Court: Glendale tax affecting Phoenix Coyotes should be on ballot

PHOENIX - The Arizona Court of Appeals has ruled that a Glendale sales-tax initiative should appear on the November ballot.

The court's 13-page ruling came down Friday.

A business group known as Save Glendale Now challenged the Maricopa County Superior Court's rejection of petitions for a ballot initiative to reverse the sales tax hike. That ruling stated that the description of the petitions was misleading.

Glendale city officials say the 0.7 percent increase is essential to avoid severe budget cuts. It went into effect Aug. 1 and is expected to bring in $23 million this fiscal year.

City officials also say money generated from the sales tax will help Glendale cover its bills for items including a $17 million arena management payment to a likely buyer for the NHL's Phoenix Coyotes.