Desert Messenger

Facebook.com/ DesertMessengerNews Expenditure Limitation to be on November ballot By Shanana Rain Golden-Bear Town of Quartzsite will ask voters to decide on November 5, 2024, wheth- er to increase the Town's state-im- posed expenditure limitation base- line by $2,850,000. All Arizona cities have such expenditure limitations, which limits the maximum amount a city can spend each year to provide services and programs. Most Arizona cities – 82 of 91 – have gone to their voters and adjusted their expenditure limitation baselines or adopted an al- ternative limitation since they took effect in the 1979-80 budget year. What is a Permanent Base Adjustment? A Permanent Base Adjustment is an increase to a City's Expenditure Limit by raising the base of its formula, as approved by the voters in a local elec- tion. A Permanent Base Adjustment allows a city to spend money it already has on projects it deems important. What is the Expenditure Limit? The Expenditure Limit is a 1980 state law that limits the amount of money that Arizona cities can spend each year, regardless of how much money they have. The limit is based on a formula consisting of a base and multipliers for each city's growth and infl ation. Some quick facts: • Proposition 402 (Permanent Base Adjustment) does NOT raise existing taxes. • Proposition 402 does NOT impose new or additional taxes. • Proposition 402 allows the Town Council to utilize funds already on- hand for projects the Council deter- mines important without the process and cost of utilizing long-term loans. • Proposition 402 does not permit the Town to expend more than it re- ceives in revenue. In November, 2023, Quartzsite vot- ers passed a One-Time Override for an Alternative Expenditure Limita- tion for Fiscal Year 2024-25 which will begin July 1st, 2024. The Town of Quartzsite Mayor and Council pro- poses a more permanent alternative expenditure limitation which will al- low the Town to establish budgets ac- cording to local needs of revenues re- ceived (budgeted), rather than being subjected to State-imposed formula. If the voters approve, the additional expenditure authority will be used for all local budgetary purposes in- cluding public safety, parks, recre- ation, library, utilities and public works streets and roads and general government. Revenues received from federal, state, and local sources will be used to fund such expenditures. This option, if adopted by the Town Council and approved by voters, will take effect July 1, 2025. For more information visit www. QuartzsiteAZ.org or contact Town Hall at 928-927-4333. May 15, 2024 DesertMessenger.com 15 UPDATE: Plan for alternating lane restrictions and ramp closures on I- 10 in Quartzsite through May 31 The Arizona Department of Trans- portation advises drivers to plan ahead for lane restrictions and ramp closures on east- and west- bound Interstate 10 in Quartzsite. • The following lane restrictions will occur from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday, May 17, for slope paving: • Dome Rock Road underpass will be reduced to one lane with alternating traffi c controlled via fl aggers. • The following alternating lane re- strictions will occur Sunday through Friday from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Friday, May 31, for paving: • East- and westbound I-10 will be reduced to one lane between Dome Rock Road to Scaddan Wash (mile- post 11 to 24). • A 14-foot vehicle width restriction will be in place. • The speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph. The following eastbound ramp closure is scheduled for guardrail installation: • The eastbound I-10 off-ramp at Dome Rock Road will be closed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Monday, May 13, and ending Friday, May 17, for guardrail installation. Detour: Use I-10, Quartzsite Boulevard (Exit 17) and follow the detour signs to westbound I-10. The following westbound closures are scheduled for drainage work: • The westbound I-10 off-ramp at Quartzsite Boulevard (exit 17) will be closed 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Tuesday, May 14, through Thursday, May 16. Detour route: Use westbound I-10 to Riggles Road (Exit 19), then north to Main Street and west through the Town of Quartzsite. Plan for closure of the I-10 Gold Nugget Road overpass near Plo- mosa beginning May 15 - Drivers should expect delays and allow extra travel time The Arizona Department of Trans- portation advises drivers to plan ahead for the full closure of the Inter- state 10 Gold Nugget Road overpass (Exit 26) near Plomosa beginning at 6 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, and end- ing 5 p.m. Saturday, June 15. Vehicles will be allowed to exit at Gold Nugget Road and either re-en- ter east- and westbound I-10 or make a right turn onto Gold Nugget road; however access to the overpass will be completely blocked off. Detour: Westbound detours to Rig- gles Avenue (Exit 19) to access east- bound I-10. Eastbound detours to US 60 interchange (Exit 31) to access westbound I-10. Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unfore- seen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Bilingual Proj- ect Information Line at 855.712.8530 or go to azdot.gov/contact and select Projects from the drop-down menu. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT's Traveler In- formation Site at www.az511.gov, Need to know where a milepost is? Click on the "Mile Markers" icon on the map at www.az511.com. For real- time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT's Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, download the AZ511 app or call 511. Drivers should plan for delays, obey posted speed limits and traffi c con- trol devices and use caution around construction personnel. I-10 construction latest updates

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