The public can comment on a tentative $2.45 billion spending plan with a flat tax rate, from now until June 25 when the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors is expected to take a final vote.

Supervisors this week unanimously approved the tentative budget for fiscal year 2019, which begins July 1.

“Maricopa County residents want to live in safe communities with a responsive government and a low-tax burden,” said Board Chairman Steve Chucri, District 2. “This budget is all about maximizing our resources to deliver on those promises for taxpayers.”

The Board approved an additional $3.2 million for court-mandated reforms known as the Melendres compliance, resulting from a civil rights case filed against the county Sheriff’s Office for racial discrimination against Latinos. The Board allocated 53.9 percent of the budget for public safety.

“We’re giving the Sheriff’s Office money for 26 additional staff members, focusing only on compliance,” said Supervisor Clint Hickman, District 4, which includes the West Valley. “And what we want in return is to make—and be credited for—consistent, measurable progress. Taxpayers need to be free of the financial burden of mandated, court-ordered Melendres-related costs that add up to millions of dollars every year.”

District 1 Supervisor Denny Barney said when he joined the Board in 2013, the county spent 50 percent of the budget on public safet and now it’s 54 percent.

“As demands on our criminal justice system have grown, we’ve had to be more efficient,” he said. “That’s why we are investing in Smart Justice initiatives and new technology and putting increased focus this year on compliance with the Melendres order.”

Vice Chairman Bill Gates, who represents District 3, said the Board has prioritized a leaner, more efficient government and the tentative budget shows how those efforts are paying off.

“Total spending is down nearly 2 percent from fiscal year 2018,” he said. “We have 500 fewer positions at the county than we did a decade ago; and we are, in many ways, providing better customer service than ever.”

The budget also allocates $364 million for capital projects, including $35.5 million for a new Southeast Regional Justice Center, which will consolidate several, smaller justice courts along with adult probation services; $4.7 million in new funding for the county parks system; and continuing money toward the construction of a new jail-intake facility and the renovation of the old Madison Street Jail.

“Capital spending is important to the long-term success of our community,” District 5 Supervisor Steve Gallardo said. “These investments enable our staff to provide better service, and more important, they provide great value for the taxpayer.”

To comment or questions about the budget, email ombweb@mail.maricopa.gov or call 602-506-7280.