revised Statutes, property taxes collected for a specific district can only fund that district's activities. While Santa Cruz County currently has just one taxing district (Flood Control), State law allows us to establish dedicated districts for Parks & Recreation, Libraries, and Health. These are very transparent tools that can be used to meet the communities needs.
Are there other options?
Yes, the SCC Board of Supervisors could have made a conservative request using a 6 year horizon, $6 million dollars and they could have set a goal to reduce the primary tax rate to the median level in the state, $2.50 per $100 vs the current rate of $3.997Â Â
What happens if Prop 417 doesn't pass?
The Board of Supervisors has the ability to seek an increase to the counties expenditure every two years during any regular general election. Historically, our department heads and elected officials have demonstrated strong financial responsibility by consistently spending less than their total authorized budgets. Additionally, built into the budget is the ability to receive and spend down grants. Consequently, this county is fully prepared to function effectively under current expenditure caps for at least the next two-year period. View the full 2026-2027 county budget here including the actual spent in 2025.