Pinal County Unveils Tentative Budget for Fiscal Year 2006-2007

In Wednesday's meeting-The Pinal County Board of Supervisors adopted the tentative budget for 2006-2007 which focuses on public safety, transportation & a property tax reduction.

The tentative budget approved a new Region for the Sheriff's Office. Region Four will focus on the San Tan area with 37 new deputies and a new substation. The cost of the new region will be $4.2 million dollars.

The budget provided the establishment of Division IX of the Superior Court. This includes a Superior Court Judge & support staff.

Transportation issues were a high priority in the new budget. The County will add 40 miles of new & improved roads throughout the County. A countywide transportation plan was also funded.

The County's primary property tax rate will be reduced by 15 cents; the school equalization tax will be reduced by 43 cents; there will be an adjustment for the Flood Control District of 2 cents. The net impact will provide a homeowner with a $100,000 house with a $56 tax reduction.

The total of the tentative budget is over $404,000,000. The Supervisors will finalize the adopted budget on August 2nd.