For more detailed information, please review the Sedona Home Rule Informational Pamphlet. 

Quick facts on Home Rule

In the July 2026 election, you will have the opportunity to vote on the City of Sedona's Home Rule Option, which allows the City to set its own budget.

Deadline for submission of supporting or opposing arguments is Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Arguments must be submitted in electronic format via email. Please review the Public Notice Call for Arguments.

What is the history and background of Home Rule? 

In 1980, Arizona voters approved a tax reform package that limited what cities and towns could spend in their annual budget, and gave the State the authority to impose the amount a city could spend. The State-Imposed Expenditure Limitation (SIEL) is based on a formula created in 1980, adjusted each year for population and inflation, that sets the maximum amount a city can spend each year.

In addition, the legislation allows a city’s voters to approve an exception to the SIEL, which is called the Alternative Expenditure Limitation. Instead of adopting the SIEL, Sedona voters may elect to make annual budget decisions for the city “at home,” also known as the Home Rule Option.

Will Home Rule affect taxes?

No, Home Rule does not affect taxes. Whether Home Rule passes or fails, it will not have a direct effect on taxes increasing or decreasing.

What happens if Home Rule passes?

If Home Rule passes, the Sedona City Council will continue to set the budget locally, as it has for the last 30 years, considering all available financial resources and addressing community needs and priorities.

What happens if Home Rule fails?

If Home Rule fails, Sedona would operate under the SIEL, which will automatically set the City’s annual budget limit using the formula created in 1980. Based on Fiscal Year 2026 figures, the City’s annual budget would be reduced by 70%. This may result in significant reduction of City services to residents and businesses. See the Sedona Home Rule Informational Pamphlet for more details. 

While the SIEL controls the amount of funds to be spent, it does not change the amount of revenue that can be collected or received – which may result in the City being unable to spend millions of dollars collected on City services and community needs. City revenue, such as sales tax, would still be received and invested, but could not be spent.

Where can I learn more about Home Rule?

The City of Sedona will hold two open public forums at City Hall in June 2026 to answer questions about Home Rule. Residents who support or oppose Home Rule are invited to attend and comment. The meetings will be live-streamed at sedonaaz.gov/councillive.

City Council will hold two public hearings regarding Home Rule on February 24, 2026 March 10, 2026. The hearings will be live streamed at sedonaaz.gov/councillive.

Where and when do I vote on Home Rule?

You can vote by mail or in person on July 21, 2026, from 6 AM to 7 PM at your precinct polling place or vote center. Please check with your County to confirm the location of your precinct polling place or the nearest vote center. If you have any questions, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (928) 282-3113.

This information is being disseminated in order to educate voters about the Alternative Expenditure Limitation. Further information can be obtained from the State of Arizona Office of the Auditor General website.