Mesa Update

Last Monday, I mentioned some decisions to be considered by voters in Mesa, Arizona. Faced with some tough growing pains and some hopes of adding more urban amenities to their suburban lifestyles, voters considered that city’s first property tax in 60 years and a higher sales tax.

Mesa voters approved a slight increase in sales tax, but soundly rejected a property tax. Hours after the vote, Mesa — one of the largest cities in the country — began announcing cuts to municipal services and the employee layoffs.