Voters Be Aware- Prop 442 – Home Rule is also on the August 29 Ballot

The City of Prescott urges voters to be informed about Proposition 442 “Home Rule” alternative expenditure limitation, which is also on the August 29 ballot. A “Yes” vote would have the effect of establishing an alternative expenditure limitation for the City of Prescott. A “NO” vote would require the City to be limited by a state-imposed expenditure limit.
According to City Finance Director Mark Woodfill, the expenditure limit derived from a 1980 statewide voter-approved initiative designed to limit expenditures of governmental units. The expenditure limit places an arbitrary cap on the amount that can be spent, regardless of increased demand for services. If proposition 442 did not pass, the City would have to cut an estimated $52.2 million from its Fiscal Year 2019 budget.
Councilwoman Billie Orr said that many voters may have missed the message about Prop 442 in the midst of the discussion about Prop. 443, the proposal to levy a .75 cent sales tax increase to allow the City to pay down the PSPRS unfunded liability, which will also be on the August 29 ballot.
“Many people we talk to know about Prop 443, but many folks don’t know about Prop 442,” she said. “Both propositions are equally important for voters to carefully consider.”
This Home Rule question comes to Prescott voters every four years, and it has been passed every time since 1989.   For a copy of the official voters guide, contact the Prescott City Clerk’s Office at 928-777-1100 or visit
www.prescott-az.gov/leadership/elections/