Bits and Pieces

Oro Valley seeks public input on new taxes and fee increases

The Town of Oro Valley has launched a community engagement effort to gather resident input on proposals to broaden the town’s tax base and adjust several local fees. The proposed changes, which come from the Parks and Recreation Department, Stormwater Utility, and Finance Department, are aimed at helping the Town maintain essential services and infrastructure. Residents are invited to participate in three upcoming Zoom meetings in July, each focusing on different areas: parks and recreation fees, potential new general taxes (such as a commercial use tax, telecommunications tax, and commercial rental lease tax), and stormwater utility fees. The Town is combining these proposals into one public process to provide transparency and make it easier for residents to ask questions and provide feedback before a final decision is made by Council in October. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release, June 16, 2025)

Free sandbags available for residents during monsoon season 

 Oro Valley is once again offering free, self-service sandbags to residents in preparation for monsoon season. Starting June 15 and continuing through September 30 (or while supplies last), residents can pick up sandbags daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Naranja Park, just north of the park entrance on Naranja Drive. This service is designed to help property owners protect against storm runoff and potential flooding. Each household is limited to ten sandbags, and residents must bring their own shovels. Assistance is available by appointment for those who need help with bagging. For more information or to schedule help, contact the Stormwater Utility at 520-229-4850 or pw@orovalleyaz.gov. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release, June 11, 2025)

Council approves fiscal 2026 Budget

Wednesda, the Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved the fiscal 2026 budget. This follows their June 4 approval of the spending limit of $151.5 million for the year. The council approved the budget essentially as submitted by the town manager.

No pesticides or herbicides detected in Oro Valley’s water

Oro Valley’s latest water quality testing found no detectable levels of man-made pesticides or herbicides—known as synthetic organic compounds (SOCs)—in any of the wells sampled. This means the town remains in full compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Routine testing continues to show that these contaminants are not present in the community’s water supply.

Pusch Ridge Tennis Facility adding new shaded viewing area

Here’s something new for tennis fans: Construction is underway at the Pusch Ridge Tennis Facility to add two large shade structures, concrete pads, small bleachers, picnic benches, and artificial turf. The new space will offer a comfortable area for watching matches, taking a break, and hosting community gatherings. The project, located between the tennis pro shop and court #1, began on May 27 and is expected to be completed in July. This improvement aims to enhance the experience for both players and spectators, and it’s just in time for the busy summer season  (Source: This Week In Parks and Recreation, 6-19-25)

 “Locals Eat Local” Sticker Hunt Launches – A Fun Way to Discover 20 Local Restaurants

Most residents haven’t heard this yet: the Oro Valley Chamber’s “Locals Eat Local” sticker hunt, discussed by Chamber President Kristen Sharp at Wednesday's council meeting, is running all summer and features 20 participating restaurants. Diners pick up a map (at the Chamber office, library, or via the Explore Oro Valley app) and collect stickers—each restaurant has its own—while enjoying meals around town. Spend $20 or more at any five stops, and you can redeem either a custom Arizona‑shaped cutting board or a combined hat-and-tote prize from the Chamber It’s a tasty and engaging way to support local eateries—and even discover new favorites. Learn more and get started here: Explore the Locals Eat Local program.

Oro Valley Destination Marketing continues to show plenty of tourism activites, but few measurable results so far

The Town’s latest tourism update, presented to the Council Wednesday, continues to show lots of planning and outreach—meetings with resort managers, progress on a new leisure travel management plan, and work to recruit major events like pickleball tournaments and art festivals. Most of the headline events (like the women’s soccer and Fine Arts & Wine Festival) actually approached Oro Valley themselves. The team is learning from logistical challenges, such as parking at Naranja Park, and is hopeful that new branding, website upgrades, and event partnerships will eventually boost visitor numbers. For now, much of the work remains behind the scenes, with the impact still to be measured.

Bits and Pieces

"Battle of the Bands" registration open

Registration is now open for the Oro Valley Battle of the Bands, happening on Friday, May 16 at 6 p.m. at Riverfront Park. High school bands interested in competing must submit an original demo or YouTube link to dhiatt@orovalleyaz.gov by April 12. At least 50% of the band members must be in high school to qualify. Selected bands will perform a three-song set in front of a live audience, and winners will be chosen by a panel of judges, with prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

(Source: Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Newsletter, 1-24-25)

Oro Valley's "Path Forward" receives awards and moves to next phase 

Oro Valley's community engagement efforts for the OV’s Path Forward 10-year action plan have received two prestigious awards: the Impact Award from the Public Relations Society of America and the Granicus Digital Government Award. These awards recognize the town’s commitment to involving residents in shaping the community’s future. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Oro Valley author brings adventure to life in "The Lady and the Locket"

Oro Valley resident Tim Tarris debuts his storytelling skills in The Lady and the Locket, a captivating novel that follows USAF pilot Todd Stewart during his exchange tour with the Dutch Air Force. Set against the backdrop of military life and international experiences, the story explores themes of duty, adventure, and personal growth. Tarris, drawing from his own rich experiences and deep understanding of aviation, brings authenticity and depth to his characters. As a local author, Tarris’s work is a testament to the diverse talent within the Oro Valley community. This engaging read, available on Amazon, is perfect for those who enjoy military fiction...with a bit of time travel...with a personal touch.

Town of Oro Valley's drinking water waste still concerns residents

Residents have not forgotten. The town’s use of drinking water for irrigating two parks and a golf course continues to raise concerns. In 2024, the town used more than 69 million gallons of potable water for Pusch Ridge Golf Course, Kriegh Park, and Riverfront Park—enough to supply almost 823 homes. Critics argue that the town is prioritizing recreational use for a small group over the essential needs of 48,000 residents. Adding to the frustration, the council has failed to take meaningful action to address the issue. Some residents are calling on the town council to lead efforts in securing grants for reclaimed water infrastructure and collaborating with others to reduce potable water use. (Source: Resident email to LOVE)

Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve water feature awaiting council discussion

Another water issue residents have not forgotten is the council’s “final” direction on the revitalization of the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. Will it have a water feature? What will be the cost? The last update suggested a decision would be made by the end of this month, but it now seems likely to happen in March. One key consideration is the cost of creating the feature, while another is the water usage involved. According to an engineering-experienced resident, a reasonably sized pond would hold approximately 5.7 million gallons of reclaimed water and require the same amount annually to maintain. The initial cost to fill the pond is estimated at just over $20,000, with annual maintenance costs around $28,500. Importantly, only reclaimed water—not drinking water—would be used. (Source: Resident email to LOVE)

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8.3% Water Rate Increase Starts With Your August Bill… While the Town Continues To Waste Drinking Water On Irrigating Recreation Facilities

You August water bill is going up "big time” 

Your water bill will increase 8.3% on average this coming August based on a changes in the water rate. This is the largest increase in Oro Valley history and was championed on a 5-1 vote (Greene voting:  yes”; Bohen voting no; Barrett Absent) at the June 6 Oro Valley Town Council Meeting. The water rate increase is actually 7.9% but when sales and utility taxes are applied plus an approved increase in the water preservation fund fee, the net increase is 8.3%. (See:  Sticker Shock) 

While the council does nothing to reduce the use of drinking water on three recreational facilities

The Town Council is waiting for a miracle solution for the use of drinking water on one of the town's golf courses and two of the town's parks. The Council has wasted the opportunity to bring reclaimed water to those areas. Instead, the Council decided not to do anything about it. Are they waiting for some miracle solution to come from the State or the City of Tucson regarding further treating reclaimed water and introducing it into the Water system? Are they waiting for the state to engage in a massive project to bring desalinated water from Mexico into the State and distribute it through the CAP distribution system? 

Meanwhile, Pima County is transitioning recreation water use to reclaimed water

Meanwhile, earlier this month, the Pima County Board Of Supervisors voted to "Transition of the irrigation system in Arthur Pack Park to reclaimed effluent irrigation and requested the County Administration to develop a plan for transitioning all County parks to reclaimed effluent irrigation." So, it looks as though the County has a plan while Oro Valley's Town Council "fiddles and diddles" and does nothing.

We don't know what this Council is waiting for, but we do know that they're not doing anything to eliminate the use of drinking water on town recreational properties,  And while they fiddle, the cost of bringing reclaimed water to those facilities becomes more and more.

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In the following guest view, resident Mike Zinkin points out the obvious to all except five members of council: The Town is the biggest water waster in the community. 

6,598,000 gallons of potable water wasted
The Town of Oro Valley continues to bury its head in the sand as almost 6.6 million gallons of potable water were wasted on town properties in June 2024. To break it down: the closed Pusch Ridge golf course used 2,894,000 gallons, Riverfront Park wasted 1,644,000 gallons, and Jim Kriegh Park used 2,060,000 gallons. The cost for the Pusch Ridge waste alone was $11,719.39. Do you really believe the income from disc golf covered this water cost?

In June 2023, water waste for these properties was 5,531,000 gallons. This year, the waste for June increased by over 1,000,000 gallons, rubbing this negligence in our faces.

What will it take for our town government to act responsibly? 

The Community Center is still not ADA compliant, despite being owned since May 2015. Yet, the government established a splash pad (wanted by only 4% of the people) and a new BMX track (desired by just 1%). Meanwhile, the Oro Valley Little League has no fields other than the one at Coronado Middle School.

I am not alone in my concern over this water waste. While I may be at an age where this irresponsibility won't affect me directly, what about our grandchildren? How will we explain to them that drinking water must be rationed because of the irresponsible priorities set by our government in 2024?

Albert Einstein: “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as if nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

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Bits and Pieces

“Lift Plant” Sewer Line replacement in Valley Vista as County sues developer...residents forced to use porta potties and wash stations!

In February, we wrote about subsidence affecting two homes and the sewage lift station in Valley Vista. This development is built on the edge of Big Wash. Two significant events have occurred since then. First, in April, Pima County sued Pulte Homes and all parties involved in building the property in a “placeholder lawsuit.” The suit reminds Pulte that Pulte is responsible for remedying any defects found in the lift station. Second, a few weeks ago, one of Pulte’s subcontractors, Hunter Construction, began replacing the sagging sewer lines in that section of Valley Vista. On Tuesday, residents in the area of the lift station found porta potties and wash stations in the street. There’s one set of these for every two homes. Residents have been informally told they will have to use these facilities until the project is complete. There is no announced timetable for the project’s completion.

FOPRG to focus on water conservation
Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf (FOPRG) are dedicated to enhancing the Pusch Ridge Golf Course while addressing water usage concerns. Over the past few years, the course has grown in popularity, with rounds played increasing significantly from 3,875 in 2019-2020 to an anticipated 19,000 in 2023-2024. Despite this success, the use of potable water remains a challenge.

To tackle this, FOPRG has introduced a new mission focusing on water advocacy. They aim to educate the community on water-saving techniques through newsletters featuring tips, strategies, and events. Additionally, they plan to collaborate with the Town and Indigo to implement water conservation measures, such as reducing turf, using drought-resistant grass, and improving water usage audits. This dual approach seeks to balance the recreational benefits of the golf course with sustainable water management practices. (Source: FOPRG Newsletter)

Red Lobster is no more

Red Lobster closed its Oro Valley location earlier this month. The chain has been facing significant financial challenges nationally, including high lease and labor costs, and substantial losses from promotions such as the expanded all-you-can-eat shrimp deal. Earlier this month they filed for bankruptcy. The company plans to use the bankruptcy proceedings to restructure its finances, optimize its real estate footprint, and pursue a sale of its assets. Despite these challenges, Red Lobster intends to keep some of its locations open and operational during the restructuring process.

Oro Valley Receives Federal Grant for Stormwater Improvements
The Town of Oro Valley's Stormwater Utility has secured $210,990.75 in federal funding for Fiscal Year 2024/2025 through the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (AZDEMA) and FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. This grant will enable essential upgrades to the box culvert outlet structure on Sierra Wash at Via Mandarina, addressing localized erosion concerns and enhancing community safety and infrastructure resilience.

Town Manager Jeff Wilkins emphasized that the funding will maximize the utility of Stormwater Utility Fee dollars, aiding the finalization of the fiscal year budget. The project, set for completion within FY 2024/2025, will proceed following Town Council endorsement. The federal grant, complemented by a $70,330.25 local match from the Stormwater Utility Fee, highlights Oro Valley's commitment to infrastructure maintenance and proactive risk mitigation. This grant marks the second DEMA allocation for Sierra Wash improvements, following previous funding in 2019. (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Courts Remodeling Project on Time… and potentially under budget
Judge Hazel, the presiding magistrate of the Oro Valley Court system, provided an update on the remodeling of the Town court at the TMRB study session last month. Last year, LOVE reported on the need for this remodeling. Nothing has changed regarding that need since then. "We are now entering the construction phase. Phase one includes the attorney meeting room and the jury assembly room. Everything is going as planned, and a year from now, everything will be completed," Judge Hazel stated during a recent Courts Study Session.

Hazel emphasized being a steward of the town’s investment. Total bids for the project came in a million dollars less than planned. "That doesn’t mean it’s going to come in that way. That’s why we have to be vigilant throughout the whole process," she cautioned during the Courts Study Session. (TMRB Council Study Session, May 9, 2024)

Timetable for the Oro Valley Marketplace revisioning “Revealed’
Town staff projects that the hotel to be built at Oro Valley Marketplace will go online in February 2026. They anticipate that the Tangerine Road apartments will be available for occupancy in May 2027, and the Oracle Road apartments will be available for occupancy in May 2029. (TMRB Study Session May , 2024)

Enjoy Disc Golf at Pusch Ridge Course
The town is offering disc golf at the Pusch Ridge Golf Course from 7am to 7pm until September 22.

Bits and Pieces

Build-To-Rent Units are included in the determination of Oro Valley's 100 year assured water supply

This is a correction to the post that was here originally which stated that apartments are not included in Oro Valley's determination of assured water supply. That was incorrect. That "loophole" to which we refer only applies to developments in communities that do not have a state approved "Designation of Assured Water Supply." (DAWS) 

According to Oro Valley's Water Utility Director: "The Town of Oro Valley has a DAWS and therefore any developments that fall within the Water Utility’s service area fall under the requirements of the assured water supply rules. This is a good thing. It ensures that all water production and use is accounted for. No loopholes. Every year the Water Utility submits an Annual Report to the ADWR. This report documents all of the water received or produced by the Utility as well as all of the water delivered by the Utility. All water movement is accounted for and all committed demands from all user classifications counts towards our DAWS. No loopholes." (Source: email from Director Abraham.)

This is a list Arizona jurisdictions that have a DAWS. Oro Valley is listed on it.

Naranja Park entrance pedestrian safety improvements on hold

The Town has put on hold the interim pedestrian safety improvements at the Naranja Drive entrance to Naranja Park. According to Town Public Works Director Paul Keesler, this delay is a result of three lawsuits that have been filed against the town, collectively seeking damages of $89.5 million. The improvements are on hold until the attorney's "finish their work".  

It's understandable that the town is proceeding cautiously in this matter. The plaintiffs are using the recently installed north-side entrance safety path, implemented by the town earlier this summer, as evidence to support their claim that the town acknowledges some responsibility for the accident in that area.  The plaintiff may use further improvements as yet more evidence of such.

Register to participate in the 2026 General Plan Process

You should register at OVPathForward.com to participate in the 2026 General Plan process. This will give you the opportunity to participate in online discussions about important topics in the community. Also, while you are there, view the video about the plan. "The General Plan is our ‘true north’ because it is informed and shaped by the citizens,” Mayor Winfield said. “We will leverage the momentum of our success with the 2016 plan to propel us into our next decade.” (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release) 

Pretty rocks at Riverfront Park

An individual is painting river rocks with the names of dogs that walk at Riverfront Park. The stack is growing. You can see the fine work at left. We've been told, but have yet to confirm, that Elizabeth is the first name of the person who has created this lovely artwork.

Visit Tucson has not appeared before the Town Council since 2022

The Town of Oro Valley pays $415,000 to Visit Tucson, the group that promotes regional tourism, since February of 2022. Mayor Winfield tells us that they will appear before council "early next year."

Some key Oro Valley senior staff don't even live in Oro Valley 

We find it curious that the town's Planning Director Bayer Vella, the town's Director of Public Works Paul Keesler, the town's Water Director Peter Abraham, and the town's Director of Economic Development Paul Melcher don't live in Oro Valley. Yet, collectively, they have tremendous power over life in our town. We should think that Oro Valley residency be mandatory for anyone who holds the senior position in our town. That way they'll have some skin in the game.

Town fills three positions

The town has filled three key positions: 

• Scott Zufelt is now the Innovation & Technology (I&T) Director
• Jeffery Hidalgo is the now the Public Information Officer (PIO)
• Rosalyn Epting is the Parks and Recreation Director

(Source: Town of Oro Valley Town Manager Executive Report to Council, November 2023)

Welcome all to Oro Valley!

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Bits and Pieces

Drinking water use on town parks and golf course continues with no end in sight

The Oro Valley Town has no plan in place to eliminate the use of drinking water on Town recreational properties. Currently, there is no intention to invest in re-piping reclaimed water to these area's. August 2023 Potable Water Usage: 

• Pusch Ridge Golf Course: 3,568,000 gallons 
• Riverfront Park: 1,619,000 gallons 
• Jim Kriegh Park (irrigation only): 1,445,000 
•  Total – 6,632,000 gallons 

This is enough to supply 947 homes!

From a reader: A shopping experience like no other awaits

"... at The Cottage in Oro Valley! The pink house sits atop 420 E. Magee Road, across from the Immaculate Heart Academy, where shoppers delight in gently used treasures.

This tiny house was formerly a guest home owned by the Countess of Suffolk, England. The Countess lived in the large home off Magee Road now occupied by the Sisters of Immaculate Heart. Twenty years ago, Anne Marie Abbott used this tiny house for school parents’ storage and preparation for community sales. The Cottage soon became an idyllic spot for a non-profit thrift shop, with all proceeds supporting the Sisters. It flourished over the years but was forced to close during the pandemic.” (Source: A LOVE Reader)

Steam Pump Ranch ramada destruction case closed – unsolved

One of the Ramadas at Steam Pump Ranch suffered damage in July. Unfortunately, the case remains unsolved. With no remaining leads to pursue, the investigation has been officially closed. Typically, in situations such as this, someone from the community comes forward with valuable information to help law enforcement identify the responsible party. If you possess any information related to this incident, we urge you to reach out to our police department. Your assistance could be crucial in bringing the perpetrator to justice.

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Bits and Pieces

Fight identity theft:Free document shredding event tomorrow 

"The Town of Oro Valley, in partnership with AARP, will hold a free document shredding event for Oro Valley residents on Saturday, November 19 at the Oro Valley Marketplace (12155 N. Oracle Road), from 8 a.m. to noon or until trucks are full. Residents can bring up to five medium-sized boxes that will be shredded on-site. Shredding confidential documents helps fight identity theft. For questions related to this event, please contact Constituent Services Coordinator Jessica Hynd at jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov or 520-229-4711. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release) 

Oro Valley website economic development web site wins award from Arizona Association for Economic Development 

 ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Nov. 14, 2022) – The Town of Oro Valley is pleased to announce that its new economic development website, chooseorovalley.com, was recently awarded a Golden Prospector award from the Arizona Association for Economic Development. The Golden Prospector awards were established to encourage and recognize excellence in economic development. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release) 

Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve safety improvements in progress

Vistoso Trails initial site cleanup including weed, invasive grasses and dead tree removal, trail accessibility and restoring restrooms to working condition is in the constuction pahse Significant work is required to ensure public safety and access. Through October, the Town has spent $130,067 (37% of budget) and is expecting to complete the project on budget ($350,000 from the Community Center Fund) at this time. The project has experienced delays due to pest infestation and an increased scope of work. (Source: 22-11-15 Town of Oro Valley Budget and and Finance Commission meeting) 

Westward Look Drive Improvements entering procurement phase. . . budget overrun expected 

As part of the Westward Look annexation, the town agreed to reconstruct Westward Look Drive from Ina Road to Vista Oest. This includes removing and replacing extruded curb, adjusting manholes and water valve covers. The budget for this project is $539,625 (General Fund. Through October, the Town has spent $50,107 (9% of budget) The design for this project is complete and the project is currently in the procurement phase. "The construction contract was awarded to Sunland Asphalt Company; however, at the request of the Westward Look Resort management and due to other title issues, construction has been significantly delayed. Due to the delay, the Town must now go out to bid again, which is expected to be higher than the original bid and exceed the budget by approximately $150,000." (Source: 22-11-15 Town of Oro Valley Budget and and Finance Commisssion meeting)

Guest View: Mike Zinkin – The Hypocrisy of our Town Leaders regarding Water Conservation

 

The Town of Oro Valley town codes require smart water use

Let’s look at the Town of Oro Valley’s Water Code. It is Chapter 15 of the Town Code which can be found on the Town’s website.

• Chapter 15-18-1 states: “The intent of this article is to conserve and protect the Town’s high quality, safe and reliable water supply for the current and future needs of the community.”

• Chapter 15-18-2 (which was amended in Oct. 2021) states: “…waste, excessive use, or unreasonable method of use of water be prevented, and that conservation of water be exercised in the interests of the Town of Oro Valley and for the public welfare.”

• Chapter 15-18-3 states: “It shall be unlawful at any time for any customer of the Town of Oro Valley Water Utility to knowingly make, cause, use or permit the use of water provided by the Town for residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, irrigation or any other purpose in a manner contrary to any provisions of this code.”

• Chapter 15-18-4 discusses potable water and the ramifications of a potential declared shortage. Paragraph E states: “Priority for potable water demand shall be designated as follows:

Highest Priority -- Residential indoor domestic use and fire protection.

Second Highest Priority -- Commercial/institutional/industrial uses.

Third Highest Priority -- Public and private landscape irrigation sites, including golf courses, athletic fields and parks.

Remember, we are talking about potable water, not reclaimed water. Potable water is drinking water.

Hypocrisy: Town wastes 55 million gallons of potable water on two parks and a golf course
The Town Code discusses water conservation and the importance of potable water use. However, our town continues to waste potable water on Riverfront Park, Jim Kriegh Park, and the Pusch Ridge Golf course.

In a 12-month period, the Town used for irrigation purposes 10,586,000 gallons at Riverfront Park and 9,973,000 gallons at Jim Kriegh Park, while at Pusch Ridge it used 34,608,000 gallons. Pusch Ridge utilized over 30% more water than both parks combined.

Questionable use of bond money
So what is our Town Council doing? They are spending bond money to replace -- as a past Council majority would say, “our beautiful tennis courts,” -- with post tension courts, install another splash pad at Naranja Park, and reconstruct and expand the Community Center parking lot.

How about spending bond money for the future of the entire community? And how about we stop over seeding the parks, close the Pusch Ridge course, and supply Jim Kriegh and Riverfront parks with reclaimed water?

Do something for the future of the entire town.
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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.

2022: A Year In "Preview"

Six key events...and counting

We foresee six key events in Oro Valley in 2022. Here's our preview.

The former Vistoso Golf Course purchase and designation as a permanent preserve
We expect that the purchase of the former Vistoso Golf Course will be completed within the next few weeks. After that, the land will be gifted by The Conservation Fund" to the town of Oro Valley. This will happen once the land is designated as permanent open space.

Conversion of the former Vistoso Golf property to a preserve
This land will become a permanent part of the town's parks and recreation system. There's a lot of work that needs to be done to clean it up. A decision needs to be made is on what will happen to the “lake." It is our understanding of the town and residents will work together to clean up the property during the remainder of the year.

A decision on the Oro Valley Village Center rezoning
The town Council will hold a public hearing on February 16 at 6 pm regarding the proposed Oro Valley Village Center. That center includes what is now in the Oro Valley marketplace plus large apartment buildings and three hotels. 

The town is also negotiating an economic development agreement with the developer of this property behind closed doors. If the center is approved, there won't be anything built until at least 2023 or 2024.

2022 Elections
There are two candidates who have declared their intention to run for mayor. They represent two different leadership styles; two different approaches to the community. There are six candidates running for three council seats. These candidates are running as teams of three. The candidates are collecting signatures between now and early April so that they can get on the ballot. Our plan is to provide a snapshot of each candidate so that you can decide whose petitions you want to sign. You can sign up to three petitions, though we don’t think that anything will happen if you sign all six since no one checks the signatures.

A 2022-23 Budget with no "Washington Big Bucks"
The process of preparing the budget for next year will start in February. The process concludes in late June. This ain't “your grandfathers Oro Valley.” Oro Valley services have grown substantially in the past three years; and they will continue to grow as the Town adds even more. The 2022-23 budget faces the challenge of not receiving massive government funding. Well at least it doesn't look that way at the moment. Indeed, if the town needs to start relying on it's own revenue resources for funding, the budget for next year is going to be more challenging than it has been in the past.

Drinking water use on Pusch Ridge Golf Course

When the town reopened the Push Ridge Golf Course it also agreed to irrigate the course. That course uses a tremendous amount of drinking water. Using drinking water to irrigate a golf course is simply not the right thing to do during these times of drought. The Pusch Ridge Golf Course drinking water use simply needs to be investigated and reduced by the Town. 

This issue should not be pushed back until 2024 or 2025, which is what appears to be the present plan. Those that support the course are eager to enter into discussions regarding turf reduction and other water use measures. The time to do so is sooner rather than later.

There will be others

We can think of several topics that will become key topics in 2022. One of those is transparency in government. Another is getting back to a normal, non pandemic world. And the beat goes on!

The Watchdog Report: “Kicking the Can” on Drinking Water use for Pusch Ridge Golf is Unacceptable

Pusch Ridge Golf course used 34 Million Gallons of drinking water so far in 2021
On December 8, 2021, I sent an email to the entire Town Council delineating the monthly drinking water usage for 2021 at the Pusch Ridge 9-hole golf course. The total was 34,608,000 gallons.

Ten million gallons of drinking water were used in October
The bill due 11/24/21 indicated drinking water usage of 10,382,000 gallons for the month of October. I wrote to the Water Utility to question if I was reading the bill correctly since October drinking water usage was about 4 – 5 times the amount of normal monthly usage. The response I received was “The [drinking] water increase was due to the over-seeding process and watering of the seed.” The cost of over-seeding was $37,367.16 of your tax money.

The mayor’s response
When I informed the Mayor/Council, in an earlier communication, that the drinking water usage at Pusch Ridge for the bill due 12/22/21 was 4,045,000 gallons, the response from Mayor Winfield was: “The Council by a 6 to 1 vote agreed to operate the Pusch Ridge Golf Course for three years. We are in the first of a three year commitment. The course is operated in the cooler months of the year to reduce water consumption.“

Mr. Mayor, November is one of our cooler months and still the usage was over 4 million gallons. I have to wonder, does the mayor (and council) not care about drinking water waste? Are we all supposed to just suck it up because the Council voted to continue operating the Pusch Ridge course for another 3 years? That decision along with the associated waste of millions of gallons of our drinking water is irresponsible.

Stop wasting drinking water
Let me put the total usage of 34,608,000 is perspective. The average home in Oro Valley uses 7,000 gallons a month, or 84,000 gallons a year (7,000 x 12). This means that the amount of drinking water wasted on the Pusch Ridge course in 2021, is enough to service over 412 homes a year (34,608,000 divided by 84,000). The complete Silverhawk development along First Ave is only 215 homes.

Heavy use of drinking water to irrigate the Pusch Ridge Golf Course is real and it is not going away

There are real issues with the CAP drinking water and Colorado River allotments. However, the Pusch Ridge course irrigation uses drinking water, not reclaimed water or CAP water. 

Take action

We (me and you) need to scream at the council: "STOP THE DRINKING WATER WASTE."  “Kicking the can” down the road to another council is simply not acceptable.
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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.