May 11, 2005 - Marana Town Clerk Jocelyn Bronson is urging Marana citizens to vote May 17 on a single, but very critical, question regarding the town's ability to spend revenue.
By law, Arizona cities and towns can't spend more than they spent in fiscal year 1979-1980 (adjusted by population and cost of living) unless they get voter approval for an alternative expenditure limitation known as the "home rule option."
Marana voters have given the OK to the option every four years since 1985, most recently in 2001. But without voter approval, the town would be limited to spending $12.8 million next year on a variety of basic services, while the town estimates $22 million in sales tax revenue alone, not to mention a budget in excess of $80 million.
Four Marana council members retained their seats unopposed in the March primary, so their names won't appear on the general election ballot.
For additional information, contact the town clerk at 382-1999.
