Tucson, Arizona, Reid Park Zoo Sales Tax Implementation Initiative, Proposition 203 (November 2017)
| Proposition 203: Tucson Reid Park Zoo Sales Tax Implementation Initiative |
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| The basics |
| Election date: |
| November 7, 2017 |
| Status: |
 Approved
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| Topic: |
| Local sales tax 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 measure to implement a sales tax for the Reid Park Zoo, Proposition 203, 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 implementing for ten years a one-tenth of one percent sales tax to fund the Reid Park Zoo. The measure was designed to require authorization through approval of Proposition 202. |
| A no vote was a vote against implementing for ten years a one-tenth of one percent sales tax to fund the Reid Park Zoo. The measure was designed to require authorization through approval of Proposition 202. |
The sales tax proposed by Proposition 203 could not have been imposed without voters approving both Proposition 203 and Proposition 202. 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 203 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
| Yes | 41,642 | 50.38% | ||
| No | 41,009 | 49.62% | ||
- 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. The approval of Propositions 202 and 203 increased the total sales tax rate to 8.7 percent.[1]
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
Officials estimated that the tax could generate an annual revenue of between $8 and $10 million. Under Proposition 203, funds from the tax were dedicated to 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.[2]
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.[3]
Text of measure
Official title
The official ballot title for Proposition 203 was as follows:[1]
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Proposing amendments to the Tucson Code, Chapters 19 and 21, to: (1) impose, 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, with the tax revenues dedicated to funding capital improvements, operations, and maintenance at the Gene Reid Park Zoo; and (2) provide for free zoo admission for reserved school groups.[4] |
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Descriptive title
The official descriptive title provided on the ballot was as follows:[1]
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Imposing, 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, and providing for free zoo admission for reserved school groups. Proposed amendment to the Tucson City Code, submitted by initiative, imposing for ten years beginning January 1, 2018 and ending December 31, 2027, a one-tenth-cent (0.1%) sales tax to fund capital improvement, operations, and maintenance at the Gene Reid Park Zoo, and providing for free zoo admissions for reserved school groups. A “YES” vote shall have the effect of imposing, 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, and providing for free zoo admission for reserved school groups. 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, and rejecting free zoo admission for reserved school groups.[4] |
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Full text
The full text of Proposition 203 is available here.
Initiative sponsors
The group Future of Your Zoo Campaign ran the campaign in support of the initiative.[2]
Arguments in favor
The following proponents of Proposition 203 paid to have each argument listed below included within the ballot information:[1] Reid Park Zoological Society:
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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. We are proud of the Zoo and want to continue to give Tucson - and the animals - the Zoo they deserve. Vote YES / YES for Propositions 202 and 203.[4] |
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Reid Park Zoological Society:
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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.[4] |
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Visit Tucson:
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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.[4] |
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Susan B. Hopf:
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Dear City of Tucson, The Reid Park Zoo is an incredible community jewel and asset, and that's why I 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.[4] |
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Future of Your Zoo:
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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 animals 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.[4] |
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Michael and Ruth Hannley:
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As the President and Founder of Bank of Tucson, I know a good investment when I see one, and you don’t need to look much further to see our Reid Park Zoo certainly fits that category, not just as an investment in our community but a GREAT one. Like any investment, you should always analyze the details to insure you are investing wisely and that your money will be used for a sustainable future such as the Zoo. The Reid Park Zoological Society has been the key component in the expansion of exhibits and improvements, all of these have been accomplished through donations by many wonderful Tucsonans. RPZS has demonstrated that donations are used wisely, such as in our learning center, and the magnificent Tanzania Elephant exhibit. The trusted leadership, Board and employees have proven themselves to be dedicated and intelligent leaders who have provided financial stability and a clear focus on what works and what doesn't. I can insure you that your money will be put to work and invested wisely. Always a question, will the plan accomplish what it is says it's going to accomplish? Again, the leadership has proven they have clarity and focus as business people who "do what they say they will do" this has been proven over the years with donor's money. However, the best answer I can give you from a personal standpoint is I am supporting this because of my grandchildren. Every time I see them enjoying the elephant exhibit or riding our new beautiful animal carousel, I know Reid Park Zoo is accomplishing their mission. That is why my staff and I urge you to vote YES on Propositions 202 and 203.[4] |
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Swaim Associates, LTD.:
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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 worldclass experiences. Please join us in voting YES on Propositions 202 and 203.[4] |
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BFL Construction Company:
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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 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.[4] |
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Opposition
No arguments against Proposition 203 were filed for inclusion in the ballot information. The Pima County Republican Party, however, submitted an argument against Proposition 202—the charter amendment required to authorize this sales tax. If you know of endorsements or arguments that should be listed here, please email editor@ballotpedia.org.
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."[5]
- 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."[6]
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.[7]
| 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
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 203—known as Initiative 2017-I002 before certification—submitted nearly 20,000 signatures by the deadline to qualify for the ballot.[8][2]
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
• Proposition 203: Tucson Reid Park Zoo Sales Tax Implementation Initiative
• Proposition 204: Tucson Sales Tax for Early Childhood Education 
• Proposition 406: Charter Amendment to Increase Mayoral and City Council Salaries
City council seats
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 Proposition 203. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
See also
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External links
Support
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 City of Tucson, Arizona, "The Choice...Is Yours," accessed October 13, 2017
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Tucson News Now, "Reid Park Zoo initiatives hoping for spot on November ballot," July 5, 2017
- ↑ Ballotpedia staff writer, "Email correspondence with The Future of Your Zoo," October 23, 2017
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Tucson Weekly, "Think of the Children," October 19, 2017
- ↑ Arizona Daily Star, "Star Opinion: A reluctant 'no' on Strong Start Tucson's Prop. 204," October 15, 2017
- ↑ Arizona Department of Revenue, "Transaction Privilege (Sales) Tax Rate Tables & Code Bridge," accessed October 8, 2017
- ↑ Tucson City Clerk's Office, "Initiative and Referendum Petition Signature and Filing Requirements," accessed August 21, 2017
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