GILBERT, Ariz. — The sales tax rate in Gilbert will increase for the first time in more than 20 years.
The Gilbert Town Council voted 6-1 to approve a proposal to raise the sales tax from 1.5% to 2%, enact a use tax of 2%, and increase the bed tax from 2.8% to 5%.
The increases are expected to produce approximately $55 million each year.
Most of the revenue from the sales and use taxes will pay for infrastructure improvements elected leaders said are desperately needed.
“Town facilities are beginning to decay and the rest of the town will follow suit if we don’t keep up with the growth,” Vice Mayor Scott Anderson said.
The Parks and Recreation, Police and Fire departments will be prioritized with projects estimated to cost approximately $700 million.
Mayor Brigette Peterson, the only councilmember to vote against the proposal, said she didn’t think the town couldn’t support the proposed projects at this time.
“The projects, I think, have been out of hand,” Peterson said. “How did we get to over one billion in projects all the sudden.”
The Gilbert Police Department said their proposed projects include building an advocacy center for crime victims, building a crime lab to test evidence, and expanding office space.
Chief Michael Soelberg said they’ve converted office space into locker rooms at the Central and San Tan stations.
“We’re just plain out of space,” Soelberg said. “We’re busting at the seams.”
The Gilbert Fire Department said their proposed projects include building a new public safety and large apparatus maintenance facility. Chief Rob Duggan said mechanics are currently forced to work outside in the elements.
Duggan said they need to expand stations 2, 8, 6, and 5, as well as rebuild station four, which is not on suitable ground for expansion.
The chief said the expansions will reduce emergency response times.
The Parks and Recreation Department said Gilbert’s current spaces are at maximum capacity. Their projects would include building more parks.
Residents who spoke during public comment on Tuesday were opposed to the tax increases.
“It’s going to have a negative impact on all the residents here. I think there should be greater transparency and accountability in terms of the spending,” one resident said.
The sales tax increase is estimated to cost an extra 50 cents for every $100.
Councilmembers all voiced their discomfort in having to vote on this proposal.
“This is the most painful meeting I have been part of since I’ve been up here for me because this is hard for me to say but I think that it’s necessary,” Councilmember Jim Torgeson said.
Most said they’ve crunched the numbers and raising sales taxes felt like the only way to pay for critical improvements.
“Gilbert residents expect an excellent and quality of life,” Councilmember Yung Koprowski said. “We all discussed that the sales tax increase would be more equitable because it spreads the cost across everyone who spends money in Gilbert, not just homeowners and local businesses.”
The bed tax increase will go to the town’s tourism budget.
The increases are expected to take effect on January 1, 2025.
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