Council links reported closure of Berger Performing Arts Center to potential Oro Valley Performing Arts Center
Last week, local media outlets have reported that the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind will close the Berger Performing Arts Center on its Tucson campus effective June 30, citing funding and the closin of its Speedway location. That reporting came after the Oro Valley Town Council had discussed the potential impact such a closure could have during last week’s strategic planning study session. At that time, Council members raised concerns about the possible loss of Berger, noting that the theater is widely used by Oro Valley-based groups and would cost tens of millions of dollars to replace. They also linked the issue to Oro Valley’s own discussions about a performing arts center, saying that the loss of a regional venue could shift demand to Oro Valley and affect the urgency and scope of any local project. Council members emphasized that the Town is not pursuing its own feasibility study, but intends to stay engaged with a nonprofit conducting a study and remain part of the broader regional conversation.
This past Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council approved the employment contract for its new Town Attorney, a position that now reports directly to the Council rather than through the Town Manager. The Council selected Steven Zraick, a long-time Arizona attorney whose career has focused on municipal and public-sector law. Zraick most recently served as Deputy Town Attorney for the Town of Prescott Valley, where he advised elected officials, staff, and boards on day-to-day legal matters. Public records indicate that his legal work has been centered on local government rather than private practice, a background that aligns with the Council’s stated interest in strengthening its direct legal oversight. The town attorney is responsible for providing legal advice directly to the Town Council, managing the Town’s legal department, representing the Town in legal matters, drafting and reviewing ordinances, resolutions, and contracts, and ensuring that Council actions comply with state law and the Oro Valley Town Code. In his role, he may or may not replace the outside legal council at council meetings.
Water impact fee shortfall flagged, changes to come before Council
Town water officials reported to the Water Utility Commission last week that the Water Resource & System Development Impact Fee, which is paid by new development to help fund growth-related water infrastructure, is projected to fall short in fiscal year 2026–27. Staff told the Commission that projected expenses of about $2.3 million exceed expected impact fee revenue of roughly $1.2 million, creating a gap tied largely to growth-related debt for major water projects. According to staff, current impact fees were set years ago and no longer reflect rising infrastructure costs. Staff said the next step is to prepare an updated impact fee analysis and bring a proposed fee adjustment to the Town Council later in 2026, following the state-required notice and public hearing process.
You can sign candidate nomination petitions online
Arizona voters can sign candidate nomination petitions online using the Secretary of State’s E-Qual system. Visit this link and select “Sign a Candidate Nomination Petition.” Log in with you Arizona driver license or state ID and date of birth to see which candidates they are eligible to support. The system allows you to review and sign petitions electronically, eliminating the need for in-person signature gathering and making it easier to participate in the local election process.
Stormwater Utility fee going up over three years
The Oro Valley Town Council approved a phased increase to the stormwater utility base rate on January 14. The increase will take effect July 1, at the start of the new fiscal year, and will be implemented over three years. The base rate will rise from $4.50 to $6.50 per equivalent residential unit (ERU) once fully phased in. Town staff said the additional revenue will support stormwater system maintenance, regulatory compliance, and flood control, noting that the stormwater rate had not been increased since 2016.
Water cost increase proposed for next July
At its January 12 meeting, the Water Utility Commission reviewed staff’s water rate analysis for FY 2026–27 and affirmed the recommended water rate changes for consideration by the Town Council. The recommendation includes an increase to potable water base rates only, with no changes to usage-based rates or reclaimed water rates; most residential customers with a 5/8-inch meter would see a $1.86 monthly increase. The Commission also reviewed the Groundwater Preservation Fee, for which no change is proposed. In addition, commissioners discussed the Water Resource & System Development Impact Fee, noting that projected expenses exceed revenues and that proposed changes would be brought to Town Council later in 2026 following the required notice and public hearing process. The amount of the proposed increase was not specified at the meeting.
November Financial Update: Town finances largely on track, construction sales tax trails budget
The town's General Fund revenues are tracking below budget through November 2025, largely due to weaker construction activity. Expenditures remain generally on budget due in part to vacancy savings. Community Center Fund continues to outperform expectations, the Highway Fund is tracking close to budget but may require continued capital fund support, and both the Water Utility and Stormwater Funds are trending positively. To address the General Fund shortfall, staff has taken cost-control measures including extended vacancies, reduced operating budgets, reconsideration of excess pension payments, and potential capital spending reductions, while noting that future transportation funding will depend on the outcome of the March RTA Next election [since the town is dependent on the RTA for public transportation] (Source: Budget and Finance Commission Meeting, 01-20-26)
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