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Welcome to COGS City Charter Quizzes!

At COGS (Coalition of Greater Scottsdale), we believe that an informed community is an empowered community. Be an Informed Resident by learning about the City Charter – the foundation of how Scottsdale operates – and stay connected to the decisions that shape our city.

These quizzes are designed to make learning about the Scottsdale City Charter engaging and accessible for all residents. Whether you’re a longtime local or a newcomer, these interactive quizzes will help you grasp the key elements of our city’s governance in a fun and educational way.

Each week, we’ll include a short summary of the section covered in the quiz. But if you want to dive deeper and read the entire City Charter yourself, you can find it here.

Test your knowledge, explore the core principles of the City Charter, and gain a deeper understanding of the rules that guide our city. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in and discover how the Scottsdale City Charter impacts us all!

Scottsdale City Charter

City Government Structure

The City of Scottsdale operates under a council-manager form of government, where an elected council sets policies and appoints a city manager to oversee daily operations and budget administration. The council includes the mayor and six council members, each serving four-year terms. While the city manager handles budget administration, the council holds broad authority, including passing ordinances, appointing officials, and making decisions on land use and development to guide Scottsdale’s growth and services.

The number of attempts remaining is 10

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1. What form of government does the City of Scottsdale follow?

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2. How many members are in the Scottsdale City Council?

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3. What is the term length for the Mayor and Council members in Scottsdale?

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4. Who is responsible for the administration of the city’s budget?

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5. What powers does the City of Scottsdale Council have?

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Powers of the City

The City of Scottsdale holds broad powers granted by its charter, including the ability to levy taxes, regulate public utilities, and acquire property as needed for city purposes. It can contract for city improvements, often using competitive bidding to ensure fairness and value. Scottsdale is also responsible for establishing floodways and flood plains to manage water flow and protect property and lives. Land use and zoning decisions are guided by the city’s comprehensive general plan, which shapes future development. When it comes to acquiring land through condemnation, the city must ensure state authorization, a clear public use, and that all reasonable options have been exhausted before proceeding.

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1 / 5

Which of the following powers is granted to the C ity of Scottsdale?

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Can Scottsdale contract for city improvements?

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Which is a responsibility of the City of Scottsdale regarding flood control?

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How does the City of Scottsdale handle zoning and land use planning?

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What is required for the City of Scottsdale to exercise the power of condemnation of land?

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The City Council

In Scottsdale, the Mayor serves as the head of city government for ceremonial purposes, while also presiding over council meetings as a voting member. Both the Mayor and Council members serve four-year terms, with the Mayor limited to three consecutive elected terms. If a vacancy arises on the council, it is filled by appointment from the remaining council members rather than through a special election. Additionally, the City Council itself determines the salaries of both the Mayor and council members, ensuring decisions remain under local governance.

The number of attempts remaining is 10

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1 / 5

1. Who serves as the head of the city government for ceremonial purposes in Scottsdale?

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2. How long is the term of a Scottsdale Council member?

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3. What is the process for filling a vacancy in the Scottsdale City Council?

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4. What is the maximum number of consecutive terms a Mayor can serve in Scottsdale?

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5. Who determines the salary of Scottsdale’s Mayor and Council members?

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City Finance & Taxation

Scottsdale’s fiscal year runs from July to June, aligning with many municipal budgeting cycles. The City Council holds broad financial powers, including setting tax rates, levying additional taxes for special purposes, and collecting taxes with county services when needed. Taxes such as sales tax increases require approval by voters through elections, ensuring public input on revenue decisions. While the council adopts an annual budget, it can exceed this budget in emergency or unanticipated situations if needed to protect city interests. To maintain financial accountability, certified public accountants conduct an independent audit each year, reviewing Scottsdale’s finances in detail.

The number of attempts remaining is 10

Before you take the quiz, we ask for your name and email so we can add you to our newsletter mailing list. We never sell or share your information, and you can unsubscribe anytime. If you're already subscribed, you won't receive duplicate emails.

1 / 5

1. What is the fiscal year for the City of Scottsdale?

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2. What powers does the City Council have regarding taxes?

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3. How are Scottsdale’s taxes approved by voters?

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4. What happens if the City Council exceeds the adopted budget?

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5. Who is responsible for conducting the annual independent audit of the city’s finances?

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City Elections & Amendments

In Scottsdale, general elections are held every two years, aligning with Arizona’s election cycle. To be elected in a primary election, a candidate must receive a majority of votes in their race. If an election ends in a tie, the winner is determined by lot, ensuring a decisive outcome. The City Charter can be amended by a vote of the qualified electors, allowing residents to shape their governing document. Additionally, city ordinances can be amended or repealed by a vote of the City Council, maintaining local control over city laws and policies.

 

The number of attempts remaining is 10

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1 / 5

1. How are City ordinances amended or repealed in Scottsdale?

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2. Can the Scottsdale City Charter be amended?

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3. What happens in the case of a tie during an election?

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4. What is required for a candidate to be elected in a primary election in Scottsdale?

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5. How often are general elections held in Scottsdale?

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City Court & Legal Provisions

Scottsdale’s municipal court is formally called the City Court of Scottsdale, serving as the city’s judicial branch. The presiding judge is appointed by the City Council and initially serves a two-year term before potential reappointment. All city judges must be licensed attorneys in Arizona, ensuring they meet professional standards for judicial service. To support various administrative functions, including oversight of city contracts, the City Council can create boards or commissions as needed to maintain effective governance and operations.

The number of attempts remaining is 10

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1 / 5

1. What can the City Council create to help with the administration of city contracts?

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2. What must all city judges in Scottsdale be?

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3. What is the term length for the initial presiding judge?

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4. Who appoints the presiding judge of the Scottsdale City Court?

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5. What is the name of the municipal court in Scottsdale?

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Scottsdale's Ordinance & Contract Procedures

In Scottsdale, contracts are executed by the Mayor and must be countersigned by the City Clerk to ensure validity and record-keeping. Public contracts are required to be awarded through public notice and competitive bidding, maintaining transparency and fairness in city procurement. The City Council holds authority to lease, sell, or transfer city property using competitive processes as established by ordinance. Before granting a franchise to a public utility, the Council must pass a resolution and submit it to voters for approval, ensuring public interest is represented. If a contract involves fraud or collusion, it is considered a misdemeanor, and those involved face criminal charges and removal from office, protecting the integrity of city operations.

 

The number of attempts remaining is 10

Before you take the quiz, we ask for your name and email so we can add you to our newsletter mailing list. We never sell or share your information, and you can unsubscribe anytime. If you're already subscribed, you won't receive duplicate emails.

1 / 5

1. What happens if a contract is found to involve fraud or collusion?

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2. What is required before granting a franchise to a public utility in Scottsdale?

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3. What does the City Council have the authority to do regarding property transfer?

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4. How must public contracts be awarded in Scottsdale?

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5. How are contracts executed in Scottsdale?

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Public Services & Utilities in Scottsdale

The City of Scottsdale has the authority to create, operate, and regulate public utilities, ensuring reliable services for its residents. Any franchise granted to a public utility company cannot exceed 25 years in duration, maintaining long-term accountability. Utility rates are determined by the City Council, giving local leaders control over costs and services. Scottsdale can also extend utility services to nearby areas when it is economically convenient, supporting regional development. However, preserve funds cannot be used to construct roads, as they are designated primarily for acquiring preserve land and building or maintaining trails to protect natural open spaces.

The number of attempts remaining is 10

Before you take the quiz, we ask for your name and email so we can add you to our newsletter mailing list. We never sell or share your information, and you can unsubscribe anytime. If you're already subscribed, you won't receive duplicate emails.

1 / 5

1. What power does the City of Scottsdale have regarding public utilities?

2 / 5

2. What is the maximum duration for a public utility franchise in Scottsdale?

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3. Who determines the utility rates in Scottsdale?

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4. Can Scottsdale offer public utility services to nearby areas?

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5. Which of the following is NOT a valid use of preserve funds in Scottsdale?

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