At tonight's Council meeting, Oro Valley Finance Director Stacey Lemos presented the results of the tentative budget for fiscal year 2010/2011.
The good news is this. Without using any contingency funds the new tentative budget is projected to be balanced with an equal amount of revenue & expenditures of $25,751,743.
The new budget will be less than 2009/2010, dropping from $121.5M to $110.6M.
The bad news is the fact that our contingency fund has dropped rather dramatically from around $18M to less than $11M which is approx 41% of our General Fund.($25.75M)
It is expected that the new council will be the one to approve a final budget sometime in June or perhaps July.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Oro Valley Council Votes 6-0 To Accept Resignation Of Salette Latas
A motion by Bill Garner was unanimously approved to accept the resignation of Salette Latas. Furthermore, the motion was to accept the request from any qualified candidates from May 1-19 for consideration, and appointing a candidate to serve on council on Jun 2.
Pay Attention To Oro Valley Consent Agenda Item "S" On Tonight's Agenda
As most of us know, consent agenda items are almost always approved unless an item is "pulled" by a council member for discussion.
We can only hope this occurs with item "S" tonight.
Mayor Loomis can't accept "no" for an answer, and with the resignation of Salette Latas, he is once again trying to fund the likes of TREO & MTCVB with OUR bed tax revenue.
After Salette's resignation, Loomis saw fit to revise the consent agenda by adding item "S". (See left column of blog for details.)
S. * Resolution No. (R)10-23 Amending Policy Guidelines and Procedures for the funding of community agencies.
What does this mean?
It means that our bed tax money that is in reserve funds will be used to give to the aforementioned outside agencies.
The council already said "no" to these earmarks.
Let's see how this vote goes tonight---if in fact some council member thinks enough about the citizens to "pull it" for discussion.
If you don't think the upcoming election is important, think again.
Mike Zinkin & Matt Rabb are against these earmarks. Period!
We can only hope this occurs with item "S" tonight.
Mayor Loomis can't accept "no" for an answer, and with the resignation of Salette Latas, he is once again trying to fund the likes of TREO & MTCVB with OUR bed tax revenue.
After Salette's resignation, Loomis saw fit to revise the consent agenda by adding item "S". (See left column of blog for details.)
S. * Resolution No. (R)10-23 Amending Policy Guidelines and Procedures for the funding of community agencies.
What does this mean?
It means that our bed tax money that is in reserve funds will be used to give to the aforementioned outside agencies.
The council already said "no" to these earmarks.
Let's see how this vote goes tonight---if in fact some council member thinks enough about the citizens to "pull it" for discussion.
If you don't think the upcoming election is important, think again.
Mike Zinkin & Matt Rabb are against these earmarks. Period!
Caution: Do Not Allow Oro Valley Election To Be "Bought"
We are aware that a Political Action Committee has just been formed using the name "Citizens For A Better Oro Valley."
We all know that PACs have an agenda they wish to promote, and although that is the way it is in politics, we need to caution all Oro Valley voters what the agenda is for this group.
They will attempt to raise as much money as possible in order to get their candidates elected. Their PAC does not state which candidates they want elected, but I can tell you, it is NOT Mike Zinkin and Matt Rabb.
Why should we worry?
There are two reasons.
1) We know many of the "players" behind this PAC, who are part of the business community, including Mike Quinn owner of 911 Collision as chairman & his wife Bonnie Quinn, owner of Down Home Delights as treasurer.
2) We know their intention is to raise and spend as much cash as necessary to "buy" the election.
We hope we can reach enough of our fellow citizens that feel as we do.
Why should we vote for Mike Zinkin & ONLY Matt Rabb?
Mike & Matt are running independently with NO support, financial or otherwise from Special Interest Groups that support the other candidates. Those with "deep pockets."
Mike & Matt will NOT support an Oro Valley Property Tax. They both believe that our expenditures MUST not exceed our revenue.
Mike & Matt will not raid our contingency fund ("rainy day money") designed to be used ONLY for emergencies. They both agree balancing a budget is done by curtailing your expenditures, not by using contingency funds.
Mike & Matt understand that Oro Valley is not a philanthropic organization, and giving hundreds of thousands of our tax dollars to outside agencies is not the prudent thing to do, especially during these difficult economic times. Neither believe in ANY "earmarks" without a positive return.
Mike & Matt know our council MUST show fiscal responsibility. We believe they are the ONLY two candidates that understand that simple premise.
PLEASE---- Consider these (and all the issues)---and if you agree, vote Mike Zinkin for Mayor & Matt Rabb for Council.
Don't let the big money "buy the election."
We all know that PACs have an agenda they wish to promote, and although that is the way it is in politics, we need to caution all Oro Valley voters what the agenda is for this group.
They will attempt to raise as much money as possible in order to get their candidates elected. Their PAC does not state which candidates they want elected, but I can tell you, it is NOT Mike Zinkin and Matt Rabb.
Why should we worry?
There are two reasons.
1) We know many of the "players" behind this PAC, who are part of the business community, including Mike Quinn owner of 911 Collision as chairman & his wife Bonnie Quinn, owner of Down Home Delights as treasurer.
2) We know their intention is to raise and spend as much cash as necessary to "buy" the election.
We hope we can reach enough of our fellow citizens that feel as we do.
Why should we vote for Mike Zinkin & ONLY Matt Rabb?
Mike & Matt are running independently with NO support, financial or otherwise from Special Interest Groups that support the other candidates. Those with "deep pockets."
Mike & Matt will NOT support an Oro Valley Property Tax. They both believe that our expenditures MUST not exceed our revenue.
Mike & Matt will not raid our contingency fund ("rainy day money") designed to be used ONLY for emergencies. They both agree balancing a budget is done by curtailing your expenditures, not by using contingency funds.
Mike & Matt understand that Oro Valley is not a philanthropic organization, and giving hundreds of thousands of our tax dollars to outside agencies is not the prudent thing to do, especially during these difficult economic times. Neither believe in ANY "earmarks" without a positive return.
Mike & Matt know our council MUST show fiscal responsibility. We believe they are the ONLY two candidates that understand that simple premise.
PLEASE---- Consider these (and all the issues)---and if you agree, vote Mike Zinkin for Mayor & Matt Rabb for Council.
Don't let the big money "buy the election."
Alan Dankwerth Should Not Be Believed! Here's Why.
Do you recognize the name of The Explorer letter writer---Alan Dankwerth?
You should! His wife Helen was elected as a "people's candidate" in 2004. When she turned out to be a "Special Interest" Council Member, she came in dead last in her reelection bid in 2008.
Now Mr. Dankwerth tells us to vote for the three candidates with the Special Interest support.
Don't get snookered again.
We need Mike Zinkin & Matt Rabb serving OUR best interests.
Also, don't believe Alan Dankwerth when he says "Both in the last election and again now, several candidates were "hand-picked," and are receiving support as long as they are /remain willing to vote the desires of their "handler"."
We challenge him to prove this malicious statement. He can't!!!
Here's his letter. Decide for yourself.
Art
*************************************************************************************
Town needs strong, even-tempered leadership
Oro Valley is facing some major decisions over the next several years, including how to balance our budget while confronting a shortfall in sales tax revenue with little or no relief expected from the state.
That is why, more than ever, our town needs strong, even-tempered, objective leadership, beholden to no one.
Since its inception, Oro Valley has taken pride in the fact that our elections have been non-partisan. There is strong evidence, however, that during the last election, and again this year, partisan politics have entered "the arena." The Democratic Party is again believed to be supporting certain candidates with funds and a calling squad.
There is no place for partisanship in our elections. It is important that we retain our tradition of independence.
Both in the last election and again now, several candidates were "hand-picked," and are receiving support as long as they are / remain willing to vote the desires of their "handler." Oro Valley needs a mayor and council which is objective and independent, and which votes only in the best interests of the town.
It is essential that Oro Valley, through its mayor, establish / maintain strong relationships with other governmental agencies and members of the business community, both current and prospective. Diplomacy, consensus-building ability and negotiating skills, not a bully approach, will be required.
Only Hiremath, Waters and Hornat bring the desired attributes and objective leadership which are vital for Oro Valley's stability and growth.
Alan Dankwerth, Oro Valley
You should! His wife Helen was elected as a "people's candidate" in 2004. When she turned out to be a "Special Interest" Council Member, she came in dead last in her reelection bid in 2008.
Now Mr. Dankwerth tells us to vote for the three candidates with the Special Interest support.
Don't get snookered again.
We need Mike Zinkin & Matt Rabb serving OUR best interests.
Also, don't believe Alan Dankwerth when he says "Both in the last election and again now, several candidates were "hand-picked," and are receiving support as long as they are /remain willing to vote the desires of their "handler"."
We challenge him to prove this malicious statement. He can't!!!
Here's his letter. Decide for yourself.
Art
*************************************************************************************
Town needs strong, even-tempered leadership
Oro Valley is facing some major decisions over the next several years, including how to balance our budget while confronting a shortfall in sales tax revenue with little or no relief expected from the state.
That is why, more than ever, our town needs strong, even-tempered, objective leadership, beholden to no one.
Since its inception, Oro Valley has taken pride in the fact that our elections have been non-partisan. There is strong evidence, however, that during the last election, and again this year, partisan politics have entered "the arena." The Democratic Party is again believed to be supporting certain candidates with funds and a calling squad.
There is no place for partisanship in our elections. It is important that we retain our tradition of independence.
Both in the last election and again now, several candidates were "hand-picked," and are receiving support as long as they are / remain willing to vote the desires of their "handler." Oro Valley needs a mayor and council which is objective and independent, and which votes only in the best interests of the town.
It is essential that Oro Valley, through its mayor, establish / maintain strong relationships with other governmental agencies and members of the business community, both current and prospective. Diplomacy, consensus-building ability and negotiating skills, not a bully approach, will be required.
Only Hiremath, Waters and Hornat bring the desired attributes and objective leadership which are vital for Oro Valley's stability and growth.
Alan Dankwerth, Oro Valley
Explorer Editor Asks---"Should Voters Elect A New Council Member Upon A Resignation?"
The Explorer editor raises an interesting question. Should the voters be allowed to vote for a new council member upon the resignation of member prior to term expiration?
The editor, Dave Perry says "yes."
Dave may be correct, but has he considered what should be done if an election is not imminent, but perhaps years away? Special elections are quite expensive. We believe in this case, it would also be too late, as ballots have already been printed.
Although it's always good to have the voters elect their representatives, the logistics seem to say, "let it be."
Below is The Explorer editorial.
Art
*************************************************************************************
The people's call?
By Dave Perry, The Explorer
Published:
April-07-2010
Another Oro Valley Town Council member has resigned from the post. Salette Latas has left the duty after two years. We are grateful for her service.
The resignation poses yet another election-cycle question for the town.
Rules allow the town council to fill the vacancy however it chooses, and the governing board meets Wednesday to discuss their approach.
While chided (nicely, by at least one person) for comments a week ago about the ballot, we must insist that Oro Valley do everything it can to let the voters, rather than the council, choose its representatives.
We're going to the polls in more than six weeks. That should be sufficient time to evaluate results from the primary election ballot, determine which candidates remain interested and see about getting their names before the ultimate decision-makers — the people of Oro Valley.
The editor, Dave Perry says "yes."
Dave may be correct, but has he considered what should be done if an election is not imminent, but perhaps years away? Special elections are quite expensive. We believe in this case, it would also be too late, as ballots have already been printed.
Although it's always good to have the voters elect their representatives, the logistics seem to say, "let it be."
Below is The Explorer editorial.
Art
*************************************************************************************
The people's call?
By Dave Perry, The Explorer
Published:
April-07-2010
Another Oro Valley Town Council member has resigned from the post. Salette Latas has left the duty after two years. We are grateful for her service.
The resignation poses yet another election-cycle question for the town.
Rules allow the town council to fill the vacancy however it chooses, and the governing board meets Wednesday to discuss their approach.
While chided (nicely, by at least one person) for comments a week ago about the ballot, we must insist that Oro Valley do everything it can to let the voters, rather than the council, choose its representatives.
We're going to the polls in more than six weeks. That should be sufficient time to evaluate results from the primary election ballot, determine which candidates remain interested and see about getting their names before the ultimate decision-makers — the people of Oro Valley.
Is Eliminating Oro Valley DRB A Smart Move? Council To Consider It Tonight
An item on the OV Council agenda tonight is DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STREAMLINE THE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCESS. (See agenda on left column of blog.)
We have to question if eliminating the volunteer DRB is a wise move. What needs to be considered is the fact that elimination will cause OV employees to spend more time hearing from applicants in making their recommendation to the council.
As it is now, the town volunteers hear the applicants, and the council may not even need to be involved if DRB approves their request.
Read The Explorer article here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2010/04/07/news/doc4bbbbf59f417d419064757.txt
We have to question if eliminating the volunteer DRB is a wise move. What needs to be considered is the fact that elimination will cause OV employees to spend more time hearing from applicants in making their recommendation to the council.
As it is now, the town volunteers hear the applicants, and the council may not even need to be involved if DRB approves their request.
Read The Explorer article here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2010/04/07/news/doc4bbbbf59f417d419064757.txt
We Welcome Basis School To Oro Valley
We believe most of our citizens are very pleased that the prestigious Basis School has seen fit to open this fall in Oro Valley.
First classes will be from grades 5-9. The school has broken ground at their new site at Steam Pump Ranch.
We wish the school the same success it has with all their other branches.
Read The Explorer article here.
http://www.explorernews.com/content/e-edition/2010/04/07/P9.pdf
First classes will be from grades 5-9. The school has broken ground at their new site at Steam Pump Ranch.
We wish the school the same success it has with all their other branches.
Read The Explorer article here.
http://www.explorernews.com/content/e-edition/2010/04/07/P9.pdf
Explorer Reports On Latas Recent Resignation From Oro Valley Council
The Explorer reports on the resignation of Salette Latas from Oro Valley Council.
read it here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2010/04/07/news/doc4bbbbf20661a4656204171.txt
read it here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2010/04/07/news/doc4bbbbf20661a4656204171.txt
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