The City of Chandler is a reflection of the people it serves — a community of innovation. Responsible financial management, wise infrastructure investments and a commitment to low-cost, high quality services are among ways we strive to serve residents and help businesses thrive.
Total City Budget | $1.35 Billion
Bond Ratings and Property Taxes
Chandler followed rigorous financial policies, maintained a structurally balanced budget and was among the few cities in the nation with AAA Bond ratings from all three rating agencies. The additional payments to reduce the City’s pension liability were viewed favorably by rating agencies and contributed to the AAA bond ratings.
The City Council reduced the primary property tax rate in 2022 for the seventh consecutive year and maintained the secondary tax rate to help mitigate increases in assessed property value. Chandler voters approved additional bond authorization that will enable the City to sell bonds to fund future improvements for infrastructure and facilities.
Where Does My Property Tax Dollar Go?
The property tax rate in Chandler is $1.12 per $100 of assessed value. For every dollar collected:
- 9.8 cents goes to the City of Chandler
- 22.7 cents goes to Maricopa County
- 67.5 cents goes to schools
Fiscal Sustainability
Chandler taxpayers experienced some of the lowest total costs of service, utility charges, sales tax rates and staffing levels in the Valley through adherence to financial policies. The City regularly compares utility rates, tax levels and fees with other cities to compare the cost of key essential services, the impact of sales tax and property tax rates and the efficiency of our workforce in providing services. Chandler offered great value to taxpayers with the second-lowest total cost for services among Valley cities.
Cost of Utility Services
Chandler completed a cost-of-service study in 2022 and made water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and solid waste rate adjustments designed to re-allocate utility revenues across all customer classes.
Utilities and Water
Chandler has invested in strategies that enhance our utility infrastructure and water portfolio. Efforts during 2022 included:
- Roosevelt Dam Flood Control Space Project will provide additional Salt River supplies during high flow years
- Bartlett Dam Modification Project will provide additional Verde River supplies during high flow years
- White Mountain Apache Tribe Settlement will provide additional Colorado River supplies on an annual basis
- Salt River Project (SRP) and Central Arizona Project (CAP) Interconnect Facility Project will allow supplies from the Salt and Verde rivers to be delivered by the CAP canal to the San Tan Vista Water Treatment Plant to meet demands of customers outside of SRP service area
Loop 101/202 Repair
In January 2022, the City Council entered into a Joint Project Agreement with the State of Arizona so Chandler could be reimbursed up to $8,000,000 for the repair of a broken water main near the Loop 101/202 Interchange.
Leveraging Grant Opportunities
Chandler maximized the use of grants and partnerships to achieve strategic goals this year.
$97M Operating Grants
$47M Capital Grants
- Kyrene Branch/Highline Canal Shared Use Path Construction: $3,703,000
- Frye Road Protected Bike Lane Design: $248,942
- Transit Services Federal Grants (RideChoice and Bus): $170,000
- Protected Bike Lane Study: $75,440
- Arizona Avenue Shared Use Path Study: $75,000
Total: $4,272,382
A 21st Century Workforce
Chandler pursued programs and strategies to continue building a 21st century workforce to serve the Chandler community.
Classification & Compensation Study
Chandler conducted a study to update its classification and compensation system.
The outcome creates a system that accurately reflects job requirements and responsibilities, creates a career progression for growth and enables the City to compete for talented employees to serve the community.
Police Officer Hiring Incentives
Chandler created a $10,000 hiring incentive to attract current police officers to Chandler. The package included a $5,000 hiring incentive plus up to $5,000 in relocation assistance for officers living outside the greater Phoenix area.
We also received recognition for creatively using Federal COVID relief funds to generate ongoing savings to pay and recruit more police officers.
Bilingual Pay Program
Chandler recognizes the growth of languages commonly used in our community and has expanded our bilingual pay program to compensate employees who demonstrate language proficiency and serve residents and businesses in other languages. Languages included are:
- American Sign Language
- Chinese
- Hindi
- Spanish
- Tagalog
- Vietnamese
City Identity and Performance
Branding 2.0
Chandler updated brand standards to reflect the modern identity of the community in its marketing and communications activities.
The new standards and guidance materials provide stability and flexibility to effectively communicate with diverse audiences.
Performance Dashboard and Progress Updates
Chandler launched dashboards to communicate performance of City Council Strategic Framework priorities.
The information is updated semi-annually to demonstrate progress being made toward each of the City Council’s goals.