Flagstaff Voters to Decide on Major Public Safety Funding Initiatives This November
As the upcoming general election approaches, Flagstaff residents are preparing to cast their votes on more than just local leadership. On the ballot this year are two critical measures, Propositions 404 and 405, which aim to provide a comprehensive funding boost for the city’s fire and police departments.
Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett is urging citizens to carefully review these proposals, noting that they represent the culmination of an exhaustive, six-month review process conducted by a dedicated citizen committee.
A Data-Driven Approach
The journey to the ballot box began with the formation of a Public Safety Citizens’ Committee. Tasked with evaluating the evolving needs of the Flagstaff Fire Department, the Flagstaff Police Department, emergency management, and airport rescue services, the committee met frequently over six months. Members dissected the city’s budget, examined emergency response data, and vetted various funding strategies before providing a unanimous recommendation to the City Council.
“These facilities will enable police and fire to better serve our community now and into the future,” Mayor Daggett said, highlighting the strategic foresight behind the proposals.
Proposition 404: Boosting Personnel and Response
Proposition 404 proposes a 0.5% sales tax, set to expire in 15 years, dedicated specifically to expanding staffing and resources. To ensure residents aren’t unfairly burdened, the tax explicitly excludes groceries and rent.
If approved, the funding would facilitate:
- Fire Department Expansion: The hiring of additional firefighters equipped with advanced medical certifications (paramedics) and specialized wildland fire training, addressing the increasing threat of forest fires in the region.
- Police Department Growth: The addition of sworn officers, detectives, and traffic patrol units, alongside support staff such as police aides to manage non-emergency calls, dispatchers, and evidence processing personnel.
Proposition 405: Investing in Infrastructure
Complementing the staffing measure, Proposition 405 is a $40 million general obligation bond aimed at modernizing the city’s public safety infrastructure. This bond is designed to fit within the city’s existing bonding capacity, meaning it will not result in a property tax rate increase.
The funding is earmarked for critical capital projects, including:
- Construction of a new fire training facility and a new fire station.
- Modernization of existing fire stations.
- Significant expansion of police facilities, including a new evidence warehouse.
- Acquisition of cutting-edge technology and emergency response vehicles.
Regional Context
Flagstaff is following a path recently traveled by other major Arizona municipalities. Cities including Phoenix, Mesa, Prescott, Chandler, and Glendale have all successfully passed similar public safety measures in recent years, reflecting a statewide trend toward prioritizing robust emergency infrastructure.
How to Stay Informed
Mayor Daggett encourages voters to engage directly with the details of these propositions before heading to the polls. Residents can view the full committee meeting archives, budget documentation, and detailed presentation slides via the city’s public safety initiative portal.
For those who prefer face-to-face discussion, the Mayor is hosting a “Coffee with the Mayor” event on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 8:00–9:30 a.m. at Mayan Winds (2144 N. Fourth St.), where public safety leadership will be available to answer questions.
Additional information on the propositions and voter registration can be found through the Coconino County Elections website.
