Casa Grande Proposition 496 passed by a narrow margin in the November 4, 2025 election. The City Council certified the results on November 17. Voters approved the $67 million recreation bond by 320 votes.
The measure authorizes general obligation bonds for parks and recreation improvements. Projects include an aquatic complex, lighted baseball and softball fields, and multipurpose sports facilities. Property taxes will increase to pay debt service unless the city provides alternative funding sources. Principal payments extend no later than 25 years.
Election Results Certified by Council
The special bond election asked voters whether to authorize $67 million in general obligation bonds for parks and recreation improvements. Pinal County conducted the election as an all-mail ballot.
Casa Grande Proposition 496 Vote Breakdown
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Bond Approval, YES | 4,792 |
| Bond Approval, NO | 4,472 |
| Total Votes Cast | 9,264 |
| Over Votes | 4 |
| Under Votes | 64 |
| Contest Totals | 9,332 |
The proposition passed with 51.7% approval. The margin of victory was 320 votes. Voter turnout reached 23.3%, with 9,332 ballots cast out of 40,131 registered voters in Casa Grande.
Recreation Bond Will Fund Three Major Projects
The $67 million bond will fund specific recreational improvements. The aquatic complex will feature a heated, recreational and competitive swimming pool. Additional amenities may include water slides, ramada spaces, a picnic patio, family pool with zero-depth entry, lazy river, and spray playground.
Ed Hooper Park will receive lighted baseball and softball fields. These fields will accommodate youth and adult leagues, regional and local tournaments, clinics, and practices.
The park will also get multipurpose sports and event fields. These spaces will support multi-sport leagues, regional and local tournaments, clinics, special events, and community use with lighting and expanded capacity.
Property Tax Impact
Property taxes will increase to pay for the bonds. The estimated cost is $0.5539 per $100 of assessed limited property value.
Annual cost examples based on limited property value:
- $100,000 limited value: $55 per year
- $200,000 limited value: $111 per year
- $250,000 limited value: $138 per year
- $300,000 limited value: $166 per year
- $400,000 limited value: $222 per year
Limited property value is typically lower than a home’s market value. It is the basis for computing primary property taxes in Arizona. Learn more about limited value vs. full cash value. Residents can look up their home’s limited property value on the Pinal County Assessor website.
The bonds may be issued over 25 years. The city could use other funding sources instead of property taxes.
What Happens Next for Casa Grande Proposition 496
The City Council certified the election results on November 17. Casa Grande can now begin planning and implementing the approved recreational projects.
Mayor Lisa Navarro Fitzgibbons acknowledged the close vote margin during the meeting. The city will develop strategies for communicating next steps to residents.
Based on estimates from earlier planning, facilities could open approximately two years after approval, potentially in 2027. Specific timelines and project phases will be announced as the city proceeds with bond issuance. Read more about the original proposal.
