Bits and Pieces

Oro Valley Bond Rating Upgraded

Oro Valley, Ariz. (February 19, 2014) - The Town of Oro Valley is proud to announce that Standard & Poor's (S&P) Ratings Services has raised the Town's long-term rating on the Oro Valley Oracle Road Improvement District's special assessment revenue bonds two notches, from A- to A+.

The report from S&P states: "The stable outlook reflects our view of Oro Valley's very strong and stable economy and management."

"We are extremely pleased that Standard & Poor's has recognized the Town for its strong management and budgetary practices," said Oro Valley Finance Director Stacey Lemos. "To receive a two-notch upgrade on our outstanding debt in this slowly-recovering economy is rare."

This excellent investment grade rating will allow the Town to access future capital on the bond market at much lower interest rates, thereby saving taxpayer dollars on the Town's debt payments. (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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Oro Valley Drafts Vision Statement

Oro Valley has drafted a vision statement for the 2015 General Plan Update:

"To be a well-managed community that provides all residents with opportunities for quality living. Oro Valley will retain its friendly, smalltown character, while increasing access to daily services, employment and recreation. The Town's lifestyle continues to be defined by a strong sense of community, a high regard for public safety and extraordinary natural environment and scenic views."

It has has created a draft set of 11 guiding principles. These are available at the "Our Voice, Your Vision" web site.
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Oro Valley Historical Society Plans Gala Fundraiser For October

Jack Everett, Vice President of the Oro Valley Historical Society, announced a society-sponsored gala fundraiser to be held at the Lost Territory (El Conquistador) next October.  It will have a western theme. Jack announced this at last week's Oro Valley town council meeting.

Jack updated the council on the society's accomplishments and future goals. Watch his presentation to learn more.
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Oro Valley Rated USA's 8th Safest Suburb

A real estate blog, Movoto, has issued its 2013 survey of the country's safest cities.  Oro Valley is ranked at 8.  It is the only Arizona community listed and one of two listed in the west.  The rankings were based on:

• Property crimes per capita (burglaries, thefts, and motor vehicle thefts) 
• Violent crimes per capita (murders, rapes, robberies, and aggravated assaults) 
• The chances of being the victim of a crime

(Source: Movoto Press Release)

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Theft and Speeding are Oro Valley's #1 Crimes

The Oro Valley Police Department has published its 2013 crime statistics.  There were 769 serious crimes. Almost 80% of them were property theft ("larceny").  This increased about 10% over last year.  There were about 5,200 traffic related incidents.  71.5% of 2013's traffic citations were from one of three sources: Speeding (41%); Insurance Violation (20.5%); and Registration Violation (10.0%). (Source: Oro Valley 2013 Crime Statistics).

You can access Oro Valley's latest crime statistics here.
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The Anti John Musolf Arizona House Bill 2419

There is an Arizona Senate Bill that would charge a rate per hour for fulfilling information request that require more than 8 hours to obtain. The bill would, in effect, reduce the number of information requests because of the cost.  This is yet another, ill-conceived bill from a group of legislators who, obviously, have too much time on their hands.

Individuals and organizations use information requests to further explore issues of interest. They have a right to get such information.  Charging a fee of such proportions will most certainly be in violation of the Freedom of Information Act.

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March HiVE Deployments

Oracle and Magee continues to be Oro Valley's #1 intersection for traffic accidents.  (Source) The Oro Valley Police Department announces the following HiVE deployments on Oracle, from Magee to Suffolk Road:

•  March 5, 2014    4 - 7 p.m. 
•  March 11, 2014   4 - 7 p.m. 
•  March 12, 2014   7 - 10 a.m. 
•  March 20, 2014   4 - 7 p.m. 
•  March 27, 2014   7 - 10 a.m.

(Source: The Oro Valley Police Department Press Release)

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