policy
Scottsdale's $145 Annual Property Tax Hike Becomes August Primary Issue
Scottsdale homeowners face an average annual property tax increase of $145 under the new levy, according to the city's budget documents, as candidates in the August primary address local cost pressures.
How we reported this
The Scottsdale City Council passed the Fiscal 2027 Property Tax Levy Ordinance on June 16, adjusting the primary property tax rate for the more than 120,000 residential parcels within city limits.
The measure arrives ahead of the August 4 primary for city council seats and the mayor's office, where several candidates have made household expenses a central topic in their public statements.
Effects on Scottsdale Household Expenses
City budget papers calculate that the rate change will add about $145 a year to the tax bill for a median-valued single-family home assessed at $650,000. Residents in neighborhoods such as 85254 and 85258 will also see the increase appear on their October and April billing cycles alongside existing water and refuse fees.
Local advocates note that many Scottsdale households already allocate roughly 28 percent of monthly income to housing-related costs, according to Maricopa County assessor data released in May. The added levy amount equals the price of one week's groceries for a family of three at current supermarket prices in the 85251 zip code.
Candidates have described differing approaches to the levy during recent forums, with some calling for future rate freezes and others pointing to the need to maintain police and parks funding levels set in the 2025 general fund allocation of $312 million.
Next Steps for Voters and City Operations
The new rates take effect with the first property tax statements mailed in October. The general election is set for November 3, after which the incoming council will review the levy again during the 2028 budget cycle.