Voter registration deadline nears for Goodyear’s special election

 Goodyear residents have until Monday, April 21, to register to vote in the city’s upcoming all-mail special election on May 20. The election includes six ballot questions: four proposed amendments to the City Charter and two franchise agreements with private utility providers.

Ballots will be mailed to registered voters beginning April 23 and must be returned by Election Day to be counted.

The proposed charter changes were recommended by the Charter Review Ad-Hoc Committee and, if approved, would permanently amend the city’s foundational governing document. The two franchise questions ask voters to authorize private water companies to continue service within the city in exchange for franchise fees paid to Goodyear.

As a charter city, Goodyear operates under a locally adopted document that functions similarly to a constitution. The charter defines the city’s council-manager form of government, qualifications and terms for elected officials, and the scope of local authority. Changes to the charter require voter approval.

Voters can expect six questions on the ballot:

• Question 1 would clarify that the City Council may adopt land use and development regulations, including zoning ordinances and architectural design standards, by a simple majority vote, as long as they align with the city’s General Plan.
• Question 2 would update the title of Article II, Section 11 to include “Benefits,” and would expand the scope of the Citizens Compensation Committee to make recommendations on both salaries and benefits for council members. The council would be limited to a simple majority vote to accept or reject the committee’s recommendation.
• Question 3 would transfer authority to create, consolidate or eliminate city departments from the City Council to the city manager, as long as any changes remain within the council-approved budget and staffing levels.
• Question 4 would codify allowable categories for municipal transaction privilege tax and clarify the city’s existing procedures for approving and issuing bonds.
• Question 5 asks voters to approve a franchise agreement with EPCOR Water Arizona Inc. to provide water distribution and wastewater collection services in Goodyear. The city would receive a franchise fee under the agreement.
• Question 6 seeks approval of a similar franchise agreement with Liberty Utilities (Litchfield Park Water and Sewer) Corp.

All voting will be conducted by mail. There will be no in-person voting on Election Day. Ballots may be returned by mail or dropped off at Goodyear City Hall.

Visit goodyearaz.gov for more information