Tax hikes and shoddy plastic sewer pipes are a real problem for Buckeye voters. That’s according to a poll conducted in late February by respected Arizona-based pollster Data Orbital, the most accurate state pollster during the 2020 election cycle.
The new poll, on behalf of Building Products Company shows residents are opposed to a property tax hike to pay for city infrastructure. Really opposed. Buckeye may put that question to the voters in November. 75% are opposed to the idea. About 62% are strongly opposed. 20% support the tax hike, with just 8% strongly supporting it.
Here is how the question was worded along with the responses.
The Buckeye City Council is planning to put a referendum on the November General Election ballot that would increase municipal property taxes to sell bonds intended to fund new public infrastructure in the community. If the general election were held today, would you support increasing property taxes or oppose increasing property taxes?
Total Support 20.1%
Strongly Support 8.0%
Somewhat Support 12.1%
Total Oppose 75.4%
Somewhat Oppose 13.7%
Strongly Oppose 61.7%
Neutral 2.0%
Undecided 2.5%
Support for lower quality plastic sewer pipes is also underwater according to the Data Orbital poll. A Las Vegas based mega-developer, called the Howard Hughes Corporation, which is building a 37-thousand-acre development, got special permission to use less expensive and potentially hazardous plastic sewer pipes for a mixed-use development under construction. More than 67% of those surveyed oppose the idea. 50% strongly oppose it. Support is less than 20%. Like Phoenix, Buckeye has had a policy of requiring clay sewer pipes but recently altered that policy for a single project.
Below is how the question was presented along with the responses.
One of the largest developers in America, the Howard Hughes Corporation, is developing the 37,000-acre Teravalis mixed-use development in Buckeye. Recently, they received special permission from the city to use less expensive plastic sewage pipes. Opponents argue that traditionally required clay pipes are better for the environment, last longer, are less toxic than plastic, and ultimately save taxpayers money in the long term. Do you support or oppose the city’s decision to allow plastic sewage pipes for this development?
Total Support 19.6%
Strongly Support 11.0%
Somewhat Support 8.6%
Total Oppose 67.6%
Somewhat Oppose 14.7%
Strongly Oppose 52.9%
Neutral 5.6%
Undecided 7.2%
In addition to the overwhelming opposition, it’s also worth noting how few people are neutral or undecided.
Data Orbital, founded a decade ago and based in Arizona, conducted the poll between February 21st and 24th. Data Orbital is recognized as the most accurate pollster for Arizona in the last presidential election. The poll was funded by Building Products Company which has been manufacturing and supplying Vitrified Clay Pipe (VCP) to the city of Phoenix and surrounding communities since 1973.
The poll shows growth remains top of mind as residents said they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who wants to slow growth. Here is the question and the breakdown.
When voting for Mayor and City Council, do you tend to support candidates who want to keep the current rate of growth or candidates who want to slow the rate of growth?
Total Current Rate 36.2%
Strongly Current Rate 15.8%
Somewhat Current Rate 20.4%
Total Slower 48.9%
Somewhat Slower 26.7%
Strongly Slower 22.3%
Neutral 9.7%
Undecided 5.1%
Some other takeaways from the poll include major opposition (70.1%) to continued development of owner-occupied single-family homes without an assured water supply. 78.3% of those polled support the idea of putting the next major development to a public vote via referendum rather than being approved by just the City Council.
Buckeye is looking at putting the tax hike question on the ballot this November. It may have company if there is an initiative or referendum on permitting plastic sewer pipes. Pairing these two questions on the municipal ballot could send both issues down the drain.