Explore Our Priority Projects

The Gilbert Town Council prioritized the following parks, recreation and public safety projects to receive tax funding.

Where will the tax funds be directed?

Collectively, Parks and Recreation, Police, and Fire departments contribute to the overall well-being and quality of life in a community. Their services and initiatives promote safety, physical and mental well-being, community engagement, and a sense of belonging, making the community a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family.

The Gilbert Town Council discussed multiple funding options for the below infrastructure projects. After weighing the options, Council decided to implement increases to the sales tax, use tax, and bed tax rates.

These taxes are paid for by residents, businesses, and visitors. Allowing visitors to help pay for the cost of the infrastructure they benefit from while in Gilbert reduces the costs to residents and businesses.  

To learn more about the projects prioritized at the 2024 Spring Financial Retreat, keep scrolling or jump to a section by clicking in the grey bar above.

How do Gilbert's tax rates compare to other valley cities?

The sales tax increase is one of only three since 1973! The rate began at 1.0% in 1973 and has remained at 1.5% since 2000. At 2.0%, Gilbert will remain comparable, if not lower than, the majority of surrounding municipalities.

Currently, Gilbert's use tax rate is 0%. The new tax rate will bring Gilbert's use tax rate to 2.0%. All other peer communities in the valley charge a use tax rate between 1.50% and 2.9%. 

Gilbert's current bed tax rate is 2.8%. The increase will bring the bed tax rate to 5.0%. All other peer communities in the valley charge a bed tax rate between 2.5% and 5.0%.

Sales Tax Impact

The sales tax impact will be $0.50 for every $100 spent, and we're making every cent count. This funding model shares the costs with all users and visitors.

Parks & Recreation Projects

The Gilbert Parks and Recreation system faces capacity challenges as our community grows. With over 5.3 million annual visits, the system is under strain and requires expansion to meet the increasing resident demand. In 2023, as part of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the Town of Gilbert gathered extensive community input on future parks, trails, and program offerings under the initiative "Plan Where You Play." In 2024, the Town Council approved the 10-year master plan which is crucial for the sustainable development and improvement of community spaces.

Police Department Projects

As Gilbert continues to grow, it is imperative for the Gilbert Police Department to keep up with this growth and prepare for future needs of our community.  The Police Department has identified four projects which will enhance the safety of Gilbert and improve the efficiencies of police services.

Fire Department Projects

Response times are the cornerstone of measuring a fire department's effectiveness. Community surveys completed by our residents and businesses show response times are their number one priority for the fire department.

To maintain response times, Gilbert Fire & Rescue needs to place the most effective response unit in the ideal location with a reliable apparatus. Gilbert Fire & Rescue has identified key projects which will ensure the department can continue to protect our people and our community.

Timeline

Where do I go to learn more?

For the latest information on the 2025 Tax Rate Increases, please visit our website at  gilbertaz.gov/TaxRates .