Op-Ed: Yes on Props 426 and 427

Dear Paradise Valley Residents,

I encourage you to vote YES on Propositions 426 and 427 this November.

Arizona’s expenditure limitation system was created nearly 50 years ago and limits how much of its own local revenue a town can spend based primarily on population growth and inflation. While well-intentioned, the formula can create unintended consequences. Our town has the financial resources to address community needs but is restricted from spending those funds because of the constitutional expenditure limit.

Proposition 426 does not raise taxes, create new taxes, or authorize new spending. Instead, it would increase the Town’s overall expenditure capacity, allowing elected officials to use funds that have already been collected to address community priorities through the normal public budgeting process.

Importantly, every expenditure would still require Town Council approval and remain subject to public oversight. Proposition 426 simply provides greater flexibility for the Town to respond to community needs while maintaining fiscal accountability.

Proposition 427 establishes a Capital Projects Accumulation Fund, another tool authorized under Arizona law. It does not raise taxes or increase existing taxes. The fund is intended for capital investments rather than routine operating expenses, personnel costs, or other ongoing governmental services.

A simple way to understand the difference between the two measures is this:

Proposition 426 affects the size of the “bucket” the Town can spend from, while Proposition 427 provides a specialized “bucket” for long-term capital projects.

These propositions are complementary tools. Proposition 426 provides broader flexibility to address community needs, while Proposition 427 helps the Town plan and save for significant long-term investments. Together, they provide responsible options for maintaining the infrastructure, services, and quality of life that Paradise Valley residents value.

My support for these propositions reflects a belief in transparency, fiscal responsibility, local control, and prudent long-range planning.

I hope you will join me in votingYES on Propositions 426 and 427.

Sincerely,

Rick Carpinelli

Paradise Valley Resident