Maricopa County Ballots Mailed for Major Medical System Upgrade
PHOENIX – Starting Wednesday, as Maricopa County ballots are sent out, voters will be faced with a decision on a significant upgrade to the emergency and medical systems, which might lead to an increase in property taxes.
The initiative is dubbed Proposition 409 and aims to enhance Valleywise’s inpatient, outpatient, and behavioral health services.
The proposal entails a considerable investment of $898 million across various projects. This includes plans for a 200-bed behavioral health hospital, increased pediatric and primary care options, and expanded emergency services.
Dr. Michael White, the chief clinical officer at Valleywise, noted, “We’ve seen our population grow here in Maricopa County, and one of the key challenges is finding enough space to ensure timely access to care.” He explained that the patient volume currently mirrors what they had anticipated for 2028 or 2029, but it’s now happening in 2025.
Proponents of Proposition 409 anticipate that the tax hike will be around 11 cents for every $100 of assessed limited property value. Homeowners can check their estimated costs on the provided link.
Chairman Andrew Adams, a Republican, expressed concerns regarding the potential implications of this tax increase on families who are already facing financial difficulties. “People on fixed incomes and struggling families are going to feel this,” Adams remarked. He added, “These elections are about protecting against property tax boosts, as they create a yearly burden.” He’s worried about the long-term impact on property taxes.
While Adams acknowledged his family’s personal struggles with insufficient mental health care, he proposed that larger organizations with substantial funding should spearhead fundraising efforts instead.
“My family has faced these challenges,” he shared. “I have acquaintances spending thousands on subsidies for mental health care that has gaps.”
On the other side, Pastor Sandy Johnson from Red Mountain United Methodist Church views Proposition 409 as a potential life-saver. She actively champions enhanced mental health resources through the valley interface project.
“For me, it’s a minor cost considering the stakes. You never know when someone might need help,” Johnson reflected. With her background as a behavioral therapist, the issues surrounding behavioral health resonate deeply with her.
Her awareness of the limitations in mental health care was sharpened through her own experience as a mother. “When my youngest had a mental health crisis at 16 and needed hospitalization, our options were really restricted,” she recounted.
Previously, in 2014, Arizona voters greenlit a bond worth over $900 million, which facilitated the development of a new Phoenix campus and upgrades to the community center.
