During the General Election on November 5, 2024, Gilbert voters will likely decide whether to approve two questions on the ballot related to the state-imposed expenditure limit:

• Prop 497: A Permanent Base Adjustment to the Town's current expenditure limit
  
  
• Prop 498: A Capital Projects Accumulation Fund exemption that would exclude capital improvement projects from the expenditure limit 

Voters can approve both questions — they do not have to choose one or the other. 

Approval of these two items is not a tax increase and will not change Gilbert’s revenues. Gilbert will still be required to have a balanced budget each year.

The State of Arizona sets a limit for how much local cities and towns are allowed to spend regardless of the revenues received. This state-imposed expenditure limit is based off each municipality’s actual spending during the 1979-1980 fiscal year budget and then adjusted each year for population growth and inflation.

This state-imposed spending cap was last adjusted in 1998 when Gilbert’s population was 87,878.

The expenditure limit is not automatically adjusted for changes in service levels such as the addition of new pools or parks, changing from septic systems to a wastewater treatment plant, or advancing from a volunteer fire department to a professional fire service.

Voters can approve changes to a municipality’s expenditure limit through questions on a ballot.

Visit gilbertaz.gov/BallotGuide to learn more.

Candidate Information:

The following information has been provided by the candidates.

Aaron Accurso
(480) 590-4140
accursoforcouncil@gmail.com
www.AccursoForCouncil.com
Facebook: Accurso for Council
X: @AaronAccurso
Instagram: @AccursoForCouncil 

Kenny Buckland
(480) 980-2890
kenny@votebucklandforgilbert.com
www.VoteBucklandForGilbert.com
Facebook: Vote Buckland for Gilbert

Proposition 479 (formerly Prop 400) is a measure on the ballot for the November 5, 2024 General Election in Maricopa County, Arizona. Voters will decide whether to extend the existing half-cent sales tax dedicated to transportation for an additional 20 years. An extension would fund ongoing and future transportation projects across the region.

The half-cent sales tax for transportation was first approved by Maricopa County voters in 1985 with Proposition 300. The tax was then extended by Maricopa County voters for another 20 years in 2004 through Proposition 400. The extension is set to expire at the end of 2025. 

Expected Outcomes if it Passes

1. Continuation of Funding: Another extension of the half-cent sales tax would provide $24 billion in funding for transportation projects in Maricopa County over 20 years.
2. Comprehensive Transportation Enhancements: The generated tax revenue would support certain transportation improvements throughout the region, including:
   1. Building new freeways.
   2. Expanding existing freeways.
   3. Improving streets and intersections.
   4. Continuation of existing transit services and new system enhancements.

Prop 479’s Funding Allocation

• Freeways and State Highway System: 40.5% for the development and expansion, including new freeways and improvements to existing routes.
• Public Transportation: 37% dedicated to public transit options across the county.
• Arterial Streets and Regional Transportation Infrastructure: 22.5% allocated for street improvements, intersection upgrades, and other critical infrastructure projects

Prop 479 Estimated 20-Year Direct Investment in Gilbert in 2021 $’s

• Freeways: $251,720,000
• Arterial Streets: $187,558,000
• Bus Transit: $204,897,000
• Regional Programs: $123,598,000

In total Prop 479 is estimated to bring a direct transportation investment of roughly $767 million into the Town of Gilbert over the next 20 years. 

This map summarizes Proposition 400-funded projects in Gilbert across its various modes. 

This map outlines proposed projects in the Town of Gilbert that are planned to proceed with the approval of Proposition 479. 

 Additional Information:

• Regional Transportation Plan
• Maricopa Association of Governments: Prop 479

Voter Registration

To vote in the General Election, residents must be registered with the Maricopa County Elections Department by October 7, 2024.

To check your voter registration status or update your information please visit BeBallotReady.Vote or contact the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office at (602) 506-1511.

Vote By Mail or In Person

Maricopa County offers Vote Centers for the General Election. Voters may cast a ballot in person at any open Vote Center or skip the line to drop off an early ballot. 

Voters can choose any location, rather than being assigned just one. Location hours will be shared once available. 

Visit Locations.Maricopa.Vote to find Vote Center locations and hours of operation. 

Drop Box and Voting Locations

Ballots should be mailed by October 29, 2024 to allow processing time. 

Voting Locations will be determined closer to the election date.

Click HERE for more Voting Location Information.

Other Election Information

• Chaveli Herrera, Town Clerk, (480) 503-6861 | Chaveli.Herrera@gilbertaz.gov
• Judy Martinez, Deputy Town Clerk, (480) 503-6791 | Judy.Martinez@gilbertaz.gov

Submissions for Pro/con arguments for the publicity pamphlet were accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.