Jail District Funding
The Board of Directors of the Yavapai County Jail District asks the voters of Yavapai County for approval to increase the existing Jail District excise (sales) tax ¼ of a cent ($0.0025) per dollar. The existing ¼ cent Jail District sales tax is not sufficient to pay the costs of the Jail District. The estimated future revenue needs for the Jail District are $41.44 million per year and will likely increase over time due to inflation and population growth. The County will be required to contribute $8.88 million next year to the Jail District from the County General Fund as legally required “maintenance of effort,” and will need to contribute an additional $16.15 million from the County General Fund to pay the costs of the Jail District. If approved, this tax will take effect on July 1, 2027, and will continue for a period of twenty years.
Shall the Yavapai County Jail District excise (sales) tax be increased ¼ of a cent ($0.0025) per dollar to fund the Jail District.
A “YES” vote would have the effect of approving an increase in the Jail District excise tax of ¼ of a cent ($0.0025) per dollar.
A “NO” vote would have the effect of rejecting an increase in the Jail District excise tax of ¼ of a cent ($0.0025) per dollar.
WHAT -
In November, the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors will put before the voters a proposed tax increase from ¼ cent to ½ cent per dollar for 20 years to fund the County jail system
WHY -
Above the required $8.88 million, Yavapai County contributes an additional $16.15 million annually to the Jail District from the General Fund General Fund revenues come primarily from Property Taxes. By increasing the sales tax, the cost to maintain the County jail system is shared with visitors to the area
HOW MUCH -
- Approximately 20% of the incarcerated individuals are from out of the area
- Approximately 20% of the sales tax is paid by visitors from out of the area
- Sales tax is paid by all shoppers including visitors, spreading funding responsibility beyond local homeowners
- Tourism in Yavapai County reduces tax burden by $1,155 per household annually through visitor spending*
SAVINGS -
If the ¼ cent jail tax is passed the district will be fully funded by the increased jail tax which will alleviate pressure on the general fund and allow for lower property taxes
EXEMPTIONS -
- Services: Most services in Arizona are exempt from sales tax, reducing the tax burden on service providers and consumers
- Groceries: Food for home consumption is exempt from sales tax to ease the cost of living and ensure affordability for residents
- Prescription Drugs Exemption: Prescription medications are exempt from sales tax to support healthcare affordability for patients
- Medical Devices: Medical devices are not subject to sales tax to facilitate access to necessary health equipment
The Yavapai County Sheriff, in collaboration with the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors, operates a constitutionally based jail, focused on the care, custody, and control of the inmate population.
Key services include:
- Safeguarding inmates’ constitutional rights
- Ensuring due process
- Medical and Mental Health Services
- Re-entry support
* Arizona Office of Tourism