El Mirage’s $8.5 million bond request was approved by a three-vote margin on Nov. 8 after early returns showed the measure failing by 19 votes.
The final report by the Maricopa County Elections Department showed a final tally of 1,163 in favor and 1,160 opposed. No recount is planned by the county.
The election was by mail only. No polling places were open on election day.
The Phoenix suburb will use $6 million of the proceeds for a new police station to replace a complex consisting of several trailers and temporary buildings.
The remaining $2.5 million of proceeds will be combined with a $3 million loan from the Greater Arizona Development Authority to build a recreation center and swimming pool.
Mayor Lana Mook said the bonds will finance needed amenities in El Mirage, which has grown to more than 31,000 residents from 7,600 in 2000.
“We just thought the citizens have a right to decide what kind of future they want and if they want to pay for it,” Mook said.
The property tax increase to support the bonds will cost the owner of a median $68,000 home an additional $24 a year, the city said.
