San Tan Valley took major steps toward becoming fully operational on January 7. The Town Council approved a lease for its first municipal office. Town Manager Brent Billingsley also announced that state revenue will begin flowing and that six job openings have been posted. The town incorporated September 17, 2025.
The office will be located inside the San Tan Valley County Complex at 31505 N. Schnepf Road, where the council already holds its meetings. Billingsley said the space is just west of the Bronze Room. The move-in date is expected to be February 1 or February 5.
State Revenue Funding Approved for San Tan Valley
Beyond securing office space, the town received confirmation of its first revenue streams. On Monday, the Arizona Department of Revenue approved the method for disbursing state shared funds to the town.
“We are now going to get not only HURF funds and vehicle license tax funds, but we’re gonna start getting our state shared revenues as well, as a town,” Billingsley told the council.
Lee Grafstrom, a tax policy analyst with the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, estimated in November that San Tan Valley’s shared revenues could reach $48-54 million annually, assuming a population of 100,000. However, HURF distributions likely won’t begin until after July 1, 2026, when the town assumes road maintenance responsibility.
Additionally, the town received an invoice from the Census Bureau for population certification. The population count will determine the town’s share of state revenues. Billingsley said the invoice arrived January 7 and he expected it to be paid the following day.
San Tan Valley Town Hiring Begins
The town has advertised six positions on the League of Arizona Cities and Towns website. Residents interested in working for San Tan Valley can apply through that site.
Queen Creek Praised for Early Support
Town officials publicly thanked Queen Creek for its assistance. In November, Queen Creek approved a financial agreement providing San Tan Valley up to $250,000 monthly for operating expenses through October 2026. Mayor Julia Wheatley attended the January 7 meeting with a majority of her council members and the town manager.
“We wouldn’t be in the position we’re in now if it were not for our friends at Queen Creek,” Billingsley said. “I wouldn’t be sitting here, so thank you so much.”
Town’s First Proclamation Recognizes Anti-Human Trafficking Month
Mayor Daren Schnepf issued the town’s first proclamation, recognizing January as Anti-Human Trafficking Month. The proclamation declares “Not In Our City” and highlights efforts to raise awareness and prevent human trafficking.
“The first proclamation that the town has ever signed, and what a worthy cause it is to do so,” Schnepf said.
Other Council Actions
The council unanimously approved three additional items. Resolution 2026-02 establishes an intergovernmental agreement with Pinal County for election services.
Council members also approved an interim contract with Educational Services LLC for town clerk services. The agreement runs through April 15, 2026, or until a longer-term clerk is hired. It carries a maximum cost of $17,700.
Finally, Resolution 2026-03 grants the town manager authority to approve purchases up to $75,000. It also establishes initial procurement procedures for the new government.
Pinal County Presentations Scheduled
Pinal County’s Community Development Department will present on January 21. The presentation will cover entitlements, planning cases, and zoning cases in the San Tan Valley area. The Public Works Department is scheduled to present on February 18.
