Public Safety Ballot Propositions 404 & 405
Summary
Flagstaff voters will decide a half-cent sales tax and $40 million bond for fire, police, airport firefighting, and emergency management. City says calls have nearly doubled since 2008 while staffing stayed flat; tax sunsets in 15 years and wouldn't apply to groceries or rent.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 17
- Last 30 days
- 6
Rising — discussed at 5 meetings since Sep 16, 2026, up from 3 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
Half-cent sales tax raising about $18.2 million a year; a $50,000 car would cost $250 more, groceries and rent exempt; the bond wouldn't raise the current property tax rate.
Residents through faster emergency response, better insurance ratings, and expanded wildfire prevention — plus visitors, since ~37% of the tax is paid by non-residents.
Shoppers pay slightly more on taxable purchases; some residents may question the added sales tax burden.
Mentions & discussions (17)
Flagstaff voters pass one of two funding measures for police, fire departments
As of Friday, Proposition 404 seemed to be dead in the water, with 53.73% of voters opposed and only 46.27% in support, while Proposition 405 had 51.85% of voters in support with 48.15% opposed.
Statement on Outcome of Props 404 & 405
Proposition 404 leaning no, 405 leaning yes in preliminary results
Proposition 404 leaning no, 405 leaning yes in preliminary results Arizona Daily Sun
Letter to the Editor: The reasons to support Props 404 and 405 are obvious
The reasons you should support Propositions 404 and 405 are obvious. We have underfunded our fire and police departments for years. You may also have heard questionable arguments against these propositions:
Flagstaff voters to decide sales tax hike for public safety
Flagstaff voters to decide sales tax hike for public safety The Center Square
Letter to the Editor: First responders ask that you hear what they are saying
As you consider Propositions 404 and 405, your first responders ask you to understand what we’re telling you.
Tourism Commission — October 8, 2026
City officials presented details on two November ballot measures: Proposition 404, a half-cent sales tax increase for public safety staffing and operations, and Proposition 405, a $40 million bond for facilities and equipment. The measures aim to address staffing shortages and infrastructure needs across police, fire, airport rescue, and emergency management.
Airport Commission — September 30, 2026
City officials presented Propositions 404 (half-cent sales tax) and 405 ($40 million GO bond) heading to the November 3 ballot. These measures aim to fund 77 new public safety positions across police, fire, emergency management, and airport rescue, as well as necessary facilities and equipment.
Sustainability — September 24, 2026
City officials are asking voters to approve a half-cent sales tax and a $40 million bond in November to fund urgent staffing, equipment, and facility needs for police, fire, airport rescue, and emergency management.
Pedestrian Advisory Committee — September 24, 2026
City staff presented details on the upcoming November ballot measures proposing a 0.5-cent sales tax and a $40 million bond to fund police, fire, emergency management, and wildland mitigation. Committee members discussed community impacts, including wildfire insurance stabilization and equipment needs.
Flagstaff Housing Authority — September 17, 2026
Fire Chief Mark Gaylord presented details on upcoming November ballot measures Prop 404 (a half-cent sales tax) and Prop 405 ($40 million general bond). These measures aim to fund critical public safety personnel, facilities, and equipment.
Heritage Preservation Commission — September 16, 2026
City officials presented details on the upcoming November ballot measures proposing a half-cent sales tax and a $40 million bond to fund police, fire, emergency management, and airport rescue staffing and infrastructure.
Indigenous Commission — September 3, 2026
Flagstaff voters will decide a half-cent sales tax and $40 million bond for fire, police, airport firefighting, and emergency management. City says calls have nearly doubled since 2008 while staffing stayed flat; tax sunsets in 15 years and wouldn't apply to groceries or rent.
City Council Meeting - FINAL — September 1, 2026
City staff presented the comprehensive outreach and advertising plan for the November public safety ballot measures, which include a half-cent sales tax (Prop 404) and a $40 million general obligation bond (Prop 405) for police, fire, and emergency services. Council members discussed advertising materials, response time messaging, small business outreach, and neighborhood association presentations.
Housing Commission — August 13, 2026
City officials introduced upcoming ballot measures proposing a half-cent sales tax and a $40 million bond to upgrade police, fire, airport rescue, and emergency management services. The funding aims to address decades of underinvestment, growing call volumes, and facility needs.
City Council Meeting - FINAL — June 16, 2026
The city is placing two measures on the November 2026 ballot to address severe staffing shortages and equipment needs in police and fire services: a $40 million general obligation bond and a 0.5% sales tax increase. Supporters emphasized that public safety departments are severely underfunded and overworked, while community members debated the tax burden during public testimony.
City Council Work Session — March 24, 2026
City staff and the Public Safety Tax Citizens Committee outlined extensive staffing, equipment, and facility needs for police, fire, airport rescue, and emergency management totaling $407 million over ten years, leading toward a potential November ballot measure.
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