SAN TAN VALLEY, AZ – The San Tan Valley Town Council held a brief meeting on November 19, 2025. Residents raised pressing questions about sales tax collection. Council members also requested long-term planning be added to future agendas before entering executive session.
The brief agenda included requests for future items, public comment, and an executive session to discuss hiring for town manager, town clerk, and town finance director positions.
Residents Question Sales Tax Collection Methods
Jeanne Stockton, a 16-year Johnson Ranch resident, brought multiple sales tax questions to the council. She asked how the town would ensure only residents within town boundaries pay the correct sales tax on online purchases. Stockton noted this has been a problem in the past.
“We were being charged Town of Queen Creek sales tax in some of the ZIP code areas,” Stockton said. She explained that ZIP code areas don’t align with town borders. The town would need its GIS mapping work to ensure proper sales tax collection, she suggested. As one example, she cited the foothills with the 85142 ZIP code as an area where residents could be charged incorrectly.
Karen Mooney, a San Tan Heights resident and Pinal County Planning and Zoning Commissioner, provided a concrete example of the sales tax problem. She said her area has been affected for years with sales from companies like Amazon. When her area’s ZIP code changed from 85142 to 85144, her husband entered her address with each ZIP code. Each showed a different tax code. “That money has all been going to Queen Creek,” Mooney said.
Mooney worked with former county attorney Kent Volkmer on the issue. She offered to share their email communications with the council and suggested the town work to recover money that belongs to San Tan Valley.
Council Election Information Requested
Stockton questioned how information about running for town council reaches the broader community beyond those who attend meetings. She suggested the town issue a press release explaining how residents can obtain packets to run for council positions.
She also suggested sending information to the 80-plus people who applied for appointed positions. These residents might be interested in running for elected positions.
Stockton raised additional questions about town procedures. She asked if the council is defining a policy for social media engagement.
Police Department Status Question Raised
Mooney asked about plans for a police department. She noted the council has been working on fire department matters but said police should be established before fire. “That’s one of the first things that the town should be establishing before fire is the police department,” Mooney said.
She acknowledged some work happens privately but asked for transparency and communication with the community about police department progress.
Long-Term Planning Requested for Future Agendas
Mayor Daren Schnepf requested vision planning for 10 to 15 years out be added to a future agenda. He said the council would be busy with startup items. “If we’re not careful, we’ll forget long term,” Schnepf said.
Council member Oakes suggested reviewing the Pinal County general plan for the San Tan Valley area. Vice-Mayor Tyler Hudgins added that the special area plan should also be included.
Mayor Schnepf told the public no further business would occur after the executive session. The council will address future agenda items and resident concerns at upcoming meetings.
