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    • About Bonds

    What are bonds?

    Bonds, or municipal bonds, are a common form of financing used by cities, towns, counties, school districts and other local governments and taxing districts. These governments or districts sell bonds to investors and use the revenue to fund capital improvement projects. Municipal bonds are attractive to investors because the interest earned is typically tax-exempt.

    What types of projects are typically bond funded?

    Pima County typically uses bonds to fund the construction of major capital improvement projects, such as:
    • Affordable housing
    • Community centers
    • Court facilities
    • Flood Control improvements
    • Land purchased to conserve natural areas
    • Libraries
    • Museums
    • Neighborhood reinvestment projects
    • Parks and recreational facilities
    • Public health clinics
    • Roads
    • Sewer treatment facilities
    • Sheriff substations

    Where are these projects typically located?

    These projects are typically located all over Pima County, inside and outside cities and towns and on the Tohono O’odham and Pascua Yaqui reservations. The region as a whole benefits from these projects.

    How is bond debt repaid?

    • General obligation bonds are paid back with secondary property taxes.
    • Highway User Revenue bonds are paid back with state revenues from the vehicle license tax, fuel tax, motor carrier fees and use taxes.
    • Sewer revenue bonds are paid back with sewer user and connection fees.

    Do Pima County bond projects create local jobs?

    Since the 1997 bond election, Pima County’s capital improvement program, which is largely funded with bonds, has created an estimated 23,500 local jobs.

    Is voter approval required before Pima County can sell bonds?

    Yes, for general obligation, transportation (HURF) and sewer revenue bonds.

    How can the public be assured that they are getting what they voted for?

    Accountability and transparency are extremely important to us. Please visit Commitment to the Community to learn more.

    Is Pima County planning another bond election?

    Yes, on April 21, 2015 the Board of Supervisors approved a resolution ordering and calling a special bond election to be held on November 3, 2015 for the purposes of road and highway improvements; economic development; libraries and workforce training; tourism promotion; parks and recreation; public health; welfare and safety; neighborhoods and housing; natural area conservation and historic preservation; and flood control. Please visit the Bonds2015 information page to learn more.
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    Pima County Bonds

    (520) 724-8149


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