Comparing Oro Valley & Marana Salaries ----OV Loses!

Did anyone happen to notice the recent Arizona Daily Star analysis comparing Oro Valley pay scales compared to those from Marana?

We think it's appropriate to pay attention inasmuch as both communities are presently advertising for an Economic Development Administrator. For Oro Valley, it will be the third within a couple of years. For Marana, it will be the first time they fill this position.

That in itself speaks volumes. Marana gets the Ritz-Carlton Resort, that opted not to build in Oro Valley, not withstanding giving them concessions that included $900,000 in water system improvements, a rebate of $5.1 million from the town's hotel bed tax and fast-tracking of plan reviews. Marana gets a Nordstrom, while we give Vestar $23.2 million for the likes of a Wal-Mart.

So---- What do you think the comparable salaries offered for an Economic Development Administrator?

Oro Valley:$74,858-$112,285 Marana:$57,024-$62,727

Need we say more?

There are other positions with a similar disparity. For example, Oro Valley pays $85,010 for a Community Relations Administrator. Marana pays $70,446 for this position.

Sure----there are those who will say, "You get what you pay for," but what are we getting for our money? In the case of Economic Development Administrators, we think a monkey could get retail developers to build on prime land here when we giveaway $50 million to line their pockets.

What does the Council say? We all know the answer to that. They think all they need to do is vote for another tax on the citizens. The majority of this council think we're either too dumb or too busy to notice.

Isn't it time to get some fiscally responsible people elected? We sure think so.

From the Nov 1 Arizona Daily Star:

Annual salaries

Here's what these Oro Valley department heads earn annually, compared to similar positions in Marana and Sahuarita:

Economic development administrator
Oro Valley: $84,843 (former economic development administrator), $74,858 to $112,285 (amount advertised for job recruitment).
Marana: $57,024 to $62,727 (new position that is still open).
Sahuarita: $64,584.

Town attorney:
Oro Valley: $127,712 (of its former town attorney), $91,207 to $136,809 (amount advertised for job recruitment).
Marana: $127,157.04.
Sahuarita: $136,500.

Community development director:
Oro Valley: $105,669 (former community development director); position never refilled.
Marana: $70,446.00.

Spokesperson/community relations administrator:
Oro Valley: $83,712 (former spokesman); $85,010 (current spokeswoman).
Marana: $59,136.04.
Sahuarita: $63,710.

Is Terry Parish Really Serious With His Latest Quote?

The Nov 21 Explorer has an article confirming that the Oro Valley Council voted for a $2.90 per month Storm Water Fee. Parish voted against it, as it passed 5-2. Whether you believe this fee is necessary or not is not the issue. The issue is the Parish quote.

Parish says he sees the fee as simply another level of bureaucracy, adding that the town appears to be heading toward initiating a new tax for every service it provides.

“What are we going to do next?” Parish said. “Have a pavement tax?”

This comment comes from the man who helped push the Utility Tax down our throats after it was twice defeated. This comes from the man who voted against the $48 million for the Naranja Town Site because it wasn't enough. He wanted to go for the $150 million, so we'd have even a higher property tax.

Does Terry Parish think at all before he speaks? We really wonder.

It's just another reason why we need him voted OFF the Council in the March 2008 election. Click here to read Parishes comments.