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Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, June 23, 2025 9:30 AM BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Maricopa County, Arizona (and the Boards of Directors of the Flood Control District, Library District, Stadium District, Improvement Districts and/or Board of Deposit) "The mission of Maricopa County is to provide regional leadership and fiscally responsible, necessary public services to its residents so they can enjoy living in healthy and safe communities” Board Members Thomas Galvin, Chairman, District 2 Kate Brophy McGee, Vice Chair, District 3 Mark Stewart, District 1 Debbie Lesko, District 4 Steve Gallardo, District 5 County Manager Jen Pokorski Clerk of the Board Juanita Garza Meeting Location Supervisors’ Conference Room 301 W Jefferson, 10th Floor Phoenix, AZ 85003 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Clerk called the roll. The Board of Supervisors of Maricopa County, Phoenix, Arizona, convened in an Informal Session at 9:30 AM on Monday, June 23, 2025, in the Supervisors’ Conference Room 301 W Jefferson, 10th Floor Phoenix, AZ 85003, with the following members present: Thomas Galvin, Chairman, District 2; Kate Brophy McGee, Vice Chair, District 3; Mark Stewart, Supervisor, District 1; Debbie Lesko, Supervisor, District 4; Steve Gallardo, Supervisor, District 5. Also present: Juanita Garza, Clerk; Kelly Gardiner, Minutes Coordinator; Jen Pokorski, County Manager; Brooke Worcester, Legal Counsel. Chairman Galvin called the meeting to order and explained the purpose of this Informal Meeting and the following Special Meeting of the Board of Supervisors. Chairman Galvin said during the Informal Meeting, the Board would convene the public hearings and review presentations regarding the various budgets. At the conclusion of each presentation, the Chairman would ask the Clerk if there were any speaker’s slips. Speakers would be given two minutes to speak. At the conclusion of this meeting, the Board would convene the Special meeting regarding the adoption of each of the budgets. PRESENTATION 1. PRESENTATION, PUBLIC HEARING AND TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING ON THE MARICOPA COUNTY FY 2026 BUDGET Presentation regarding the Maricopa County Budget for FY 2026 Mike McGee, Chief Financial Officer Kirstin Prindle, Deputy Budget Director Jim Rounds, Rounds Consulting Group Convene a public hearing to hear taxpayers who may wish to comment on the FY 2026 Tentative Budget which was adopted on May 19, 2025, the proposed tax levy, and on any proposed changes to the Tentative Budget. See A.R.S. §§ 42-17104 and 42-17107. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, June 23, 2025 Page 2 of 19 The budget of $3,955,121,599 represents no change from the Tentative budget. (C-18-25-094- X-00) Chairman Galvin convened the public hearings for the Maricopa County budget, and he asked Mike McGee, Kirstin Prindle, and Jim Rounds to come forward to present. Mike McGee, Chief Financial Officer, began the presentation with a video, playing in the Conference Room, that highlighted some of the budget details that would be covered in the FY 2026 Budget presentation. He referred to the tentative budget presentation from the meeting on May 19, 2025, and said today’s meeting would reflect some of the changes that were made. Mr. McGee said the next two slides would reflect the key changes from the tentative budget. The above slide outlines the compensation package that was recently approved by the Board of Supervisors. He said this increase is sustainable from a budget standpoint. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, June 23, 2025 Page 3 of 19 Mr. McGee said the budget would support the purchase of the extradition airplane seen in the slide above. The details of its use were summarized on the slide. Supervisor Lesko asked about the cost of the extradition airplane. Mr. McGee said $4.9 million. She asked why this is needed and what is wrong with the status quo and asked several other questions related to the capabilities of this new aircraft and how it will be used. Supervisor Lesko was interested in having the Sheriff personnel explain to the public the value of this airplane. Chief Pantoja, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, came forward and explained the need to replace the existing 1978 Cessna. He said it is Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved, but this aircraft is not suitable for modern extraditions, which requires keeping the public and the inmates safe. Lieutenant Ken Swingle stepped up to the podium and gave details on the inefficiencies of the current aircraft including passenger capacity, age, and range as compared to the new one which is new, with a seven-person capacity. He noted when there are last minute plans for extradition, and commercial flights are required, the cost is high. Lieutenant Swingle said this new plane has capabilities that will require a learning curve. Vice Chair Brophy McGee asked about extradition costs last fiscal year vs. anticipated costs/savings with this new plane. Mr. Prindiville came forward and said cost savings is not the overwhelming factor for this purchase. The main reason is safety, and the return on investment is perhaps over 30 years, with the life expectancy of the plane being 40-50 years. Supervisor Stewart asked why purchase rather than lease an airplane. Mr. Prindiville said the cost of leasing over a 40–50-year span would more than pay for the new airplane. Supervisor Gallardo asked how often the planes fly out of state. Lindsay Smith, Flight Crew Supervisor, came forward and thanked the Board for this upgrade. She said the flight crews are dedicated employees and fly 4-5 times per week. She said the increase in seating capacity and seating configuration contributes to the efficiency, making it possible to make multiple stops in one trip. The spacing keeps pilots and inmates more separated and therefore, safe. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, June 23, 2025 Page 4 of 19 Vice Chair Brophy McGee asked what the plan for the old aircraft is. Mr. Prindiville said the original plan was to trade it in or sell it. Kirstin Prindle, Deputy Budget Director, reviewed the slide above and said there was no change in the budget amount just a shift from contingency into the department budget. Ms. Prindle talked about the reduction in Total Tax Rate from FY 2025 to FY 2026. The reductions in the Combined Tax Rate over the past five years has resulted in a reduction in Tax Levy rate of $19.4 million for existing properties. Ms. Prindle noted that due to increased property values, some individuals’ property taxes will go up despite the drop in the Property Tax Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, June 23, 2025 Page 5 of 19 Rate. She said with Board approval, there will be a $12.2 million increase in Property Tax Levy or 1.8 percent. Ms. Prindle reviewed the slide and said the Tax Levy is set at $269.5 million below the Maximum Levy and the tax rate is set 44 cents below the maximum allowable rate. Ms. Prindle reviewed the above slide with comparisons to other large counties. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, June 23, 2025 Page 6 of 19 The above slide shows further comparisons to other large counties regarding staff to population ratio. Ms. Prindle reviewed the last slide that shows the date for the final budget item in August. Supervisor Lesko asked about the impact of all the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding that poured into our County and how does that impact us now that those federal funds are ending. Mr. McGee said the budget office has always considered these funds as “one time” that needs to be spent by December 31, 2026. The County is keeping track of that spending and will determine which services will continue. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, June 23, 2025 Page 7 of 19 Supervisor Gallardo said he was very satisfied with how the County managed the ARPA funding and took care of the communities during the COVID crisis. Supervisor Lesko asked if Maricopa County could have cut the Property Tax Rate more and still afforded the pay increases that went toward Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). Ms. Prindle said no, that would not have been possible. She said one of the other main revenue streams comes from state sales tax and in recent years, that has declined and was not a dependable resource. Chairman Galvin asked if the Sheriff’s Office have received pay increases in the past few years. Mr. McGee said MCSO has received pay-for-performance in the same way other County employees have. Ms. Prindle added that in 2022 there was a market adjustment for MCSO, however, there have been no significant pay increases in approximately 15 years. Jim Rounds, Economic and Public Policy Consultant for Maricopa County, presented the update to the Board. Mr. Rounds began by commenting on Maricopa County’s fiscal discipline when it came to the one-time money (ARPA funding) and using it for “one time use” projects and not creating a financial burden by spending the money on ongoing expenses. He said this is to be commended and to serve as an example for other government entities. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, June 23, 2025 Page 8 of 19 Mr. Rounds reviewed the slide above and said if the state could have followed the County’s lead, there may have been a lot more money to spend on big, long-term projects. Mr. Rounds spoke about the impact that the Board’s money management has on the budget year after year. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, June 23, 2025 Page 9 of 19 Mr. Rounds said the above slide gave further details related to the previous slide. Mr. Rounds referred to the slide above that compared other large counties and spending per person. He said there are circumstances specific to each county which create different financial constraints, so the comparisons are not always “apples to apples”. Supervisor Lesko commented on the Miami-Dade population to spending ratio compared to Maricopa County and she asked Mr. Rounds about the large difference. Mr. Rounds suggested that the budget for Miami-Dade was organized differently and had different revenues/expenditures compared to Maricopa County. The Board had a brief discussion on the variables that influence the differences county to county. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, June 23, 2025 Page 10 of 19 Mr. Rounds reviewed the slide above and talked about the efficiencies with the budgeted staff. Jen Pokorski, County Manager noted the increase in positions seen on the slide reflects the increased staff with public safety positions. Mr. Rounds talked about the stability and volatility of the revenue sources listed on the slide and the difficulty in forecasting in the current market. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, June 23, 2025 Page 11 of 19 Mr. Rounds reviewed the topics that are impacting the budget as listed on the above slide. He talked about Clean Air Regulations and their potential impact on economic development in the County. Supervisor Stewart asked about housing and the financial assistance from the federal government and what is ahead for the young, first-time buyers. Mr. Rounds said the financial assistance that was given was not directed in the most advantageous way. He suggested a variety of strategies that could have produced revenue for the cities and perhaps lower cost of housing for citizens. Mr. Rounds said we need better public policy, and he believes the Board can lead that charge. Presentation only. No action taken. MEETING RECESSED Chairman Galvin recessed the Board of Supervisors to convene as the Board of Directors of various special districts. MEETING RECONVENED Chairman Galvin reconvened the Board of Supervisors. ACTION 6. MARICOPA COUNTY TRUTH IN TAXATION MOTION TO LEVY 1) Approve the proposed primary tax levy increase of $12,233,134. THIS ACTION REQUIRES A ROLL CALL VOTE OF THE BOARD. 2) Direct the Clerk of the Board to mail a copy of the truth in taxation notice, a statement of its publication and the result of the governing body’s vote to the property tax oversight commission within three days of this hearing pursuant to A.R.S. §42-17107(A)(5). (C-18-25-091-X-00) Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, June 23, 2025 Page 12 of 19 Supervisor Kate Brophy McGee made the motion to approve, by roll call vote, the proposed primary tax levy increase of $12,233,134 and direct the Clerk of the Board to send the appropriate documents to the Property Tax Oversight Commission. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Debbie Lesko The Clerk called the roll with the following result: Supervisor Stewart asked about the Recorder’s Office budget and contingency funds. Ms. Pokorski, County Manager, said there is unreserved contingency funds available to cover expenses that come up. She said she is not sure what the whole budget looks like right now. Ms. Prindle added that unreserved contingency funds will be used as needed. Supervisor Stewart voted aye. Vice Chair Brophy McGee voted aye. Supervisor Lesko talked about her experience in the Legislature and in Congress and said those budget decisions were long and drawn out and hard to make sense. Supervisor Lesko said she was pleased with the County leadership, past and present, and how Maricopa County is fiscally prudent. She said she was opposed to raising taxes and to maintain stable property taxes and allow the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to have raises, was a win-win for her. Supervisor Lesko stated that government’s primary role is to protect the public. Supervisor Lesko voted aye. Supervisor Gallardo voted aye Chairman Galvin voted aye. MEETING ADJOURNED There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned. _______________________________ Thomas Galvin, Chairman of the Board ATTEST: ____________________________ Juanita Garza, Clerk of the Board Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, June 23, 2025 Page 13 of 19 IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT The Board of Directors for the Improvement District, convened in an Informal Session at 9:30 AM on Monday, June 23, 2025, in the Supervisors’ Conference Room 301 W Jefferson, 10th Floor Phoenix, AZ 85003, with the following members present: Thomas Galvin, Chairman, District 2; Kate Brophy McGee, Vice Chair, District 3; Mark Stewart, Director, District 1; Debbie Lesko, Director, District 4; Steve Gallardo, Director, District 5. Also present: Juanita Garza, Clerk; Kelly Gardiner, Minutes Coordinator; Jen Pokorski, County Manager; Brooke Worcester, Legal Counsel. PRESENTATION 2. PUBLIC HEARING ON COUNTY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS FY 2026 BUDGETS Convene a public hearing to hear taxpayers who may wish to comment on the FY 2026 County Improvement Districts Tentative Budgets which were adopted May 19, 2025, or on any proposed changes. See A.R.S. §§ 48-954 and 42-17104. (C-18-25-098-X-00) There were no public comments and no changes from the tentative budget. No action taken. MEETING ADJOURNED There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned. _______________________________ Thomas Galvin, Chairman of the Board ATTEST: ____________________________ Juanita Garza, Clerk of the Board Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, June 23, 2025 Page 14 of 19 FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT The Board of Directors for the Flood Control District, convened in an Informal Session at 9:30 AM on Monday, June 23, 2025, in the Supervisors’ Conference Room 301 W Jefferson, 10th Floor Phoenix, AZ 85003, with the following members present: Thomas Galvin, Chairman, District 2; Kate Brophy McGee, Vice Chair, District 3; Mark Stewart, Director, District 1; Debbie Lesko, Director, District 4; Steve Gallardo, Director, District 5. Also present: Juanita Garza, Clerk; Kelly Gardiner, Minutes Coordinator; Jen Pokorski, County Manager; Brooke Worcester, Legal Counsel. PRESENTATION 3. PRESENTATION AND PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT FY 2026 BUDGET Presentation regarding the Flood Control District Budget for FY 2026: Mike McGee, Chief Financial Officer Kirstin Prindle, Deputy Budget Director Convene a public hearing to hear taxpayers who may wish to comment on the FY 2026 Flood Control District Tentative Budget which was adopted on May 19, 2025, the proposed tax levy, or on any proposed changes to the Tentative budget. See A.R.S. § 48-254. The budget of $105,079,604 represents no change from the Tentative budget. (C-18-25-090- X-00) Kirstin Prindle, Deputy Budget Director, reviewed the slide above and noted the proposed tax rate of .1428 is lower than the prior year rate of .1470, which is a three percent decrease. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, June 23, 2025 Page 15 of 19 Presentation only. No action taken. MEETING ADJOURNED There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned. _______________________________ Thomas Galvin, Chairman of the Board ATTEST: ____________________________ Juanita Garza, Clerk of the Board Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, June 23, 2025 Page 16 of 19 LIBRARY DISTRICT The Board of Directors for the Library District, convened in an Informal Session at 9:30 AM on Monday, June 23, 2025, in the Supervisors’ Conference Room 301 W Jefferson, 10th Floor Phoenix, AZ 85003, with the following members present: Thomas Galvin, Chairman, District 2; Kate Brophy McGee, Vice Chair, District 3; Mark Stewart, Director, District 1; Debbie Lesko, Director, District 4; Steve Gallardo, Director, District 5. Also present: Juanita Garza, Clerk; Kelly Gardiner, Minutes Coordinator; Jen Pokorski, County Manager; Brooke Worcester, Legal Counsel. PRESENTATION 4. PRESENTATION AND PUBLIC HEARING ON THE LIBRARY DISTRICT FY 2026 BUDGET Presentation regarding the Library District Budget for FY 2026: Mike McGee, Chief Financial Officer Kirstin Prindle, Deputy Budget Director Convene a public hearing to hear taxpayers who may wish to comment on the FY 2026 Library District Tentative Budget which was adopted on May 19, 2025, the proposed tax levy or on any proposed changes to the Tentative budget. See A.R.S. § 48-254. The budget of $48,995,617 represents no change from the Tentative budget. (C-18-25-093-X- 00) Kirstin Prindle, Deputy Budget Director, reviewed the slide above and noted the proposed tax rate of .0462 is lower than the prior year tax rate of .047 which is a 1.7 percent decrease. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, June 23, 2025 Page 17 of 19 The Clerk said there was one speaker slip. Matt Sanders, resident, spoke in favor. He thanked the Board for the public libraries of Maricopa County and all the services they provide. He said he was opposed to the people who run the smear campaigns who are not representative of the communities they claim to support. Mr. Sanders spoke highly of the libraries and the people who run them and believe it is up to the parents to be parents and not sensor the public library books. Presentation only. No action taken. MEETING ADJOURNED There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned. _______________________________ Thomas Galvin, Chairman of the Board ATTEST: ____________________________ Juanita Garza, Clerk of the Board Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, June 23, 2025 Page 18 of 19 STADIUM DISTRICT The Board of Directors for the Stadium District, convened in an Informal Session at 9:30 AM on Monday, June 23, 2025, in the Supervisors’ Conference Room 301 W Jefferson, 10th Floor Phoenix, AZ 85003, with the following members present: Thomas Galvin, Chairman, District 2; Kate Brophy McGee, Vice Chair, District 3; Mark Stewart, Director, District 1; Debbie Lesko, Director, District 4; Steve Gallardo, Director, District 5. Also present: Juanita Garza, Official Record Keeper; Kelly Gardiner, Minutes Coordinator; Jen Pokorski, County Manager; Brooke Worcester, Legal Counsel. PRESENTATION 5. PRESENTATION AND PUBLIC HEARING ON THE STADIUM DISTRICT FY 2026 BUDGET Presentation regarding the Stadium District Budget for FY 2026: Mike McGee, Chief Financial Officer Kirstin Prindle, Deputy Budget Director Convene a public hearing to hear taxpayers who may wish to comment on the FY 2026 Stadium District Tentative Budget which was adopted on May 19, 2025, or on any proposed changes. See A.R.S. § 48-4232. The budget of $9,750,000 represents no change from the Tentative budget. (C-18-25-089-X- 00) Kirstin Prindle, Deputy Budget Director, reviewed the slide above and noted the budget amount. Chairman Galvin asked what this money is being used for? Ms. Prindle said the primary expense is “pass through” funding from the rental car fees to the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, June 23, 2025 Page 19 of 19 Presentation only. No action taken.