A group opposed to raising Peoria’s sales tax has accused the city of illegally using public money to get residents to vote for the measure. 

If approved, Proposition 400 would permanently increase Peoria’s sales tax by 4 tenths of a cent to pay for public safety and quality of life projects.

Arizona law says cities have to provide voters with neutral information on ballot measures. But the No on 400 Campaign Committee has complained to the Arizona attorney general that about 90 percent of information from the city’s Proposition 400 website, mailer and fliers focuses on the measure’s benefits, said Kory Langhofer, attorney for the Campaign opposing the measure.

“Our position is that the people who authorized these expenditures need to write personal checks to reimburse the taxpayers for taking their money,” Langhofer said. 

Exactly how much was spent, and who approved it is still unknown, Langhofer said. But the total could reach tens of thousands of dollars.

Peoria officials responded that the city has not encouraged people to approve Proposition 400, and has only provided them with factual information.

“The individuals behind the No campaign have used several tactics to smear Proposition . 400 and their latest allegations are simply another ploy to misrepresent the work behind this citizen led initiative,” Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat said in a prepared statement.  “Cities have a responsibility to provide factual information and when special interests groups continue to spread propaganda to mislead and confuse residents, it reinforces the importance of ensuring truthful information is available, which is exactly what the city of Peoria has done.”