Written by special guest writer Town of Marana Deputy Town Clerk Hilary Hiser.
Deputy Town Clerk Hilary Hiser
Well, 2020 has certainly presented some challenges for us here at the Town of Marana. Nevertheless, staff continues undeterred to provide services in order to maintain the quality of life our residents have come to expect. One such example is the Town Clerk’s dogged preparation for the August 4, 2020 Primary Election. This year, Marana voters will cast their ballots for the Mayor, two Council Members, and two local ballot propositions.
Adopted by the Town Council in December 2019, Proposition 478 – Make Marana 2040 General Plan is asking voters to ratify the Town’s new revised general plan. Developed after 18 months of community engagement, Make Marana 2040 is a comprehensive planning document reflecting the unique needs of the Marana community. This new general plan will guide the Town’s continued growth and economic development well into the future.
Proposition 479 – “Home Rule” Alternative Expenditure Limitation is a proposal brought to Marana voters every four years. Proposition 479 asks voters to approve the Town of Marana’s continued use of the Alternative Expenditure Limitation, or Home Rule option. Home Rule gives Town Council the authority to set and approve a budget based on Marana’s needs, rather than following the State Imposed Limitation formula. The state formula uses the Town’s 1980 revenues and population figures as a base calculation to limit the total amount of money Marana can expend to fund government services for residents.
Proposition 479 is not a tax. Home Rule grants the Town Council the authority to spend all the revenue theTown collects to fund various community services like public safety, parks programs, and street maintenance at the levels the Town Council deems appropriate. If voters fail to approve Proposition 479, then Marana will be required to make reductions to funding levels to comply with the State-Imposed Limitation formula. Those reductions will impact the level of services delivered to residents.
The Town Clerk’s Office wants to make sure Marana voters have all the information necessary to make an informed decision when they vote on August 4, 2020. Voters are encouraged to visit the Proposition webpage at www.MaranaAZ.gov/elections to review detailed information about both Proposition 478 and Proposition 479. There, voters can read the full Make Marana 2040 General Plan, view an informational video explaining Home Rule, and read the official Town of Marana Publicity Pamphlet discussing each proposition in detail. For other election-related information, voters can view the Town’s voter information webpage to learn more about requesting a ballot by mail, voter registration resources, or help finding their polling location. Also available is the candidate information webpage, which serves as a resource for voters interested in learning more about each candidate running for Mayor and Council. Voters can review in detail candidate filing paperwork and campaign finance reports.
The ability to choose your elected representative and to help shape your community by voting for ballot propositions is a unique American freedom. The Town Clerk’s Office is here to help any voter with questions or concerns regarding the August 4th Primary Election. We understand how personal the act of voting is and encourage all Marana voters to cast a ballot during this year’s Primary Election.
