Faced with the need to construct a Town Hall/Community Center, build out the town sports complex, and pay for a drainage master plan, the Tusayan Town Council voted July 14th to increase the town sales tax from 2% to 4%. As food for home consumption and other necessities are not impacted by the tax, the vast majority of the revenue raised will come from tourism.

The unanimous vote came after a public hearing on the tax increase as well as the town budget. The increase will go into effect October first. Here is a link to the ordinance. 

Town Manager Greg Clifton noted, “This TPT increase is about capital projects, nothing more. It is not about growing programs and staffing. This is about securing a revenue source that will pay for the capital projects that have been in the planning stages for some time.”

The Town previously outlined how the money will be spent:

• The new Town Hall facility will be constructed right in town on Hwy 64 (the vacant
parcel has been purchased by the town, and we are currently underway with
architectural services). This new facility will provide a permanent home for the town
organization and will include significant community space for various functions and
non-profit services. This is important insofar as the town does not currently own the
land where the existing town hall exists.

• Expansion of the Sports Complex. The added multi-use facilities are being
discussed in partnership with the Grand Canyon Unified School District and will
follow the recommendations as identified in the Sports Complex Master Plan,
meeting the local needs of our residents and students.

• Flood Control and Mitigation Improvements. These improvements, as identified
within the Tusayan Drainage Master Plan, are now at 30% design. The overall cost
and complexity of these improvements will require phased development over many
years, utilizing federal and state funding opportunities. The Town of Tusayan will
need to establish a dedicated fund to help meet local cash match obligations and
some property and easement acquisitions. We are working in conjunction with the
Coconino Flood Control District in pursuing these critical improvements.