Bill that would allow AZ City to vote fails to get decision
Arizona City Independent
PHOENIX — Arizona legislators ended the 2016 session without voting on HB 2384, a measure that could have given Arizona City residents to ability to vote on whether or not to incorporate without such a move being blocked by neighboring cities such as Eloy.
House Speaker David Gowan refused to let the bill go to the floor for a final vote in the session’s final hours, according to a post on the Facebook page “San Tan Valley’s Right to Vote.”
Jess Knudson, Florence’s assistant town manager, said the end of HB 2384 was “good news for the town of Florence.” He said town officials believe the current law is a good one, and the town extends an open invitation to San Tan Valley residents who want to discuss incorporation.
Under current state law, communities must obtain the blessing of every city or town within six miles before it can vote to incorporate.
During San Tan Valley’s last major push to incorporate in 2010, it was bound by the six-mile rule. The Florence Town Council said no, putting the kibosh on the effort. At the time, the town was worried about the loss of $1 million in state shared revenues when the new city claimed its share.
