Bits and Pieces

BFC review of 2026 Town Manager’s Budget checks a box for town manager, but adds little value to the budget process
Oro Valley’s Budget and Finance Commission (BFC), established in 2019, has not consistently participated in the review of the Town Manager’s Recommended Budget (TMRB). While it was not involved in last year’s FY 2025 budget process, it has occasionally received presentations in prior years without playing a formal advisory role. This year was much the same as that, as staff presented the TMRB to the Commission on May 20.

The BFC did not make a substantive contribution to the development of the TMRB at the meeting. This is because the budget had already been developed and finalized for presentation by the time the BFC reviewed it. The Commission’s role was limited to reviewing and asking clarifying questions. While their discussion helped reinforce certain priorities, like fiscal sustainability and transparency, their comments led to no changes in the budget. Thus, their involvement seemed more like checking a box in the process of completing the TMRB, rather than seeking meaningful input during its development.

Town exploring new taxes to fund future capital needs
At the May 20 meeting of the Budget and Finance Commission, Town Manager Jeff Wilkins introduced a discussion about three potential new revenue sources that are not currently part of the Town Manager’s Recommended Budget. These include a use tax, a telecommunications tax, and a commercial rental tax—all of which are common in nearby municipalities like Tucson, Marana, and Sahuarita but are not currently levied in Oro Valley. Wilkins described these taxes as a way to diversify the town’s revenue base, enhance financial stability, and create a dedicated funding stream for capital needs such as roads and public safety infrastructure.

Although these proposed taxes are not included in the fiscal year 2025–26 town manager recommended budget, Wilkins used the budget presentation to make the case for exploring them. He emphasized that the town’s five-year forecast shows a capital funding shortfall by year five, and that relying solely on existing revenue sources may not be sustainable. According to Wilkins, the proposed taxes could generate between $900,000 and $1.8 million annually, and Wilkins suggested dedicating all proceeds to capital—possibly even restricting it further to public safety. Commissioners responded with questions about operational costs associated with capital projects and whether future councils would be overly constrained by strict earmarking of these new revenues. 

Budget and finance commission recommends approval of $2.84 million contribution to fully fund PSPRS for FY 2026
At its May 20 meeting, the Oro Valley Budget and Finance Commission voted unanimously to recommend Council approval of the FY 2026 PSPRS pension funding policy. The policy includes a total contribution of $2.84 million to the police retirement plan—$738,817 as required by actuarial valuation and an additional $2.1 million in excess of that requirement. This extra payment is intended to eliminate the plan’s remaining unfunded liability and bring the plan to 100% funded status by June 30, 2026. Commission members supported the action after confirming the plan was financially feasible and aligned with the Council’s long-standing goal to fully fund the police pension plan.

New signs, tours, and research projects featured in OVHS May update
The Oro Valley Historical Society’s (OVHS) May newsletter highlights several new initiatives. Eight interpretive signs for Steam Pump Ranch are now in production and expected to be installed by early June, offering year-round self-guided tours.  The Society also launched a redesigned website in April and is seeking volunteers to help with content and outreach. Additional efforts include digitizing historical audiovisual materials, creating an educational display about George Pusch, and continuing research on the families who shaped Oro Valley’s early history.

Disc golf returns with summer vibes and mountain views
Oro Valley’s Pusch Ridge Disc Golf Course is reopening for summer play starting  this Saturday, Nestled at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, the 18-hole course offers daily play from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through September 21. New this year: weekend golf carts, short tees for novice players, and PDGA-sanctioned league play every Friday at 4:30 p.m. Tee times are required on weekends (7–11 a.m.) via PlayOV.com, while weekday play is first-come, first-served. At $10 per round, it’s a fun, affordable way to enjoy the outdoors—and the scenery can’t be beat. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Press release)
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Guest View-Tim Bohen: Oro Valley Residents Should Prioritize Core Services Over New Projects

Tim Bohen served a four-year term on the Oro Valley Town Council, completing his service last fall. During that time, he distinguished himself by digging deeply into all matters before the Council — especially those involving financial details. Tim approached budgets, forecasts, and capital plans with a level of scrutiny and understanding that no current Council member has been willing to match. His absence is especially noticeable during discussions like the current one, where critical financial decisions are being made without the benefit of rigorous, numbers-based analysis.

Here are his thoughts on the Town Manager’s Recommended Capital Budget for FY 2026. We hope he will continue to share his perspective as the rest of the budget is unveiled.

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Staff outlines $48 million in contingent capital projects
Town staff recently shared a list of $48 million in contingent capital improvement projects (CIP), including major core functions of local government: 

•  Police station upgrade

•  Bridge repair

•  Maintenance of public facilities

Despite Oro Valley having a per capita income 50% higher than the Pima County average, there is currently no clear plan for funding these essential needs.

Community Center Fund proposes new discretionary projects
At the same time, new discretionary projects are being recommended for approval in the Community Center Fund — a fund often cited by staff as a success story. Six new projects are proposed for the coming year, none of which are carryovers from FY 2024-25. Among them are:

• A $510,000 repair to the South Pump Station
• Accelerated construction of the Community Center parking lot, moved up by a year from the previously adopted plan

The need for a major pump station repair — not listed as a planned project just last year — raises questions about the long-term planning for these investments.

Core services remain unfunded
Meanwhile, essential services like police facilities and bridge maintenance remain unfunded. Mother Nature will not wait — bridges must be repaired when needed, not when convenient. A long-term funding plan is necessary to protect the community’s infrastructure and safety.

Police salaries are not part of CIP
As the Town enters executive session negotiations with the Police Union, residents should remember that public safety salaries are not part of the CIP — they are a regular, annual expense, and one that Town residents consistently prioritize. A modest investment in officer salaries — even $1 million spread across approximately 100 non-management officers — would have a significant impact on retaining and attracting quality personnel.

A question of priorities
Oro Valley’s strong income levels suggest that basic needs should be easily met. Yet today, we risk falling short in delivering on the essentials of local government. Planning new recreational investments while core services remain unfunded sends the wrong message to residents — and to the people who protect us every day.

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It’s Budget Time — Council Considers $46 Million In Capital Spending For 2026

Over 60% of the spending is Water related
Tonight, the Town Council will discuss the Town Manager's recommended capital budget for fiscal year 2026, which starts July 1, 2025. The total recommended capital budget is $45.6 million. Of this amount, 62% is for Water Utility projects. Within that, 88% is allocated to the Northwest Recharge, Recovery and Delivery System (NWRRDS) project. As previously reported, the Town has borrowed $18 million to fund a large portion of the NWRRDS project. The Water Utility operates as a separate enterprise from the rest of the Town.

Focus on $17.5 million of town projects
Our focus is on the $17.5 million of proposed capital spending outside of the Water Utility. Most of this spending is allocated to streets, public facilities (including vehicles and equipment), and parks. Together, these areas account for over 90% of the Town’s recommended non-Water Utility capital expenditures.

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Street projects total $5.8 million
The largest portion of street spending supports the Town’s pavement preservation program, which seals and resurfaces roads to extend their lifespan. If residents have not seen work recently in their neighborhood, it is likely to occur soon because pavement preservation is an ongoing process. The recommended street budget also includes $750,000 for a new traffic light at the Tangerine Road entrance to Naranja Park. The primary funding source for these projects is the Highway Fund, which receives revenue primarily from state-shared highway user taxes and impact fees.

Public facilities, vehicles, and equipment projects total $5.1 million
The Town Manager is recommending $5.1 million for public facilities, vehicles, and equipment. More than 60% of this is for the Town’s vehicle replacement program. This program funds the annual replacement of aging fleet vehicles to help control repair and maintenance costs. Funds for the vehicle replacement program come primarily from the Capital Fund, which is supported by transfers from the Town’s General Fund and anticipated grants from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). This category also includes $800,000 to complete the court expansion project, including the construction of a secured sally port.

Parks projects total $5 million
The parks budget is dominated by spending on the Town’s golf and community center facilities. Approximately $2.8 million is allocated from the Community Center Fund for projects such as a 36-hole pump station, an exterior restroom at the Community Center, and resurfacing of the Community Center parking lot. The Community Center Fund is supported by dedicated revenues, including sales tax.

The parks budget also proposes $2 million for the reconstruction of the pond at the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. The funding source for the pond project is the Capital Fund, which in this case is supported by the Town’s General Fund.

New police facility planning project proposed
Public safety vehicle maintenance is included in the public facilities category. However, there is a separate public safety project proposed for fiscal 2026: $400,000 for police facility programming. This project would fund consulting services to design solutions for future police facility needs, based on a prior space needs assessment. Construction of a new police facility is not included in the fiscal 2026 capital budget. Instead, it appears in a contingent projects list for future years, with an estimated construction cost of $36 million starting in fiscal year 2027.

Summary
The Town Council will discuss the recommended capital improvement projects for fiscal year 2026 at tonight’s meeting. We will report on any major discussions or changes of interest in a future LOVE article.

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Will Oro Valley Secure Millions in Federal Grants for Key Projects? Find Out What’s Still on the Line

Town focuses on additional funding sources
During the council’s review of the 2025 budget, Town Finance Director David Gephart highlighted two new funding sources the town plans to explore this year. The first is the potential for increasing fees on various town activities, which would contribute additional funds to the general fund.

Grant funding sought to supplement capital costs
The second are grant funds to supplement the capital fund. Each month, the town manager releases a report summarizing grant funding progress for fiscal year 2025. As of the latest report, the Town has applied for $19.1 million in grants, with $7.6 million declined, $11.2 million still in process, and around $234,000 accepted so far.

Nineteen grant applications
Applications have been submitted to thirteen separate funding sources, with the largest request of $18 million from “Congressionally Directed Spending.” This federal funding is allocated by Congress for local projects, including Oro Valley’s officer safety plan, a police station design, and the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve restoration. These applications are currently under review.

Big LaCañada bridge repair project request denied
One of the grant applications that was denied was for $7.2 million for the La Cañada Bridge at Cañada del Oro Wash. Interestingly, the Town’s capital improvement budget only lists two La Canada bridge projects totaling $3 million: Bridge deck repair and a mill overlay from the bridge to Lambert Lane. 

Possible reasons for grant denial
This grant request was rejected by US Senators Kelly and Senima. (So much for their support of Oro Valley!). No reason was given as to why this grant request was declined. It’s possible that the request didn’t align with federal priorities, as HIP funds typically support high-impact, safety-focused projects on major highways and railway crossings. Large requests often face stiff competition, especially if local matching funds (20%) fall short or the project exceeds program limits.

Two major grant requests are pending

Two major grant requests are still pending: $3 million for a new police station design and $7 million for what the Town Manager describes as “Town of Oro Valley bridge repair.” That grant would cover multiple bridge repair projects in the 2025 budget.

..one a "possibility pending congressional action"

This bridge repair funding was touted as "on target for funding" in September—so much so that Mayor Winfield and Congressman Ciscomani, who is running fore reelection, held a press conference in the median of the LaCanada Bridge on it. Nonetheless, the political landscape in Washington makes getting this grant far from certain. The funding must navigate through the House, the Senate, and finally be signed by the sitting President when it reaches that stage. In this election year, nothing is guaranteed. 

Grants are an important source of funding future capital projects.  LOVE will continue to monitor these grant requests and report back throughout the year on this potential funding source for the Town.
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Article updated: 10/19/24

Hidden Impact: Why Oro Valley Residents Are Concerned About a Fuel Station Renovation

Major renovation of town vehicle fuel station
This year’s capital budget includes a significant $450,000 renovation for the fuel station located at 680 West Calle Concordia, home to the public works facilities. According to town staff, the renovation is essential to modernize aging infrastructure that supports over 17,000 fuel transactions annually. The project aims to increase fuel storage capacity, replace severely rusted fuel tanks, and enhance efficiency by enabling more than one vehicle to refuel simultaneously.

Impacts local residents
Despite the scale of this project, Oro Valley Town staff decided not to involve local residents in any discussions. This decision has raised concerns, especially since the town typically holds an annual meeting to review any significant changes or issues within the community. In a recent conversation with Town staff, resident Ed Clary inquired if there were any major topics to discuss this year. Town officials responded with a resounding "no," a statement that now seems misleading given the planned renovation.

Breaking tradition of community involvement
Clary pointed out that since 2019, residents have regularly met with the Town to discuss concerns and future plans. These meetings were established to ensure transparent communication and allow time for any necessary adjustments within the town’s budgetary cycle. This year, residents suggested skipping the meeting, trusting there were no pressing matters. Town staff agreed, claiming no significant items were on the agenda. However, it’s clear that the renovation of the fuel station was not considered important enough to warrant discussion with the community.

Known to residents only after the fact
Upon discovering the renovation plans, Clary requested detailed information from the staff and was provided with a 42-page schematic of the project. Unfazed, he reviewed the plans and uncovered several key details: the construction of a new second entrance to the facility off Calle El Milagro, a residential street, the removal of screening vegetation on the west side to accommodate this entrance, and the construction of drainage culverts. Clary expressed concern over these changes, particularly given the area’s existing drainage issues. The size, scope, and impact of the project were far greater than residents had anticipated.

A difference in opinion or a communication breakdown?
Town staff may have viewed these changes as modest, not warranting a discussion with residents. However, Clary and other residents feel differently. “Honestly, we're perplexed that word came back that there were no issues to discuss because, in the opinion of residents, it both could and should have been discussed in our regular meeting much earlier in the process,” Clary stated during the council meeting.

Next Steps: Mayor Intervenes
In response to the concerns raised, Mayor Winfield instructed town officials to hold a meeting with the residents of 680 West Calle Concordia to discuss the project. This step is a crucial move towards restoring trust and ensuring that future projects involve the community from the outset. The hope is that this meeting will address the residents' concerns and lead to a more transparent planning process moving forward.
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Cornelison: Expect Much More Detail On All Capital Projects

We said that the study session was a joke...
Several weeks ago, LOVE reported that a late night study session on proposed capital improvement projects (CIP) was "laughable".  In our opinion, it was a joke for the many reasons noted in that posting. We ask Interim Town Manager Chris Cornelison about it. The following is his explanation of the session:

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Cornelison: Detailed project descriptions will be forthcoming

"Detailed descriptions of all the recommended CIP projects for the next fiscal year (FY 23/24) will be included in the Town Manager’s Recommended Budget [TMRB] once finalized, which will be available once it is published (tentatively April 14). Details will include project title, project budget for the fiscal year, funding sources, project description, justification of the project, and potential operating impact to the Town (if known and identifiable at the time).

 

Cornelison: Timing of the study session was simply out of sequence with the planning cycle

We are obviously still in the budget process to finalize the TM Recommended Budget, but I would like to just provide a reminder that typically we do not bring forward the CIP presentation in a Study Session to Town Council until May. As part of the Town Council’s Strategic Plan Workshop this year, however, I proposed to bring forward preliminary projects and associated prioritization to receive input sooner, which is why we had a Study Session item for CIP on March 15 prior to the TM’s Recommended Budget even being finalized. Staff was available from all of our departments that night to answer any detailed questions from Town Council, but unfortunately, other agenda items went longer than anticipated. However, we were able to receive some feedback from Town Council regarding the projects on the list.

 
Cornelison: Each proposed project will have detail

In regards to process and establishing priorities, it is certainly complex as developing the CIP requires a lot of follow-up questions and discussions with all of our departments. The Town utilizes a Budget Team to receive, review and evaluate CIP requests from all departments. Some aspects considered by the Budget Team when evaluating CIP project requests include its relationship to the Town Council’s adopted Strategic Leadership Plan as well as recent comments at the February Strategic Plan Workshop, impact to operations if the project is not funded and implemented, projected revenues to allow for projects within the CIP, return-on-investment potential of the project, operating budget impact, prior Town Council actions (for example, Parks Bond amenities, rollover projects, etc.), safety, etc." 

(Source: email communication)

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Bits and Pieces

Hardy Road to close for Carmack Wash improvement project March 27-31 

"ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (March 22, 2023) – The Town of Oro Valley is announcing road construction on Hardy Road between the Northern Avenue roundabout to Calle Loma Linda from March 27 – 31 to address erosion within the shoulder areas at the low flow water crossing of Carmack Wash. The section of road will be closed from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during construction." Hardy Road between the Northern Avenue roundabout to Calle Loma Linda will be closed. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Winfield asks: "Does Sun City really need street lights?"

Town staff is budgeting to replace circuit three street lights in Sun City. Mayor Winfield, however, wonders why the town should continue to provide a street light service to Sun City. It is, after all, the only place in town that has street lights. Winfield asked this question at the CIP study session last week. The answer: Maintaining those lights was part of the agreement when the town annexed Sun City 45+ years ago. Perhaps, though, time to re-examine that.

Asphalt costs skyrocket...increasing road costs... and we will pay more for roads

The cost of asphalt, like the cost of everything else has skyrocketed, according to Oro Valley Director of Public Works, Paul Keesler. More costly asphalt comes at a bad time, as several Oro Valley major roads will need replacing over the next few year.

One of these Rancho Vistoso Blvd.  (Source: Keesler remarks to council at CIP study session of May 15, 2023).

Roads are paid from the Highway Fund. The gas tax which town gets from the State funds that fund.  When the highway fund is short of money, funds are transferred from the Capital Fund. That fund get its money from the General Fund. Thus, we may all be paying for at least some portion of road costs in the future.

Crooks can be very creative

"On Feb. 20, OVPD Detectives arrested a suspect involved in organized retail theft. The case originated from the Oro Valley Neighborhood Walmart in January 2023 when the suspect would scan items, use a credit card that gets declined and then leave with the merchandise. There were 10 cases with five different agencies and about $2,445 in total losses. The suspect is facing charges of organized retail theft/burglary/aggravated shoplifting/ fraud/trafficking in stolen property, and computer tampering."

(Source: Town of Oro Valley Town Manger Report, March 2023, p2)

Pusch Ridge Golf rounds ahead of plan

Pusch Ridge Golf rounds are pacing ahead of last year, according to Tony D'Angelo, President of Pusch Ridge Golf speaking to the Council in the Call To Audience section f last week's Council meeting.

 "We are confident that rounds will exceed the Town budget for total rounds for the season before the end of this month." This, as Tony noted, despite the area's uncharacteristic cold and rainy winter. 

Tony attempted to remind the Council that the town is committed to maintaining the land in a manner commensurate with a resort regardless of whether it is a golf course.. As a result,  the town needs to include some investment in the land even if the Council chooses to close the court in two years. No such costs are included in the Town Managers tentative 2023-2033 Capital Improvement Program.(Source: D'Angelo remarks to Council on May 15, 2023 and email to LOVE).

Tony's group created an advertisement that runs on the Golf Channel.  You can watch it at left.

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One Word Sums Up Last Week's Town Council Capital Budget Study Session: "Laughable"

Laughable

Last week, we reported on the latest staff recommendations on the Town of Oro Valley Ten Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The town council held a study session on the program last Wednesday. In our minds, the study session was laughable. The session left more questions than it answered.  Here are our takeaways:

Study session occurred too late at night
There’s really no way to have a productive study session late into the evening, especially after the Council has already discussed pressing matters. In addition, just before this study session, the Council had already sat through a study session on the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Master Plan.

The CIP study session was so late in the evening that, by the time Council Member Joyce Jones-Ivey was asked if she had any questions, she was literally giddy. After all, she had been in that room for almost six hours.  Jones-Ivey started laughing and couldn’t stop. We don’t blame her because having a session on something as important as capital spending so late at night is ridiculous. That topic requires a "clear, fresh mind."  In addition, Joyce pointed out that the tiny font used on the schedules that staff provided was way too small to be read by a human being! She is right!

A $3.2 million magistrate court project...
Next year, the Town will start remodeling the Magistrate Court.  The estimated cost for that is $1.5 million each of the next two years. We have no idea why staff proposes this project or why it is proposed for next year because...

...With no detail provided on that or on any proposed project

We cannot tell you more about the Magistrate Court Project, or any other project really, because the packet provided to the Council does not include a detailed description of the project, a description of exactly what is to be done, the reason or justification for doing that project, the return or benefit from doing the project and the basis for the estimated cost of the project. All of of this is best practice in capital budgeting. All of this is missing from the council packet. It is no wonder that Jones-Ivey was laughing because what the Council received last week was laughable.

Thus requiring Council to get "down in the weeds"
Town staff is budgeting replacing "circuit three" street lights in Sun City. Barrett wants that circuit replaced sooner rather than later. Winfield asked why the town should continue to provide street lights in Sun City. After all, Sun City is the only place in town that has street lights. He was informed by staff that the street lights are there for historical reasons. Owning and maintaining those lights was part of the agreement when the town annexed Sun City 45+ years ago. Winfield suggested that is is time to re-examine that situation.

Finding discrepancies accounting among funds
It is necessary for the Council to "get down in the weeds."  Some members of this Council, Tim Bohen in particular, are good at doing that. His tracking of fund transfers, for example, reveals confusing accounting between the Community Center Fund (CCF) and the CIP.

According to Town Finance Director Gephart: “The one that I will highlight is the elevator and the ADA improvements to the Community Center.” These are included in the CIP Fund at the moment. According to Vice Mayor Barrett, these costs are supposed to be in the Community Center Fund. Barrett noted that “The motion for the elevator said that the additional funding would come from the Community Center Fund, so what would happen if we end up paying for all that from the Capital Fund? Would there be a transfer from the Community Center Fund?”. Gephart responded: “Yes. There would be a transfer as long as funds are available.”

Then, there are capital costs related to the creation of the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. These are included in the CCF capital budget. They belong in the CIP budget.

No basis provided by staff to Council for prioritizing projects
The staff did not provide nor does the Council have a method for prioritizing projects. Having such is best practice of a capital budgeting process. Council Member Solomon noted that the Town Council needs to separate projects as to whether they are essential, “a must or need”, or something it would be nice to have, “A want”. Then, the Council should agree upon and then apply a "screen" for prioritizing projects within those categories.

Our conclusion

Staff had been requested by Council to hold this session. They conducted the session as if they had been requested to do something that they did not want to do. They were "going through the motion."

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Parks and Recreation Projects Dominate Initial Cut At Oro Valley 2023-24 Capital Improvement Program

2023-24 Oro Valley Capital Budget-first cut- is almost $47 million

This Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council will study a $46.9 million capital budget for fiscal 2024. It is the largest capital budget (CIP) in Oro Valley history. Significant capital spending is being driven by the requirement to spend Parks Bond Funds and Government ARPA funds within the next few years. The result is that much of the spending is on parks and recreation and on water projects.

Parks projects are almost half of all spending

There are twenty-one proposed parks and recreation type projects that total $22.9 million. Two-thirds ($15.1m) of this spending is for continuing the buildout of Naranja Park. Even with this investment, future year capital investment plans call for continuing to add to and improve this facility with two additional fields, restrooms, and an asphalt roadway.  Other proposed parks projects for 2024 include doing the LaCanada Golf Course irrigation at a cost of $2million and adding a $1.7million elevator to the Community Center.

$12 million in proposed water related projects to add efficiency and operating flexibility

There are fifteen proposed water projects that focus on the operations and maintenance of the water utility. These are investments in the the storage and distribution of water. Generally, the cost of each project ranges from $100,000 to $200,000. These estimated total cost of these projects is $2.2 million. Generally, this cost stays the same for each of subsequent nine years. 

There is an added $10million in capital investment that appears to be for one-time projects such as the expansion of the booster station on La Canada ($3.7 million) and continued spending to bring water directly from Avra Valley to Oro Valley (NWRRDS). This will allow the town to reduce its dependence on Tucson Water for getting the town's CAP water allocation. We are guessing that the $5.4 million in ARPA funds are being used for the NWRRDS project.

Proposed spending to keep Oro Valley's roads the best in the county

Oro Valley's roads are the best in the County.. probably in the State. The proposed capital budget would spend $6.2 million on roads. A third of this is spending on the town's pavement preservation program. Also, there are several proposed pavement overlay projects, one road reconstruction and "annexation promised" road improvements at Westward Look.  There is also a budget item of $750,000 for "something" to be done at the very busy Rancho Vistoso and Woodburne Ave intersection  (perhaps a traffic light?).

Remaining capital improvement spending is primarily for public safety

There are two other areas of proposed capital spending. One area is public safety. There is proposed capital spend on an expansion of the town court office ($1.5 million) and on vehicle replacement ($1.9 million). The town court project is proposed to continue into 2025 for the same amount.  The vehicle replacement program also continues at about $2million annually for all of ten years included in the proposed CIP plan.

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Guest View: Mike Zinkin – “Abide by the policies set forth in the Town Code and Council Policies”

Below is the speech that Mike Zinkin addressed to the Town Council during the April 20th Call to the Audience.
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Mayor and Council,
It is time to take back control of this Town from the Town Manager and abide by the policies set forth in the Town Code and Council Policies.

I have communicated with you on more than one occasion that at the Council meeting of March 4, 2015, the Council passed a motion taking $2.1 million from the General Fund to “kick start the Community Center Fund (CCF).” The motion also stated that the CCF would pay back the General Fund within 10 years with an annual payback of $120,000.

I have noticed that the $120,000 payback was not made during this fiscal year. When I brought this to the attention of you and the Town Manager, the reply I received from the Town Manager was, “A prior Council’s actions cannot bind a current or future Council.”

One councilmember wrote the Town Manager and informed her that her response could not be verified.

Town Code Article 2 Section 4-7 states that the Town will abide by Robert's Rules of Order. Robert's Rules state that a motion can be modified in two ways. A motion to reconsider, or a motion to rescind.

A motion to reconsider must be made no later than the next scheduled meeting. Some of you have attempted to do this regarding another matter, but the Town Manager obstructed your attempt which was in violation of Council Policy #11.

A motion to rescind can be made at any time but requires 5 votes to pass. Unless you move to rescind the 2015 motion, you are obligated to continue the annual $120,000 payback to the General Fund from the CCF.

Additionally, the Town Manager has hired a CIP Director (Capital Improvements Project), which is a position that was not budgeted. Town Policy 6 mandates the Town Manager to come to you for any unbudgeted expenses. The Town Manager tells me that this is a temporary position and is funded by the CIP Fund. Temporary or not, it is unfunded. Using the CIP Fund is also a violation in that CIP funding is from one-time revenues and is to be spent on one-time expenses. An employee is an ongoing expense. This is another violation.

Page 226 of the FY 20/21 adopted budget allocates $105,000 during FY 21/22 for “Council Chamber Audiovisual upgrades.” In a recent communication with the staff, I was informed that the Council Chamber renovation cost $607,125.00 and was paid for with Federal CARES funding. I don’t care where the funding came from, what concerns me is that you did not authorize it. The Town Manager never came forward to request unbudgeted expenses, again in violation of Town Policy.

This must stop. You need to gather in the Town Manager and set some boundaries and reinforce the rules. At this point, you also have enough evidence to terminate her for cause. Do something, as you are ultimately responsible.

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Mike Zinkin and his wife have lived in Oro Valley since 1998. He served on the Oro Valley Development Review Board from 2005-2009, the Board of Adjustment from 2011-2012, and the Town Council from 2012-2016. He was named a Fellow for the National League of Cities. He was a member of the NLC Steering Committee for Community and Economic Development and a member of the Arizona League of Cities Budget and Economic Development Committee. He was an Air Traffic Controller for 30 years. Mike has a Bachelor’s degree in history and government from the University of Arizona and a Master’s degree in Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education from California State University, Northridge.

Guest View: Mike Zinkin – Where did all the money go? Part 2.

The adopted budget gives authority to the Town staff on how to spend our taxpayer money. The Town Manager (Mary Jacobs) must present a balanced budget, that is, with every dollar of expenditures, there must be a dollar of revenue. In Part 1 of “Where did all the money go?” I noted numerous areas where there was no follow-through on the spending authorizations. I have since heard back from the Town and it gets even murkier.

Golf Course Irrigation Improvements
I stated: “On page 244 of the adopted budget for FY 19/20 there is a Capital Improvement allocation for a $3,000,000 bond for golf course irrigation improvements. What happened? Was there a bond, and, if so, where are the improvements?”

The Town’s response: “There were not any bonds issued.”

Again, where did Jacobs get the authorization not to comply with the Council’s policy?

I stated: “On page 227 of the adopted budget for FY 20/21 there is a Capital Improvement allocation for $1,100,000 for golf course irrigation improvements. What happened? Where are the improvements?”

The Town’s response: “Town Manager Mary Jacobs provided this information to you in October 2020. The Town did not do the golf course irrigation but proceeded with the design, though construction documents and the remaining funds stayed in reserves.”

Where did the authorization come to disregard the Council direction and proceed with the alternative? The money was there in the balanced budget, but Jacobs did not follow through on $4.1 million dollars of authorized expenditures.

When challenged, Jacobs tells me:
“Town received one bid for the first irrigation project on the El Conquistador 18-hole course from an Illinois firm in the amount of $3.7+M. This extremely high cost and lack of bidders has resulted in my decision to postpone the irrigation replacement for this summer. Our Chief Procurement Officer will be reaching out to prospective bidders to find out the optimal time to rebid the project with greater lead time for a bidder to plan, in hopes of a more competitive bid. Increasing construction costs are concerning for other future Town capital projects and will be monitored closely."

There was $4.1 million authorized, and she states that the bid came in at $3.7 million. In other words, the money was there.

Jacobs admits it was her decision to postpone the authorized spending. If she is going to disregard the spending policy set by the Council, she must go before Council for permission, not simply publish her decision in an Executive Report.

Town Manager’s Office Personnel
I stated: “On page 110 of the adopted budget for FY 21/22 there is a breakdown of the personnel allocated to the Town Manager’s office. In this breakdown there is no allocation for the position of CIP Director (Capital Improvement Projects). However, there was a recent Facebook posting advertising a position for a CIP Director -- a position that is not budgeted.”

Jacobs’ response: “The position for CIP Director is a temporary position and is budgeted within the CIP Funds.”

I responded by informing her that temporary or not, I still wanted to know if it was authorized. Jacobs then directed me to the Personnel Schedule found on page 109 of the FY 21/22 adopted budget. I read it and there is no authorization as she states.

However, Town Policy 6, “Unbudgeted Expenses” directs the Town Manager to go to Council for approval for any unbudgeted expenses. Was there Council approval for this unbudgeted position?

If this CIP position is temporary and budgeted within CIP Funds, does this mean that no general funds are being used? Does this position get benefits, such as health and retirement?

Is Jacobs in violation of ICMA ethics?
Tenet 6 of the International County/City Managers Association (ICMA) states: “Recognize that elected representatives are accountable to their community for the decisions they make; members are responsible for implementing those decisions.”

Who’s running the Town?
Why does the elected body allow her to get away with her arbitrary decisions? These decisions are contrary to the policies set forth by Council. If anybody voted for Mary Jacobs to run this Town, please advise me.

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Mike Zinkin and his wife have lived in Oro Valley since 1998. He served on the Oro Valley Development Review Board from 2005-2009, the Board of Adjustment from 2011-2012, and the Town Council from 2012-2016. He was named a Fellow for the National League of Cities. He was a member of the NLC Steering Committee for Community and Economic Development and a member of the Arizona League of Cities Budget and Economic Development Committee. He was an Air Traffic Controller for 30 years. Mike has a Bachelor’s degree in history and government from the University of Arizona and a Master’s degree in Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education from California State University, Northridge.