Tucson, Arizona, Reid Park Zoo Sales Tax Authorization Charter Amendment, Proposition 202 (November 2017)

• Text of measure
  • Ballot question
• Path to the ballot
• See also
  • External links
  • Footnotes
• More
  • Local ballot measures
  • State ballot measures
  • Local politics

Proposition 202: Tucson Reid Park Zoo Sales Tax Authorization Charter Amendment
The basics
Election date:
November 7, 2017
Status:
a Approved
Topic:
Local sales tax Amount: 0.1% Expires in: 10 years
Related articles
Local sales tax on the ballot November 7, 2017 ballot measures in Arizona Pima County, Arizona ballot measures City tax on the ballot
See also
Tucson, Arizona Municipal elections in Tucson, Arizona (2017)

A sales tax measure to fund the Reid Park Zoo, Proposition 202, was on the ballot for Tucson voters in Pima County, Arizona, on November 7, 2017. It was approved.

A yes vote was a vote in favor of amending the city charter to authorize a one-tenth of one percent sales tax to fund the Reid Park Zoo. The measure was designed to require implementation through approval of Proposition 203.

A no vote was a vote against amending the city charter to authorize a one-tenth of one percent sales tax to fund the Reid Park Zoo. The measure was designed to require implementation through approval of Proposition 203.

The sales tax authorized by Proposition 202 could not have been imposed without voters approving both Proposition 202 and Proposition 203. Proposition 202 and Proposition 203 were not separate taxes; rather, Proposition 202 was designed to amend the city charter to authorize the proposed 0.1 percent tax, and Proposition 203 was designed to change city code to implement it. Both measures were approved.

Election results

Proposition 202
Result		Votes	Percentage
a Yes		41,783	52.9%
No		37,197	47.1%

Election results from Pima County Elections Office

Overview

Sales taxes in Tucson

The total sales tax rate in Tucson was 8.6 percent as of July 1, 2017—a 5.6 percent statewide tax, a 0.5 percent county tax, and a 2.5 percent city-level tax. The average total sales tax rate in the 15 largest cities in Arizona was 8.37 percent as of July 1, 2017. The average city-level component in the 15 largest cities in the state was 2.03 percent as of July 1, 2017 percent. Propositions 202 and 203, combined, were designed to increase the total sales tax rate to 8.7 percent. Both measures were approved.

Another sales tax measure of 0.5 percent to fund financial aid for early childhood education was also on the ballot as Proposition 204. Proposition 204 was also put on the Tucson ballot through a citizen initiative petition. It was defeated.

Tucson voters approved a 0.5 percent sales tax on May 16, 2017, to fund public safety and roads, raising the city-level sales tax rate from 2 percent to 2.5 percent for five years. This 0.5 percent tax was set to expire on June 30, 2022.

Revenue

Estimates projected that the proposed tax would generate annual revenue of between $8 and $10 million. Funds from the tax were earmarked for projects including sidewalk and retaining wall maintenance, a new sewage and water system, expansion of existing exhibits—such as the tiger exhibit—and creation of new exhibits—such as a hippo and crocodile habitat.

Why two propositions?

Representatives of the campaign behind Propositions 202 and 203 stated that—on the advice of legal counsel—they put two separate initiatives on the ballot—the charter amendment authorization and the city code implementation—to avoid any chance of litigation against the proposal based on the state and local laws governing Tucson initiatives.

Text of measure

Official title

The official ballot title for Proposition 202 was as follows:

“

Proposing an amendment to the Tucson Charter, Chapter IV, to authorize for ten years beginning January 1, 2018 and ending December 31, 2027, a one-tenth-cent (0.1%) transaction privilege (sales) and use tax, and dedicating the tax revenue to fund capital improvements, operations, and maintenance at the Gene Reid Park Zoo.

”

Descriptive title

The official descriptive title provided on the ballot was as follows:

“

Authorizing, for ten years beginning January 1, 2018 and ending December 31, 2027, a one-tenth-cent (0.1%) transaction privilege (sales) tax and use tax; dedicating the tax revenues to fund capital improvements, operations, and maintenance at the Gene Reid Park Zoo. A “YES” vote shall have the effect of authorizing, for ten years beginning January 1, 2018 and ending December 31, 2027, a one-tenth-cent (0.1%) transaction privilege (sales) tax and use tax to fund capital improvements, operations, and maintenance at the Gene Reid Park Zoo. A “NO” vote shall have the effect of rejecting the proposed transaction privilege (sales) tax and use tax for capital improvements, operations, and maintenance at the Gene Reid Park Zoo.

”

Full text

The full text of Proposition 202 is available here.

Support

Initiative sponsors

The Future of Your Zoo Campaign ran the campaign in support of the initiative.

Arguments in favor

The following proponents of Proposition 202 paid to have each argument listed below included within the ballot information:

Reid Park Zoological Society: “ Reid Park Zoological Society is proud to support the passage of Propositions 202 and 203 with a YES/YES vote for Reid Park Zoo. We represent the many members and donors who have such passion for this community gem. When almost a half-million people visited Reid Park Zoo last year, they came because the Zoo has a fascinating diversity of animals that are happy, healthy, and cared for with love. Reid Park Zoo gives Tucson's residents and visitors wonderful "up-close-and-personal " experiences with wildlife from around the world. Together, we have created a dynamic plan that would allow our guests to interact with animals such as rhinoceros, tropical birds and other species. A Tiger Conservation Center with tigers walking overhead, an underwater hippo viewing area, and a giant treetop tunnel playground for children are some of the new features that will make this truly a destination. The plan will improve the quality of life for the Zoo's animals with state of the art habitats. Rusted fences, crumbling sewer lines and caving retaining walls will all be fixed under this plan. Reid Park Zoological Society, a volunteer driven organization, has a proven track record of ensuring that funds dedicated to the Zoo will stay with the Zoo. This proposition was written to guarantee these funds can only be used only for capital improvements, operations and maintenance at Reid Park Zoo. ” Reid Park Zoological Society: “ I am a proud supporter of the Reid Park Zoo and that's why I ask you to join me in supporting Propositions 202 and 203. These ballot measures will provide the zoo with a secure future and ensure Tucson residents and other visitors can enjoy the Reid Park Zoo for decades to come. As an Education Animal Zoo Keeper, I see firsthand the impact the zoo has on people's lives, particularly children. Schoolkids of all ages come to the zoo to participate in one-of-a-kind learning experiences that enrich their lives. How many of you remember the thrill of experiencing your favorite animal up close for the first time? Hearing a lion's roar, touching a snake, having an owl turn his head to stare directly into your eyes, these are the lifelong memories that Reid Park Zoo creates. Propositions 202 and 203 will fund free school field trips for K-12 students and ensure these types of experiences are available to ALL our community's youth. That's why I spent my own personal time collecting signatures to get these measures placed on the ballot. The Reid Park Zoo is more than just a zoo. It’s a living classroom for Tucson residents, an advocate for conservation, a home for a diverse group of animals and a point of pride for our entire community. Please join me in investing in our community and our future by voting YES on Propositions 202 and 203. ” Visit Tucson: “ A vibrant community has great places to visit. That is why we at Visit Tucson, the travel promotion agency for metro Tucson, encourage you to vote YES/YES on Propositions 202 and 203. These two propositions work together to create a Zoo improvement fund funded by a one-tenth of one percent sales tax to create a vibrant, world-class Zoo for our community. This plan creates new exotic animal habitats and guest experiences that will be unique in the western United States and enhances improvements made in other areas of the City, such as downtown. The plan includes an African Safari Lodge that would create an environment of being on an African safari and space for meetings of up to 500 people, a key attraction for groups meeting in our area. As the largest-attended cultural attraction in southern Arizona, Reid Park Zoo and Reid Park Zoological Society have a proven track record of being able to complete projects that attract visitors and residents alike. In addition to the great features of their plan, this will replace crumbling infrastructure and keep Reid Park Zoo accessible to our visitors and residents. ” Larry and Margo Newhouse: “ We've enjoyed the Reid Park Zoo for over 20 years, since we first began bringing our grandchildren. For several years we've been supporters of the zoo financially and as volunteers. As a volunteer you're close enough to see and feel the dedication of the staff in caring for the animals and for the entire mission of the zoo. Their commitment to educational opportunities for generations of schoolchildren can't be overestimated. Reid Park Zoo is not just a place to see exotic animals, it's also a place to learn about the diversity of life and about conservation of that life. A favorite quote of ours from National Geographic says, "Zoos are the last refuge against a rising tide of extinction." Reid Park Zoo needs our help to be able to maintain the facilities. Too many times the water is off in a section as old pipes give way. The staff is frequently overworked as they fill in for others caring for a sick animal or dealing with an infrastructure crisis and current funding levels require staff to be far too dependent on volunteers, who may not always be available. Funding needs to be increased to provide adequate staff, to repair and maintain aging infrastructure, to make needed enhancements and to ensure continued accreditation. Passage of Propositions 202 and 203 will provide needed funding and guarantee that the new funds cannot be diverted for another use. Please join us in voting yes on Propositions 202 and 203. ” Swaim Associates, LTD.: “ As architects, we know that any good project must have a vision aligned with its purpose and financial plan that ensures accountability and cost efficiency. The plan for the Reid Park Zoo does exactly that, and we ask you to join Swaim Associates in supporting Propositions 202 and 203. These two propositions work together to create a Zoo Improvement Plan funded by a one-tenth of one percent sales tax that will allow the City to maintain and improve Tucson's world-class zoo. The plan will create new exotic animal habitats and immersive experiences for visitors that will be unique to the region. It will make needed structural repairs and improvements that will keep visitors safe and enhance their experience. And it will ensure the Zoo can modernize its facilities so it can continue providing safe and healthy environments for the animals we've all come to love. The Reid Park Zoo has been a cultural and educational focal point for Tucson and Southern Arizona for 50 years, enriching the lives of community members and visitors of all ages. With these new improvements, we will ensure it can give us another 50 years of world-class experiences. Please join us in voting YES on Propositions 202 and 203. ” Future of Your Zoo: “ The Future of Your Zoo campaign is proud to be the driving force behind Propositions 202 and 203 - measures that will guarantee a stable future for the Reid Park Zoo. The campaign is comprised of community, business, and civic leaders from across Tucson who have given their time, money, and moral support to this campaign for one simple reason: they love our zoo and understand its importance to Tucson. Reid Park Zoo gives Tucson's residents and visitors wonderful "up-close-and- personal" experiences with wildlife from around the world. But like anything of value, the zoo needs investments to ensure the continued happiness and safety of both its animal residents and its human visitors. Propositions 202 and 203 will support a dynamic plan that would allow our guests to interact with anima ls such as rhinoceros, tropical birds, and other species. New exhibits will allow tigers to walk over the heads of visitors and create new activity areas for families and children. And with the passage of these propositions, the Reid Park Zoo can continue educating schoolchildren by providing funding for free school field trips. Finally, voters can be assured that no political games or hidden agendas will affect this plan. These measures were written in a way to ensure the money can only be used on capital improvements, operations, and maintenance at the Reid Park Zoo. The Reid Park Zoo has been serving Tucson for an amazing 50 years. Let's make sure Tucson - and the animals – get another 50 years. Vote YES/YES for Propositions 202 and 203. ” Susan B. Hopf: “ Dear City of Tucson, The Reid Park Zoo is an incredible community asset and jewel, and that's why l ask that you please join me in voting yes for Propositions 202 and 203. I am a long-time docent and donor to the Reid Park Zoo because I believe in its mission. I know that the Reid Park Zoo has been a point of pride for Tucson residents for 50 years. Families, business leaders, educators, and out-of-town visitors alike have all enjoyed and benefitted from the Reid Park Zoo. Now, for an incredibly small price, it’s time for us to give back to the zoo. I have looked at the new plans for the zoo and to say they are exciting is an understatement !There are so many new things to talk about that I don’t have enough space, but let's just say the underwater hippo viewing area alone is reason to get excited! If you've ever seen the one at the San Diego Zoo, you would know what I mean - and now we have a chance to build an exhibit that is on par with that world- renowned zoo. But this is obviously about more than just hippos. This is about modernizing our zoo, improving the lives of the animals, and ensuring we have a world class facility for years to come - all for less than 60 cents per month per person. That’s a win-win for everyone! So please join me in voting yes on Propositions 202 and 203. ” BFL Construction Company: “ As a business owner and long-time resident of Tucson, I have seen Reid Park Zoo grow with Tucson. Reid Park Zoo is a beloved community treasure that has entertained and educated millions of residents since 1965. Because the zoo is an asset for the City of Tucson, it is critical to have a plan to ensure it continues to be a vibrant and safe facility both for the animals and the visitors. That's why I ask you to join me in voting YES/YES on Propositions 202 and 203 for Reid Park Zoo. Reid Park Zoo has put together a dynamic, exciting plan that will revitalize the zoo with exciting ways for visitors to get close and interact with animals in a way that no other zoo in the western United States has done. At the same time, the plan will resolve critical maintenance issues including compromised sewer lines, outdated utilities and animal enclosures that are no longer adequate - issues which will need to be addressed regardless. As a business owner, I know the importance of investing with a vision for the future. The plan put together is good for our community and good for our zoo. Our community and our animals deserve a great zoo, and a zoo that remains affordable for our citizens. Vote YES/YES for Propositions 202 and 203. ”

Opposition

Arguments against

The following opponents of Proposition 202 paid to have each argument listed below included within the ballot information:

Pima County Republican Party:

“

Fellow Tucsonan, There is no question that the Reid -Park Zoo is one of Tucson's many gems. Since 1967 our community has supported the zoo in various ways, whether it is through the admission fees we pay to visit, purchasing a membership, or through the current sales tax that goes to support it. As a student at The University of Arizona, who now lives and plans to stay in Tucson, I do not think increasing the city sales tax, yet again, will be at all attractive to people who live here or people that potentially would consider living in our city. If our zoo needs help to fund projects and expand, we as a community can rally together to support it, just as many other communities with zoos have done across our nation, but not through another sales tax. Responsible spending in city government is a priority and if our leaders would practice this, we would not need to increase our sales tax so often. The Reid Park Zoo is not necessarily in any kind of financial crisis or emergency and that is why I believe, we as Tucsonans, should take a pass on this proposal and vote no. Instead, let's support our zoo by visiting more often with our family and friends, becoming a member, like I did, or make a reoccurring donation to help our zoo accomplish all that it can be for Tucson.

”

Media editorials

Support

• Tucson Weekly: "The zoo is a great spot for families and does wonderful educational outreach for kids. And zoos all around the world—to include ours right here in Tucson—have come a long way in developing better environments for the animals in their care. We're talking about paying an extra cent when you spend $10. You probably leave more than than [sic] in the Circle K penny cups every year. Vote yes on Props 202 and 203."

• Arizona Daily Star: "We support the propositions because while the zoo is in the city, it serves the whole community. The sales tax would be levied in the city, but it’s reasonable (one estimate puts it at under $1 a month for an average resident) and it sunsets after 10 years."

If you know of another endorsement by the editorial board of a media outlet that belongs here, please email editor@ballotpedia.org.

Opposition

If you know of an endorsement by the editorial board of a media outlet in opposition to Proposition 203, please email editor@ballotpedia.org.

Background

In Arizona, the state, counties, and municipalities levy sales taxes. As of October 1, 2017, the average total sales tax of the 15 largest cities in Arizona was 8.37 percent. The total sales tax in Tucson was 8.60 percent. The average city sales tax was 2.04 percent. Tucson's city sales tax was 2.50 percent as of July 1, 2017.

Municipality	State tax	County tax	City tax	Total tax
Phoenix	5.60%	0.70%	2.30%	8.60%
Tucson	5.60%	0.50%	2.50%	8.60%
Mesa	5.60%	0.70%	1.75%	8.05%
Chandler	5.60%	0.70%	1.50%	7.80%
Glendale	5.60%	0.70%	2.90%	9.20%
Scottsdale	5.60%	0.70%	1.65%	7.95%
Gilbert	5.60%	0.70%	1.50%	7.80%
Tempe	5.60%	0.70%	1.80%	8.10%
Peoria	5.60%	0.70%	1.80%	8.10%
Surprise	5.60%	0.70%	2.20%	8.50%
Yuma	5.60%	1.11%	1.70%	8.41%
Avondale	5.60%	0.70%	2.50%	8.80%
Flagstaff	5.60%	1.30%	2.051%	8.951%
Goodyear	5.60%	0.70%	2.50%	8.80%
Lake Havasu City	5.60%	0.25%	2.00%	7.85%

Path to the ballot

See also: Laws governing local ballot measures in Arizona

This measure was put on the ballot through a successful initiative petition campaign.

To place an initiative petition on the November 2017, ballot, petitioners needed to collect at least 9,241 valid signatures by July 6, 2017. Supporters of Proposition 202—known as Initiative 2017-I001 before it was certified for the ballot—submitted nearly 20,000 unverified signatures by the deadline to qualify their initiative for the ballot. Enough of the submitted signatures were verified to qualify the initiative for the ballot.

Other elections

Other propositions

See also: Pima County, Arizona ballot measures

There were four Tucson city propositions on the ballot on November 7, 2017. The Tucson Unified School District also put a bond proposition on the ballot.

• Proposition 202: Tucson Reid Park Zoo Sales Tax Authorization Charter Amendment a
• Proposition 203: Tucson Reid Park Zoo Sales Tax Implementation Initiative a
• Proposition 204: Tucson Sales Tax for Early Childhood Education d
• Proposition 406: Charter Amendment to Increase Mayoral and City Council Salaries d

City council seats

See also: Municipal elections in Tucson, Arizona (2017)

The city of Tucson, Arizona, held elections for three seats on the city council on November 7, 2017. A primary election took place on August 29, 2017. Paul Durham advanced from the Ward 3 Democratic primary to face independent candidate Gary Watson in the race to replace Karin Uhlich (D). In Ward 6, incumbent Steve Kozachik (D) faces challengers Mariano Rodriguez (R) and Mike Cease (G).

To read more about the city council seat races, including the candidates' positions on the 2017 ballot propositions, read Ballotpedia's coverage of Tucson's municipal elections here.

Recent news

The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Tucson Reid Park Zoo Sales Tax Charter Amendment Proposition 202. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.

Tucson, Arizona, Reid Park Zoo Sales Tax Authorization Charter Amendment, Proposition 202 (November 2017) - Google News

See also

Local measures

• Local measures in 2017
• Local sales tax ballot measures
• City tax ballot measures
• Pima County measures

Arizona

• November 7, 2017 measures in Arizona
• Local ballot measures, Arizona
• Tucson, Arizona

• Municipal elections in Tucson, Arizona (2017)

News and analysis

• State and local preemption conflicts
• Measures advancing national agendas

External links

Suggest a link

• Pima County Elections Office website

Support

• Future of Your Zoo website
• Future of Your Zoo Facebook page