Bits and Pieces

Help Your Neighbors—Town Seeks Part-Time Shuttle Drivers
The Town of Oro Valley is now hiring part-time drivers for its Sun Shuttle service, offering a flexible, community-focused role that requires no previous experience or commercial license. Drivers provide door-to-door transportation for elderly, disabled, and other residents, helping them stay mobile and independent. Paid training is included, and drivers can work up to three days a week in a low-stress, rewarding environment. If you’re retired, semi-retired, or simply looking to make a difference, visit the Town’s website to apply. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release, June 9, 2025)

Oro Valley’s July 4th Celebration Promises Fun for All Ages
Oro Valley invites residents to its free Independence Day celebration at James D. Kriegh Park (23 W. Calle Concordia) on Friday, July 4, 2025, from 5 to 9:20 p.m. Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with food trucks, games, and crafts, followed by live music from the Lucky Devils Band, and a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Parking is available at the Aquatic Center and Canyon del Oro High School, with ADA parking at the Aquatic Center east lot. The Aquatic Center offers $1 admission for children and $3 for adults from noon to 5 p.m. before closing for the evening’s events. Attendees are reminded to bring water and sunscreen, and to leave pets, tents, and outside alcohol at home. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release , June 4, 2025)

Crime Stays Low, But Summer Safety Reminders from OVPD 
The latest Oro Valley CrimeFighter newsletter shows that serious crime remains rare in town, with no robberies or violent incidents reported in April, but several car break-ins and minor thefts did occur. As summer approaches, the police are reminding everyone to stay vigilant—lock your vehicles, keep valuables out of sight, and watch children closely around water. OVPD also encourages residents to take advantage of free programs like vacation house checks and car seat safety inspections, which can be arranged on the Town website.

Local author Tim Tarris serves up a fun summer romance
Looking for a relaxing summer read? Check out The Lady and the Locket, a delightful love story written by Oro Valley resident and author Tim Tarris. This charming book has everything you need for summer relaxation—romance, excitement, and a clever twist at the end. Tim’s engaging writing style, featuring short chapters filled with lively dialogue, makes it easy and fun to read. Order your copy now on Amazon, settle into your favorite chair, and enjoy!

Stickers and savings: Oro Valley’s summer dining adventure
This summer, the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce invites you to support local eateries with its Locals Eat Local campaign. Running through August, the event challenges residents to visit 20 participating restaurants to collect unique, limited-edition Oro Valley stickers. As an extra incentive, when you spend at least $20 at five different participating locations, you'll qualify for a grand prize from the Chamber. Track your progress using the Explore OV app, and pick up your challenge map at the Chamber office or the Oro Valley Library. Get the details at orovalleychamber.com or by following @OVChamber on Facebook and Instagram (Source: Oro Valley Vista Newsletter, June/July 2025).

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Council, Union Reach Agreement on Police Compensation--Agreement Details

Four-year agreement finalized
Last week, we reported that the Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved a new four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Oro Valley Police Officers Association. The agreement takes effect July 1, 2025, and runs through June 30, 2029. It includes updated compensation terms and provisions for wages, benefits, and working conditions for sworn officers in the department. This is what we have learned (and not learned) from the draft MOU.

Agreement includes across-the-board and step increases
Under the new MOU, officers will continue to receive annual step increases. For the ranks of Police Officer and Detective, the step increase has been raised from 3.5% to 3.75%. Sergeants will receive a 2.25% step increase, with Year One minimum and maximum salaries set at $95,056 and $111,076.64, respectively. Both are about a 7.5% increase over current levels. In addition, all MOU-covered employees will receive a 2% across-the-board raise in Years Two, Three, and Four.

Additional pay adjustments
The agreement also increases shift differential pay to $1.75 per hour and raises on-call pay to $1.85 per hour. Changes were made to DROP (planned retiree) contributions, limiting 457 Retirement Plan contributions to Tier 1 employees hired before July 1, 2025. Other elements, such as leave, uniforms, and off-duty employment policies, remain largely unchanged.

Not one of the original options
LOVE previously reported that the Town Council had been reviewing three different pay plan options during negotiations. The new agreement does not exactly match any of those three. It appears to be a modified version of what was internally labeled the April 14 withdrawn plan ("WD"), with several adjustments to base pay and terms. Because the town did not release financial modeling to the public, we cannot say exactly what this will cost the town annually, but we did estimate that the "WD" plan would add  $630,000 in cost for fiscal 2025.

A shift in strategy
The agreement includes language discouraging mid-term negotiation re-openers unless there is a demonstrated compensation gap with Marana or mutual agreement due to unforeseen conditions. This indicates a longer-term labor strategy focused on stability and mutual trust. The Council’s unanimous vote signals strong support for the new plan, but without detailed cost projections, it’s unclear how this will affect the Town’s long-term budget.

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Bits and Pieces

Council approves new police agreement 

Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council unanimously (5-0 Vote) approved a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Oro Valley Police Officers Association. The Council’s vote followed several weeks of behind-the-scenes discussions after negotiations had reached an impasse in early May. While speakers praised the agreement as fair and competitive, the final version of the MOU and its supporting documents were not made available to the public prior to the vote, so no further details can be reported at this time. We reported regarding the various options being consider and will report the final agreement once we receive the materials.

Water rate increase approved—effective July 5

Also Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved increases to the town’s potable water base and commodity rates, effective July 5. The average residential customer using 7,000 gallons per month will see a monthly increase of $1.81, or about 3.6%. The primary driver is a sharp increase in the cost of Central Arizona Project (CAP) water. The Town continues to cash-fund its capital improvement program without issuing new debt, which also contributes to the rate hike. Reclaimed water rates remain unchanged, and the town notes that Oro Valley still offers some of the lowest water rates in southern Arizona for typical residential customers.

Council targets chronic building and litter violations with stronger enforcement tools

And Also Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council adopted Ordinance No. (O)25-03, changing how the Town enforces certain code violations. The ordinance reclassifies issues such as illegal construction, unpermitted electrical or plumbing work, and failure to remove accumulated litter from criminal to civil offenses for initial violations. This change allows Town code enforcement officers—not just police or legal staff—to issue citations directly, making enforcement faster and more efficient. To address ongoing noncompliance, the ordinance also introduces a mechanism to escalate repeat violations to criminal charges after three offenses within 24 months. A new maximum civil fine of $1,000 per day was also established.

Town stays on track to fully fund police pensions

And, once again, Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved fulling funding the town's Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) obligation. The policy is a continuation of prior year policies under Winfield's leadership. The contribuion reflects the most recent actuarial data, showing that the town’s police pension fund improved from 95% funded in FY 2023 to 98.6% in FY 2024. With this year’s additional budgeted contributions, staff expects to reach full funding—potentially exceeding 100%—by the end of FY 2025–26, assuming stable investment returns. The new policy maintains the town’s commitment to responsible, long-term pension funding.

Oro Valley has more than fifty commercial sites available for development
The Town of Oro Valley’s economic development website lists over 50 sites available for commercial activity, including both land parcels and existing buildings. Specifically, there are 19 sites designated for high-tech and bioscience development, some located within Innovation Park’s expedited development zone. Additionally, there are over 30 commercially zoned sites ranging in size from under an acre to nearly 15 acres. These figures encompass both vacant land suitable for new construction and existing buildings available for adaptive reuse. Most of the existing buildings are along Oracle Road. Most f the vacant land is west of La Canada. [See Panel right]. (Source: ChooseOroValley.com )

No congressional funds for Oro Valley in 2026...Overreached in FY25?

Congressman Juan Ciscomani has no community project funding requests for Oro Valley in the FY2026 federal appropriations cycle. That’s a sharp contrast from last year, when he sought $17 million for Oro Valley bridge repairs—a figure that now appears far higher than necessary. According to the Town’s own FY26 Capital Improvement Program, total bridge-related spending over the next ten years is budgeted at just $7.2 million. That includes specific repairs to La Cañada, Rancho Vistoso, and First Avenue bridges, as well as ongoing annual maintenance. (Source)

Red light therapy, juice bars, and high-tech optics highlight May's business openings

Oro Valley welcomed several new businesses this month, with a notable focus on wellness and innovation. Two red light therapy studios—Diviti Adora and Red Light Method—have opened on Tangerine and Oracle, offering treatments that blend fitness with infrared light technology. On the tech side, Transformative Optics brings cutting-edge imaging system development to town, while Talon Analytics offers engineering solutions to Fortune 500 firms. Also new: Oranju, a fresh juice bar, and a branch of Tucson Federal Credit Union inside Walmart. (Source: The OV Edge)

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Turning Trash Into Hope: Bill Carson, Oro Valley’s Can Man

A labor of love for local youth
Each morning, before most of Oro Valley is awake, Bill Carson is already out collecting aluminum cans. For Bill, these cans aren’t just recyclable material—they’re opportunities to support young people in need. For nearly two decades, Bill has dedicated his mornings to turning what others throw away into hope for homeless and unaccompanied teens, supporting Youth On Their Own (YOTO) with every dollar he raises.

A life shaped by students
Bill’s inspiration comes from years spent as a teacher, counselor, and coach in Eloy, Marana, and Mountain View High Schools. These were not just jobs for Bill—he knew the kids and their stories. Many were facing difficult home lives, some without any reliable place to call home. Bill coached them in tennis, cheered them on in basketball, and offered guidance when they needed it most. Even now, years after retiring, he stays involved at Mountain View, running the scoreboard for basketball and wrestling games and staying in tune with today’s students. 

“I never forgot the look on a student’s face when they realized someone cared,” Bill recalls. “That’s what keeps me going—even now, every bag of cans is a little bit of hope for someone who needs it.”

A project rooted in family support
The can collection project began because Bill’s mother advised him that retirement should be “from something, but also to something.” Looking for purpose, and knowing firsthand the struggles of so many students, Bill found his answer in service. His wife, Sharen, was a crucial supporter in those early days, helping Bill on his busiest routes even when it wasn’t easy or enjoyable for her. Their teamwork made it possible for the project to grow.

Quiet heroism and a community effort
What started as a modest goal—raising $1,000 for YOTO—has grown far beyond what Bill imagined. Over the years, he has contributed more than $41,000 to support vulnerable teens. Hundreds of local residents now save their aluminum cans for Bill, knowing that every can makes a difference. Though the work is time-consuming and sometimes tough, Bill remains driven by a sense of compassion for the kids he has known—real people, not statistics. His work is a true labor of love. Bill often receives thank-you notes and appreciative emails from neighbors and families. “Almost every email generates at least a few responses—God bless you, thank you so much for what you’re doing, you’re helping our disadvantaged youth,” he shares. This outpouring of gratitude and encouragement has shown Bill just how much his quiet effort means to the community.

A lasting gift
Bill Carson does not seek recognition. But through steady, quiet effort, he has changed lives in Oro Valley and beyond. Bill turns trash into hope—and in doing so, he is a local hero whose legacy is felt in every student he helps and every neighbor inspired by his example.

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If you are interested in participating in this effort, please email us and we will forward your interest to Bill.

Updated: A Voice for Residents in Oro Valley’s Tourism Future

Council to consider creating a resident tourism advisory commission tonight night
Tonight, the Oro Valley Town Council will consider a proposal to form a citizen-staffed Tourism Advisory Commission. The item, put forth by Council Member Murphy and Mayor Winfield, would create a commission of five Oro Valley residents who would serve as an advisory body to the Town Council on matters related to tourism promotion, special events, and marketing strategy. The goal is to strengthen resident involvement in shaping how the Town promotes itself as a destination and to ensure that tourism efforts reflect community priorities—not just business goals.

Town has built a tourism program "from scratch" in real time
Two years ago, the Town ended its contract with Visit Tucson. The Town was not prepared to take over that effort and scrambled to get things going. So, it created its own in-house destination marketing organization (DMO). Today, Oro Valley is recognized by the Arizona Office of Tourism as a designated DMO, which allows the Town to manage its own tourism promotion, participate in state-supported marketing programs, and apply for tourism-related grants. In addition, the town hired a destination marketing manager, and under that leadership, launched its centerpiece initiative: the “Explore Oro Valley” website. This year, the town launched a five year leisure and travel plan of which residents are somewhat wary.

To date" Long on action… short on results
Since taking over tourism promotion, the Town has seen only one "major" result: The recent announcement of a three-year partnership to host the Pickle-icious Jingle Jam pickleball tournament. The tournament is estimated to draw hundreds of players from Arizona and neighboring regions, along with spectators and supporters of the game this December. The only other notable result we have been able to identify is last December's  Project Echelon charity ride.

Stakeholder group in place and operating
One of the other steps the Town took was to establish a stakeholder group that includes hotels, resorts, the Chamber of Commerce, arts groups, golf course representatives, and others who operate businesses in the tourism space. These organizations are directly involved in Oro Valley’s tourism economy and meet with Town staff to discuss marketing efforts, event planning, and visitor experiences. This group does not operate in public meetings and does not report to the Council.

Council proposal: A resident-focused commission
What’s being proposed now is different [see panel right]. The new commission would consist only of Oro Valley residents—not representatives of hotels, resorts, or other organizations. Members would be appointed by the Town Council based on their background in hospitality, marketing, or general business experience. The commission would meet monthly during its first year, then quarterly thereafter. Its duties would include reviewing tourism strategies, budgets, and event plans, and it may also be asked to study specific topics at the request of the Council or Town Manager. The goal: Add public input and transparency to the Town’s tourism work.

Bringing a broader perspective to tourism activities—and spending
Creating a commission of residents ensures that the broader community has a voice in how tourism develops in Oro Valley. Residents are not tied to business interests and can bring independent judgment to issues like budget priorities, marketing approaches, and event sponsorships. Public meetings also give residents a way to follow and participate in discussions that shape the Town’s image and visitor experience. It’s a way to bring citizen oversight into an area that affects the entire community.

Tourism impacts you more than you think
Tourism may seem like something that happens in the background, but it affects traffic, events, how parks and facilities are used, the availability of facilities for resident use, and how the Town invests in marketing tourism. A resident-led advisory commission will make it easier for residents to stay informed, get involved, and help ensure that tourism serves the whole community—not just a few sectors. Whether you’re a business owner, community volunteer, or simply a resident who values Oro Valley’s character, this commission will be a way to make sure your voice is heard.

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Want to learn more? Oro Valley's Destination Marketing... A Year In... Still a Work In Progress

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Update: The council unanimously (6-0, Barrett absent) approved establishing the commission at the June 4 meeting.

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Updated: Town Council Set to Approve $151.5 Million Spending Cap—$4.4 Million More Than Recommended

Staff quietly adds $4.5 million for undisclosed property purchase
The Oro Valley Town Council is set to approve a $151.5 million spending cap for the upcoming fiscal year at tomorrow night's public hearing—an increase of $4.4 million over the Town Manager’s Recommended Budget delivered just weeks ago. The reason for the increase is a new $4.5 million line item labeled “contingency for potential property acquisition.”

Of which Budget and Finance Commission was never told just a few weeks ago
The addition came with little public notice. At its May 20 meeting, the Town’s Budget and Finance Commission reviewed the Recommended Budget in detail. Nowhere in that discussion was a potential land purchase mentioned. The increase only appeared in revised materials published just a few days ago.

Click on panel to enlarge

Several other last-minute budget changes
In addition to the land purchase, the revised budget includes several other changes. These include $211,000 in increased funding for health insurance claims and wellness programs, $250,000 for a Naranja Park shade structure, and a $105,000 reduction due to updated capital equipment estimates for golf maintenance. A $1 million reservoir project related to the Northwest Recharge, Recovery, and Delivery System (NWRRDS) was removed from the Capital Improvement Program, offsetting part of the new spending. The panel at right summarizes all changes to the TMRB to date.

No public explanation of the purchase
No information has been provided to the public about what the Town intends to purchase, why it is needed, or how the $4.5 million figure was determined. Instead, the matter is being handled in Executive Session tomorrow night. This is a closed-door meeting allowed under Arizona law when real estate purchases are discussed. Observers say that even some Council members do not know any of the details.

Legal to include in budget...legal to keep secret
Arizona law does require municipalities to include any anticipated expenditure—such as a property acquisition—in their budget if they want legal authority to spend funds during the fiscal year. The same law permits Council to withhold the specifics from the public, at least until a purchase is finalized.

Tomorrow night's vote locks in the authority to buy property with no public input
The $151.5 million budget cap will be adopted under Resolution No. (R)25-21. Once approved, the total amount may not be increased—only reallocated among departments and projects. The final budget will be adopted after a second public hearing which is scheduled for June 18. That means that if the $4.5 million for the property purchase remains in the Tentative Budget, tomorrow night's approval gives the Town full authority to make the purchase—without ever having publicly identified what is being bought. Every other major budget change has been disclosed. This one has not.

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Update: The council unanimously (6-0, Barrett absent) approved the 2026 $151.5 million spending limit at the June 4 meeting. Prior to that vote, the council also unanimously approved the direction they had given staff and council in executive session regarding the potential land purchase.

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Bits and Pieces

BFC review of 2026 Town Manager’s Budget checks a box for town manager, but adds little value to the budget process
Oro Valley’s Budget and Finance Commission (BFC), established in 2019, has not consistently participated in the review of the Town Manager’s Recommended Budget (TMRB). While it was not involved in last year’s FY 2025 budget process, it has occasionally received presentations in prior years without playing a formal advisory role. This year was much the same as that, as staff presented the TMRB to the Commission on May 20.

The BFC did not make a substantive contribution to the development of the TMRB at the meeting. This is because the budget had already been developed and finalized for presentation by the time the BFC reviewed it. The Commission’s role was limited to reviewing and asking clarifying questions. While their discussion helped reinforce certain priorities, like fiscal sustainability and transparency, their comments led to no changes in the budget. Thus, their involvement seemed more like checking a box in the process of completing the TMRB, rather than seeking meaningful input during its development.

Town exploring new taxes to fund future capital needs
At the May 20 meeting of the Budget and Finance Commission, Town Manager Jeff Wilkins introduced a discussion about three potential new revenue sources that are not currently part of the Town Manager’s Recommended Budget. These include a use tax, a telecommunications tax, and a commercial rental tax—all of which are common in nearby municipalities like Tucson, Marana, and Sahuarita but are not currently levied in Oro Valley. Wilkins described these taxes as a way to diversify the town’s revenue base, enhance financial stability, and create a dedicated funding stream for capital needs such as roads and public safety infrastructure.

Although these proposed taxes are not included in the fiscal year 2025–26 town manager recommended budget, Wilkins used the budget presentation to make the case for exploring them. He emphasized that the town’s five-year forecast shows a capital funding shortfall by year five, and that relying solely on existing revenue sources may not be sustainable. According to Wilkins, the proposed taxes could generate between $900,000 and $1.8 million annually, and Wilkins suggested dedicating all proceeds to capital—possibly even restricting it further to public safety. Commissioners responded with questions about operational costs associated with capital projects and whether future councils would be overly constrained by strict earmarking of these new revenues. 

Budget and finance commission recommends approval of $2.84 million contribution to fully fund PSPRS for FY 2026
At its May 20 meeting, the Oro Valley Budget and Finance Commission voted unanimously to recommend Council approval of the FY 2026 PSPRS pension funding policy. The policy includes a total contribution of $2.84 million to the police retirement plan—$738,817 as required by actuarial valuation and an additional $2.1 million in excess of that requirement. This extra payment is intended to eliminate the plan’s remaining unfunded liability and bring the plan to 100% funded status by June 30, 2026. Commission members supported the action after confirming the plan was financially feasible and aligned with the Council’s long-standing goal to fully fund the police pension plan.

New signs, tours, and research projects featured in OVHS May update
The Oro Valley Historical Society’s (OVHS) May newsletter highlights several new initiatives. Eight interpretive signs for Steam Pump Ranch are now in production and expected to be installed by early June, offering year-round self-guided tours.  The Society also launched a redesigned website in April and is seeking volunteers to help with content and outreach. Additional efforts include digitizing historical audiovisual materials, creating an educational display about George Pusch, and continuing research on the families who shaped Oro Valley’s early history.

Disc golf returns with summer vibes and mountain views
Oro Valley’s Pusch Ridge Disc Golf Course is reopening for summer play starting  this Saturday, Nestled at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, the 18-hole course offers daily play from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through September 21. New this year: weekend golf carts, short tees for novice players, and PDGA-sanctioned league play every Friday at 4:30 p.m. Tee times are required on weekends (7–11 a.m.) via PlayOV.com, while weekday play is first-come, first-served. At $10 per round, it’s a fun, affordable way to enjoy the outdoors—and the scenery can’t be beat. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Press release)
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