Bits and Pieces

Free document shredding Saturday 

The Town of Oro Valley will host a free document-shredding event for residents on Saturday, November 22, at the Oro Valley Marketplace. Shredding runs from 8 a.m. to noon, or until the trucks fill up, with all materials destroyed onsite. The Town encourages residents to use the service as a simple way to reduce the risk of identity theft. Questions can be directed to Constituent Services Coordinator Jessica Hynd at 520-229-4711. (Town of Oro Valley Media Release) 

Ambitious thinking? A 5.8% annual nominal growth rate needed to support the RTA NEXT's 20-Year revenue goal

To meet the revenue levels projected in the RTA NEXT plan, the region’s taxable sales would need to grow about 5.8 percent each year for the next 20 years. RTA NEXT described this assumption as conservative, combining normal economic growth with inflation. Based on the current distribution of taxable transactions, Tucson would supply the largest share of those dollars at 45 percent, followed by Marana at 15 percent, Sahuarita at 9 percent, and Oro Valley at about 8 percent. The remaining 23 percent would come from the rest of Pima County.  This growth rate includes both inflation and real sales growth. [Source: LOVE Research]

Oro Valley bed tax revenues reached peak levels in 2025

Oro Valley’s bed tax revenues are now at their strongest level in eight years. The bed tax is a 6 percent tax applied to the cost of any room stay under 30 consecutive days, including hotel rooms and short-term rentals. Collections rose from $1.47 million in FY 2018 to $2.52 million in FY 2025, an increase of more than $1 million, despite the pandemic drop to $1.03 million in FY 2020. Town staff believes this growth reflects the rebound in travel. Other contributing factors include higher room rates, the 2021 annexation of Westward Look, and the introduction of registering and taxing short-term rentals. These factors expanded the Town’s lodging tax base. Early FY 2026 results show the upward trend continuing. (Source: Oro Valley Tourism Advisory Commission Meeting, 11-17-25)

RTA says: Good roads bring visitor

At Monday’s meeting, the Town’s Tourism Commission heard from RTA representative Steve Huffman, who emphasized that transportation infrastructure plays a direct role in attracting visitors. He noted that good road access is often a traveler’s first impression of Oro Valley, and highlighted how completed and proposed overpasses improve regional travel for visitors arriving from airports or nearby communities.  He added that RTA investments in bike paths, multi-modal access, transit service, and wildlife linkages also enhance mobility and the overall visitor experience.

You want to be in pictures?

Oro Valley resident Mark Headley, an actor and producer, believes the town should explore becoming a film-friendly community. He has introduced the idea to both the Town Council and the Tourism Commission, noting that smaller film productions are seeking new, affordable, and cooperative locations. Headley says Oro Valley offers strong assets, including striking desert scenery, open space, historic buildings at Steam Pump Ranch, vacant commercial sites that could serve as temporary studios, and more than a thousand hotel rooms. He adds that film crews often leave a significant share of their budgets in the communities where they work. The challenges, he notes, include Arizona’s lack of major film-industry tax incentives and the absence of local film infrastructure. Certainly, more work is needed to determine whether the concept is a feasible way to increase town revenues.

Highlights from last night's town manager's report to Council

Town Manager Jeff Wilkins briefed the Council on several upcoming community activities and transportation updates, including an RTA Next open house scheduled for December 10, where residents can learn about Propositions 418 and 419 ahead of the March 2026 vote. He noted that the popular holiday ornament hunt begins November 28, featuring wooden ornaments crafted by CDO High School students. Wilkins also reminded residents of the ongoing construction at the Oro Valley Marketplace, assuring the public that full access will remain open through the holidays. Additional updates included progress on the Naranja Multi-Use Path, Movies on the Lawn starting December 6, the Pickalicious Jingle Jam pickleball tournament December 12–14, the Festival of the Arts and tree lighting on December 6–7, Snow OV on December 18, and the upcoming Hot Cocoa Run on January 1.

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Oro Valley Water To Propose Small Water Rate Increase for 2026–27

Modest water rate adjustment recommended for next year
The Oro Valley Water Utility is considering only a small change to water costs for rates effecting next July. Water Director Peter Abraham and Water Utility Administrator Mary Rallis presented the annual water-rate analysis to the Water Utility Commission on November 10, emphasizing that the utility can meet its financial obligations with a modest increase to the monthly base rate only. There are no proposed increases to the per-gallon commodity rates that residents pay.

Base rate only increase keeps costs stable
Under the proposal, the typical residential customer with a 5/8-inch meter would see an increase of $1.86 per month. This adjustment affects only the fixed base charge, leaving all potable and reclaimed commodity tiers unchanged. About 84% of Oro Valley customers fall into this meter category. The groundwater preservation fee also remains unchanged at $1.00 per 1,000 gallons.

Drivers of the recommendation
Abraham and Rallis explained that rising CAP delivery costs and continued 5.5% annual increases in Tucson Water wheeling charges require the utility to secure stable revenue. A base-rate adjustment ensures that essential operating and capital expenses are reliably covered, even if water use fluctuates due to wetter weather or conservation shifts. The utility continues to see customers moving into lower-use tiers, a positive trend but one that reduces variable revenue.

Financial position remains strong
The five-year financial model presented to the Commission shows the Water Utility maintaining required reserves, meeting all debt-service coverage requirements, and keeping the system on a pay-as-you-go footing for existing system improvements. The utility anticipates a small, planned use of cash this year and next, followed by rising balances as older debt rolls off beginning in FY 27-28. Importantly, the debt associated with the Northwest Recharge, Recovery and Delivery System project (NWRRDS) is fully funded through impact fees and groundwater preservation fees, not water rates. 

Good news for residents
For residents, the message is positive. The cost of water use is not increasing, the overall financial health of the utility remains solid, and the proposed base-rate adjustment is the smallest step needed to maintain system reliability. The utility does not expect to seek changes to reclaimed-water rates or commodity charges next year. Director Abraham is expected to forward a recommendation to the Town Council early in 2026.

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One Reason for Oro Valley’s “Higher Cost of Doing Business” Reputation: High Pima County Property Valuations

Oro Valley's perceived higher cost of doing business
In the October study session on new taxes, Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett asked why Oro Valley is perceived as a more expensive place to do business than neighboring communities, especially since the proposed taxes would only align the Town with what nearby municipalities already charge.

Is caused by several factor
Finance Director David Gephart said several factors, not higher tax rates, drive the perception. He said that Oro Valley’s property values are higher than surrounding areas. So, given the same Pima County tax rate, Oro Valley Property tax bills are larger in dollar terms. In addition, he noted, commercial rents and construction costs also tend to be higher, reflecting limited available land and strong demand for quality space.

One of which is the reality of higher property value tax assessments
We checked the one factor we could independently verify: Net assessed property values. That is the taxable value of property after applying the assessment ratio and any applicable exemptions. It is the portion of a property’s market (or “full cash”) value that is taxed. 

We found that Gephart is right

In 2025, Oro Valley’s commercial parcels (tax class 01) have the highest average value per parcel in Pima County, with Marana a close second. [see panel right] 

The same pattern holds for residential parcels (tax class 03). The average 2025 assessed value of the Town’s roughly15,921 residential parcels is also the highest among jurisdictions in the county. [See panel below, left]. The same is also true of Oro Valley's commercial residential properties (tax class 04).  

In other words, Oro Valley real estate is simply valued by the county as being the most expensive in the county, regardless of what is the land use.

State rules guide the valuation methodology while local demand drives Oro Valley’s higher values
Property values in Pima County are determined under state-mandated methods that the County Assessor applies locally. The Assessor uses recent sales, property characteristics, and market data, following valuation procedures set by the Arizona Department of Revenue, to estimate fair cash value. In Oro Valley, strong demand driven by location, amenities, schools, and neighborhood desirability often results in higher market and assessed values than in most other parts of the county.

Bottom line for Oro Valley taxpayers: We pay more
Because assessments are higher, Oro Valley property owners pay more in county property taxes even though the tax rate is the same. In short, the community’s desirability shows up in higher valuations, which helps explain the “higher cost” of doing business perception.

When the the taxes paid on all three main property types (residential property, commercial residential, and commercial) are aggregated. Oro Valley owners pay to the county $2,149 per parcel for each of the 21,972  parcels assessed. The total dollars paid ($47.2 million) equals $961 for each of the 49,156 residents. These amounts are far above thc cost per resident of the other jurisdictions. 

It is indeed ironic that we have built a lovely, desirable community, one that now results in greatest county property taxes each year.
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Note: The source of assessment information is the State and County 2025 Abstract of the Assessment Roll, pages 171-173. The document was prepared by the Arizona Department of Revenue.

Bits and Pieces

Town issues RTA Next voter information

The Town released a voter-information notice encouraging residents to learn about RTA Next ahead of the March 10, 2026 election. The update outlines the two propositions voters will consider, highlights key project corridors affecting Oro Valley, and provides dates for ballot mailings and a December 10 community Q&A session. The information is consistent with the details reported in our LOVE article Wednesday, and readers who want a deeper understanding of what the RTA’s presentation revealed—including project specifics and clarifications not covered in the Town’s summary—can read the full analysis on LOVE.

Work starts next week on building the Naranja Drive multi-use path

Work on the Naranja Drive Multi-Use Path begins Monday, November 17. Crews will be building a 1.75-mile, 10-foot-wide paved path on the north side of Naranja Drive between La Cañada and First Avenue. The project, managed by ADOT and constructed by Granite Construction, will run through summer 2026 and is designed to improve safety and neighborhood connectivity. Drivers should expect shoulder activity, slow down in the work zone, and follow posted signs. The Town notes that no lane closures are anticipated. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release) 

Town seeking volunteers for key boards and commissions

The Town is recruiting residents to fill several current and upcoming vacancies across eight boards and commissions, and applications will remain open until each position is filled. These volunteer groups play an active role in reviewing development proposals, shaping long-term planning, advising on parks, water policy, finances, and broader community priorities. Residents who want to participate directly in town decision-making can apply through the Town’s website, where details for each board and commission are posted. (Source: Oro ValleyVista) 

Marketplace redevelopment officially underway

The Town reports that construction continues on Phase 1 of the long-planned Oro Valley Marketplace redevelopment, approved in 2023. This first phase includes 320 new apartments, a public park, and pedestrian improvements designed to create a more active, mixed-use environment. HSL Properties and Borderlands Construction are leading the work. Shoppers can expect lane restrictions and detours on Water Harvest Way through 2027, but all Marketplace stores will remain open during construction. (Source: Oro ValleyVista) 

Wednesday's TEP outage disrupted traffic along Oracle Road

A Tucson Electric Power outage Wednesday afternoon affected several areas of Oro Valley, the County, and the City of Tucson. In Oro Valley, power  along and near Oracle Road, was cut off beginning at 2:06 p.m. and returned 4 p.m. The loss of power caused traffic signal malfunctions at major intersections in Oro Valley, prompting the Police Department to remind drivers to treat dark or flashing signals as four-way stops. A TEP update later in the day confirmed restoration efforts and advised customers still without service to check their outside breakers. TEP listed the cause as an “Emergency/Safety Issue,” meaning power was intentionally cut so crews could address a hazardous condition. This type of shutdown explains why multiple outage areas across the region lost and regained service at the same time.

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Tonight's Neighborhood Meeting on Tractor Supply Proposal Cancelled

Major local retailer looking to locate in Oro Valley  

Tractor Supply — a major national retailer that sells outdoor, ranch, garden, pet, and home-improvement products — is exploring a new store on the southeast corner of Tangerine Road and La Cholla Boulevard. The concept includes a 21,930-square-foot retail building, a garden center, and a screened outdoor storage/sales area, all on a portion of an 11.5-acre commercial site.

The property is already zoned Neighborhood Commercial (C-N), meaning this type of use is permitted if all town development standards are met. Early materials show plans for landscape buffering, a screen wall, and architectural styles expected to comply with Oro Valley’s design guidelines.

Applicant requests more time 

The applicant has asked for more time to review and refine the proposal before meeting with residents. Our guess is that new meeting date will be announced once provided by the applicant. Thus, the neighborhood meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. tonight in the Town Council Chambers has been cancelled. 

Meeting changes like this happen from time to time as applicants work to address questions or refine their proposals. 

LOVE will keep you informed of any updates or future meeting dates as they become available.

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Strong Resident Input Marks Progress on OV Path Forward

Residents continue to show up for the Town’s Future
Oro Valley residents showed up for the BIG Community Review of OV’s Path Forward, the community’s next 10-year action plan. According to Town staff, more than 2,440 visits were made to the website and approximately 240 comments were received to continue refining the draft plan.

But wait—there’s still more work to be done
The first community review of the draft plan marks a major milestone in this 3-year effort, but more work remains.

For those seeking a more pivotal role in shaping the next 10-year plan, a Resident Working Group will meet online in December to discuss themes identified by residents, stakeholders, boards, commissions, and the Town Council during the BIG Community Review.

Topics for discussion include, but are not limited to:

• A performing arts and cultural center
• A variety of housing types, such as apartments, townhomes, and condos
• Building heights and more

Participating residents will offer additional input and work toward consensus on a Resident Recommended Final (90%) Draft of the Plan.

This draft will be presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Town Council, and ultimately to voters for approval. All residents are welcome—whether you participated in previous working group meetings or are just now getting involved.

Learn more and sign up for the Resident Working Groups at www.OVPathForward.com

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LOVE Note: Our thanks to you, our readers, for joining our October "Take Ten" event. You made a difference by participating in the review of the 60% draft OV Path Forward plan.  Nicely done.

RTA Next comes to Oro Valley

Winfield chairs regional transportation effort
Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield serves as chairman of Pima County’s Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), which has funded dozens of road and transit projects over the past 20 years. In Oro Valley, the RTA financed improvements such as La Cholla Boulevard and Tangerine Road. The RTA’s work is supported by a ½-cent countywide sales tax that voters approved in 2006. That tax expires this year, even though many transportation needs remain. RTA Next is a proposal to renew the funding for another 20 years, and voters will decide its future in a March 10, 2026 election.

Ortega outlines new 20-year regional transportation plan
Michael Ortega, Executive Director of the RTA, presented an update on RTA Next to the Oro Valley Town Council last week. He said the new $2.67 billion regional transportation plan is designed to fund roadway, safety, environmental, and transit improvements across Pima County beginning in 2027. Ortega said the plan includes funding specifically designated for projects and transit services benefiting Oro Valley.

Oro Valley projects included
The plan identifies two major Oro Valley projects scheduled for early construction:
• Lambert Lane — widening from Thornydale Road to Rancho Sonora Drive ($55 million).
• Shannon Road — paving from Lambert Lane to Tangerine Road ($26 million).

Ortega said the plan also provides $10 million for safety and active-transportation improvements and $5 million for arterial and collector pavement rehabilitation specifically in Oro Valley. In addition, it includes about $52 million regionwide for Dial-A-Ride and paratransit service, of which Oro Valley will receive a share. Ortega noted that while RTA Next includes funding for bridge and grade-separation improvements as part of regional projects, there are no new bridge projects identified within the town.

Ortega says Oro Valley will get its “fair share”
Responding to a question about how smaller towns benefit compared with Tucson and Pima County, Ortega said the RTA’s funding and project selection process is based on what he called “geographic equity.” The RTA’s half-cent sales tax is collected countywide, and the project list is structured so each member jurisdiction receives improvements reflecting both local priorities and regional use. Projects serving multiple communities—such as major road corridors and I-10 interchanges—are given higher regional value and more funding. In this way, all communities benefit from the regional tax, even if project amounts differ from town to town.

Ortega explains why RTA 1 fell short — and how RTA Next differs
Ortega said the original 2006 RTA plan did not generate enough revenue to complete all promised projects because the RTA used the University of Arizona’s “baseline” forecast, which assumed average economic conditions. That projection proved too optimistic after the recession, pandemic, and rising construction costs. For RTA Next, the Board chose the university’s most conservative, or “pessimistic,” forecast to create a financial cushion and avoid future shortfalls. A citizens’ oversight committee will present quarterly reports to the RTA Board to ensure revenue and expenses remain on track throughout the 20-year program.

RTA Next outreach coming to Oro Valley
Ortega said the RTA will continue community outreach in Oro Valley ahead of next year’s vote. On December 10, the RTA will host a public question-and-answer session in Oro Valley to give residents an opportunity to learn more about RTA Next. Ortega also plans to meet with the town’s Economic Development Committee and Bicycle Advisory Committee to discuss the plan’s potential impacts on local mobility and safety. He thanked Oro Valley staff for their work in coordinating these efforts and for “advocating on behalf of the community.”

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It Was A Rockin' Good Time

And the band played on…
By the time The Lexington Lab Band launched into Van Halen’s “Jump,” the crowd was thrilled, tired, and fully satisfied. The band’s return headlined Sunday's fifth annual Rockin’ 4 Heroes ceremony; an event inspired by the life of PJ Quinn and created to honor four hero groups: First Responders, Active-Duty Military, Veterans, and Gold Star Families. The event was free, lively, and packed with food trucks, community booths, and organizations representing local service groups. It was heartfelt, loud, joyful, and very Oro Valley.

A powerful opening before the ceremony began
The event opened with a patriotic punch. The Mariachi Voces de mi Pueblo delivered a stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and just moments later, the sky announced its own salute: A flyover by two medivac helicopters, a moving reminder of service in action.

By the time the ceremony began, Oro Valley's Kieght Park’s east field was filled with first responder booths, food trucks, and attendees. Many others gathered outside the fences, seated on chairs and blankets, finding shade on a warm November afternoon.

Heroes filled the audience: Oro Valley Police, Golder Ranch Fire, Marana Police, Tucson Fire, Rural Metro Fire, Arizona Rangers, Tohono O’odham Nation, Arizona Department of Public Safety, University of Arizona, Civil Air Patrol, City College TNT Program, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army (including the National Guard), U.S. Air Force, and Gold Star family members.

Retied General Ted Maxwell and former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona honored armed services, with all branches represented except the U.S. Marines, who were in Las Vegas celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps.

Oro Valley’s Chief Riley awarded the Community Hero Award
One of the ceremony’s biggest moments was the presentation of the Community Hero Award to Oro Valley Police Chief Cara Riley. Introduced by Rockin’ 4 Heroes organizers and Golder Ranch Fire Chief Tom Brandhuber, Riley was recognized for 30 years in law enforcement, including 21 years with the Oro Valley Police Department. Her career includes leading patrol, motors, K-9, SWAT, negotiations, and the Community Action Team.

Riley accepted the honor with humility and shared that the award also belonged to her sister, who supported the Quinn family during their most difficult days.

A new car for firefighter Julian Mills
Then came another lovely moment.

Julian Mills, a first-year firefighter with the Tohono O’odham Nation Fire Department, drives more than 120 miles round trip from Tucson to Sells for each shift. His current car; a 2000 Buick Century with more than 120,000 miles;  has done its best, but the road has clearly won. Thanks to the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program, along with support from GEICO, Caliber Collision, and Enterprise, Mills was selected to receive a fully restored Chrysler Pacifica. Mills was in mandatory training, so his mother accepted the keys on his behalf, to cheers, applause, and a few happy tears.

Raffle raises support for the Heroes’ Fund
After the band stopped playing, the raffle began, with proceeds gointg to the Heroes’ Fund; a fund created by Rockin’ 4 Heroes founders Mike and Bonnie Quinn. As Bonnie told the crowd:

“Because we have very supportive donors and sponsors, we’re able to not just stage this free public tribute, but we’re also able to fund our Hero Fund.”

Scholarships and support created by the Heroes’ Fund
The Heroes’ Fund continues to make a lasting impact. To date, it has established:
• The Jacob Dindinger Memorial EMT Scholarship at Pima Community College, a fully endowed scholarship that funds two EMT students per year in perpetuity.
• The Veteran Student Gap Fund at the University of Arizona, providing financial support to veteran students and Gold Star family members for education costs not fully covered by the GI Bill. This fund also assists law-enforcement officers continuing their education while serving.  

Support that lasts beyond the music
Rockin’ 4 Heroes lasts an afternoon. The Heroes’ Fund works all year. Donations help train EMTs, support veterans in college, and ease education costs for first responders who serve first and study second. Giving is easy and meaningful at Rockin4Heroes.org. Your gift would be a powerful way to say thank you long after the music ends.

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