PHOENIX — Gov. Doug Ducey vetoed legislation this morning that would have allowed some developers to levy their own taxes.
In his fourth veto of the session, the governor said he understands the need for "community facilities districts.” These are existing methods that developers can use to build infrastucture in new subdivisions.
But the governor found problems with provisions that would have allowed developers to demand that cities accede to formation of such districts.
The changes would have allowed those districts to have their own governing boards, complete with the power to tax homeowners, that are controlled by the developers.
"I'm a strong advocate for building our economy, and I know that growth and development are key to that success,” Ducey said in his veto message.
"However, I'm concerned that this bill does not provide needed protections for the taxpayer,” he continued. "These districts, like all of government, need to be accountable, and when the balance of power disproportionately favors any one side, homeowners and businesses are the ones who suffer.”
