“Maricopa County has been recognized as one of the best‑run counties in the country,” board chairman Don Stapley of District 2 said. “By implementing prevention and diversion programs, such as the ‘Seriously Mentally Ill Intervention Pilot Program’ and the campaign to halt meth use, we spend funds more efficiently to better protect our citizens.”

The county‑controlled combined tax rate, which is the portion of taxes overseen by the supervisors, makes up about 15 percent of a property owner’s total tax bill. Other factors that enter into the grand total  include levees by cities or towns, schools and community colleges.

By law, the primary property tax can increase only 2 percent each year on existing properties, and the supervisors have enacted a self‑imposed limit on the secondary tax rates of 2 percent, the same limit as the primary levy. Property tax rates are to be set on Monday, Aug. 21.

“I am very pleased we have been able to reduce the burden on property owners while continuing to deliver quality services,” said District 4 supervisor Max Wilson. “Expanding ‘Family and Juvenile Night Court’ accomplishes an efficient use of our facilities in terms of funding as well as convenience for our taxpayers.”