Arizona Counties Want Funds Restored

Officials in 15 Arizona counties have asked the state to end diversions that have cost local governments $137.6 million since fiscal 2009.

The changes could bring in $34 million to the counties in the next fiscal year, according to a letter sent to Gov. Jan Brewer and state lawmakers.

The County Supervisors Association of Arizona wants the state to restore the counties’ share of state lottery revenues and return federal highway-user revenues that have been diverted to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

“Given the financial situation of counties across the state, lawmakers should return county tax dollars so they can support local services, such as public safety and road maintenance,” said Lenore Stuart, president of the group and a supervisor for Yuma County.

Counties anticipate lower revenues in fiscal 2014, Stuart said, due to an 18-month lag between property valuations and the resulting tax payments. County property tax collections are based on assessments that are higher now than when they were determined, she said.

The group also wants the state to end its practice of requiring counties to fund housing and treatment for sexually violent prisoners at the Arizona State Hospital in Phoenix.

Maricopa County Supervisor Steve Chucri said the county, which includes Phoenix, pays $9.6 million a month for its 50% match to the program.

Brewer has restored lottery revenues to the 10 smallest counties, with an allotment of $5.5 million in her proposed budget.

Fiscal 2014 begins July 1.

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