Home Rule
Background
The Alternative Expenditure Limitation law, also known as "Home Rule" as it is commonly known, is a ballot question put before the voters in Oro Valley every four years. It will be on the May 18, 2010 ballot this year. With voter approval, it allows the Town to set its spending limits based on revenues received and expenses incurred. Oro Valley is always required to have a balanced budget.
State law imposes budget limitations that assume all things are equal with cities and towns around the state. It does not allow for individual community size, priorities or needs. Without Home Rule approval by the voters, Oro Valley will continue to receive revenue from the state and other local sources, but will only be allowed to spend what is allowed by State law. These levels are set based on 1979/80 budget levels with some allowance for inflation and population growth. Currently, this would mean that Oro Valley would have to spend approximately $74 million less next year if not approved. This would result in the Town having to cut virtually several, if not all, program and service to reduce its spending to the legal limits.
Home Rule does not empower the Town to create new and additional taxes. It also does not allow the Town to spend more than it receives, and the budget process would continue to be open to the public as it currently does.
Recommendation
The Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors ask you to support "Home Rule."
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