Council recommends $42.5 million in proposed improvements in Pima County 2027 Bond ElectionAt its October 21 meeting, the Oro Valley Town Council voted unanimously to advance a list of projects for consideration in a possible November 2027 Pima County bond election. The preliminary list includes nine projects requesting approximately $42.5 million, plus a proposed extension of the Chuck Huckelberry Loop for which costs have not yet been determined. Assistant Town Manager Carl Shaddock explained that the Town submitted its proposals before the County's October 6 deadline to ensure Oro Valley would be included in the initial review. The proposals are not approvals to spend money. They are requests for funding that will compete with projects submitted by other jurisdictions throughout Pima County.
The largest request is $11 million toward the renovation of the Town-owned building at 13101 North Oracle Road into a new police headquarters and regional Emergency Operations Center. The total project is estimated at $21.6 million. Naranja Park completion would receive $10 million for additional sports fields, basketball and pickleball courts, skate park improvements, shade structures, restrooms, and other facilities. Another $6 million would improve James D. Kriegh Park, including field lighting, parking, and redevelopment of existing recreation areas. The Town also seeks $4 million for Steam Pump Ranch improvements, including restoration of the historic Proctor/Lieber House and construction of a northern entrance.
Transportation and flood control projects included
The remaining proposals address infrastructure and regional connections. The Town seeks $4 million to rehabilitate bridges along Rancho Vistoso Boulevard and Tangerine Road over Big Wash and $3 million for a roundabout at Moore Road and La Cholla Boulevard. A proposed extension of the Chuck Huckelberry Loop would improve connections to the Aquatic Center, Linda Vista Trailhead, Tohono Chul, and eventually points north. Two flood control projects totaling $4.5 million would improve drainage along Mutterer's Wash, where nine homes flooded in 2014, and enhance stormwater infiltration at the Gravel Pit Wash basin near Naranja Park. Council also discussed possible additions, including Aquatic Center improvements and a restroom near the Arizona Heroes Memorial.
Oro Valley residents would help pay for county bonds
Shaddock emphasized that Oro Valley property owners would pay their share of any countywide bond program approved by voters, whether or not Oro Valley receives funding for its projects. The Town represents approximately 8% of Pima County's net assessed property value. Based on preliminary estimates, a $200 million county bond program would cost the owner of a $250,000 home approximately $31 annually in additional property taxes. The actual cost would depend on the final bond amount, repayment schedule, and assessed property value. Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett supported submitting the projects while explaining that doing so did not constitute support for a new tax. Her concern was that, if county voters approved the bonds, Oro Valley residents should receive benefits from the taxes they would pay.
County review will determine which projects advance
The Pima County Bond Advisory Committee will review proposals from throughout the county and is expected to develop a preliminary project list in January 2027, followed by public engagement and final recommendations in March. The Board of Supervisors would then decide whether to place a bond package before voters in November 2027. Council supported moving forward with Oro Valley's proposals, subject to further refinement and prioritization. Some projects may be reduced, revised, or eliminated during the County's review. For now, the Town's objective is to secure a place for Oro Valley's capital improvement needs in a possible countywide funding program.
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