Tom Warne Report, 25 September 2013
Three communities in Maricopa County will vote on transportation questions on fall election ballots in Arizona, totaling nearly $190 million. Mesa City voters will decide whether the city can borrow $79 million in general obligation bonds. Question 2 will ask voters on the Nov. 5 ballot if money raised by a property tax increase be applied to transportation improvements. Specifically, the funds would go toward building, repairing and improving the Mesa’s streets, bridges, highways and street lights. Biking and walking paths would also see some of the money.
Meanwhile in the neighboring city of Scottsdale, four questions on the ballot will ask voters to raise the city’s debt for city services. Question 4 specifically covers $99 million in transportation improvements throughout the city. Projects that would get a boost from the funding include upgrading access to state Route 101, updating traffic signals and bridges on the north-south route.
The town of Fountain Hills will also answer questions about road bonds. Question 1 would authorize the town to borrow $8.2 million in general obligation bonds to help fund transportation and street improvements.