Board approves formation of Tolleson Farms 2 after questions on assessments and maintenance

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved formation of the Tolleson Farms 2 irrigation water delivery district on Jan. 17 after a hearing that included staff explanation, neighborhood testimony and repeated questions about assessments and maintenance.

Supervisor Gallardo moved to approve the petition; Vice Chair Lesko seconded and the motion passed with all members voting aye. The clerk’s office reported two written comments in opposition from Anne Bynan and Randy Lowry but no in-person opponents. Proponent Aaron Herrera spoke at the hearing and Laurie Maderas of the clerk’s office provided the board with statutory context and procedural safeguards.

Maderas told the board that petitions are approved when statutory signature and filing requirements are met, and she explained budget oversight: districts must hold a public meeting to approve annual budgets and submit annual reports. She said proposed assessments typically are set per acre. For Tolleson Farms, the impact statement indicated a proposed assessment of $74.99 per acre per year. Maderas also said districts that reach a $50,000 budget threshold are subject to a statutory review or audit.

Board members pressed staff and the proponent on who pays for repairs before formation. Maderas said current maintenance is generally handled by property owners, often through voluntary donations, and that aging canals and pipes (some 50–60 years old) increase repair needs. Aaron Herrera, who said he has property in both districts and serves as an elected official with Salt River Project, described the SRP delivery arrangement and neighborhood trustee selection; he said SRP’s responsibility typically extends "up to the gate" and that downstream canal repairs are the property owners’ responsibility. Herrera also referenced planning figures and suggested modest annual funding (he cited roughly $200 as an example during discussion).

Supervisor Gallardo, who represents the area, told the board he is familiar with residents’ concerns and voiced support for formation so the district has a reliable revenue source for maintenance. The board approved the petition despite the two written oppositions; the clerk will continue to follow statutory steps for implementation and trustee elections.