Key Developments and Community Updates from Oro Valley Town Manager September Report To Council

Oro Valley’s September 2024 Highlights: A Month of Progress and Community Engagement
September 2024 has been a month of continued accomplishments and initiatives in Oro Valley, underscoring the town's commitment to enhancing community life, ensuring safety, and fostering economic growth. The following are some of the key highlights and achievements from this month.

Emergency Preparedness and Community Engagement
As part of Emergency Preparedness Month, Oro Valley has focused on raising awareness and equipping residents with the knowledge to handle potential disasters. The town encouraged residents to register for local emergency alerts, prepare evacuation plans, and review insurance policies. Additionally, the 27th annual Community Academy is now open for registration, offering residents a chance to learn about town operations, growth management, and public safety over ten sessions starting in October.

Police Department: Ensuring Safety and Recognizing Excellence
The Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD) has been active in maintaining public safety, with notable operations that led to the arrest of a wanted fugitive and the safe resolution of a potentially dangerous domestic situation. The department also celebrated its officers' achievements, with commendations for Officer Andrea Keena for her work on Drug Awareness Day and Officer Michael Kleinberg for his role in organizing the town’s 50th-anniversary celebrations. Furthermore, Officer Trey Brown was honored by MADD Arizona as the OVPD Officer of the Year for his efforts in removing impaired drivers from Oro Valley's roads.

Water Utility: Commitment to Quality and Conservation
The Water Utility department received high praise from the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality for its excellent maintenance and operations, with no violations found during the triennial survey. The department continues to expand its WaterSmart program, with 37 new users added in August, bringing the total to 7,856. The Water Utility’s fall newsletter, which includes important information on water management and infrastructure, was distributed to customers, further emphasizing the town’s commitment to water conservation.  Progress on NWRRDS [panel right], the project that will bring water from Avra Valley directly to Oro Valley, continues.

Community and Economic Development: Growth and New Opportunities
Oro Valley continues to see steady growth, with five new single-family residential permits issued in August, bringing the year-to-date total to 117. The town also issued 149 permits in August, including for new businesses such as DiBellas Brunch-n-Booze and Pillar Speech Therapy. Economic development efforts included participation in statewide business attraction efforts, though the town faced challenges in responding to requests for large-scale facilities. Oro Valley and Marana were recognized at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism for their successful co-hosting of cycling events, further boosting the town’s reputation as a destination for sports tourism.

Public Works: Infrastructure and Safety Enhancements
Public Works projects continue to make significant progress. The Community and Recreation Center’s elevator installation remains on schedule, with completion expected this winter. The Oro Valley Town Court expansion is transitioning to the second phase, with the project remaining both on schedule and under budget. Additionally, the town is addressing subsidence issues in the Valley Vista subdivision with a comprehensive street replacement plan. Residents had the opportunity to learn more about this project at an open house on September 12.

Parks and Recreation: Enhancing Community Spaces
Parks and Recreation has been active in both event programming and facility improvements. The Aquatic Center has seen upgrades, including new refrigerators and planned replacements for ADA lifts and deck chairs. September marks the start of a busy swim season for local high schools, with the Oro Valley Aquatic Center serving as the home site for practices and competitions. The department is also preparing for a variety of fall events, including the popular Friday Night concerts at Steam Pump Ranch and the annual Bark in the Park dog event.
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Source: (Town Manager Report To Council, September 2024) 

Guest View-Mike Zinkin: Oro Valley Council vs. Staff-Who Really Controls the Town’s Spending?

Publisher note: tomorrow night the Oro Valley Town Council will conduct a review of the performance of Town Manager Jeff Wilkins. The review will be held in executive session, behind closed doors. We think that resident Mike Zinkin's comments that follow have some relevance to that discussion.
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The takeover of spending by staff of Oro Valley is out of hand
Town Policy #6 requires the Town Manager to come before the Council for any unbudgeted expenses. This ensures the Council has the final say in all financial matters, as they should.

However, ex-Town Manager Jacobs spent over $600,000 to update the Council chambers without  Council concurrence. Now, the Town has discovered that making the Community Center ADA compliant is going to cost more than estimated. Did they come before the Council to get permission to spend additional money? No.

Now there is an issue with the horrific turf reduction the Town did on one of the holes on the Conquistador Course. There are over 40 yards of dirt and dust, making the air unsafe during a wind storm or monsoon. The golf contractor has received an estimate to place gravel/decomposed granite to rectify the situation. The Parks and Rec. Director has determined that the estimate is too high.

Nobody knows what the estimate is, but staff has determined it is too high. How about doing something new… present the situation to the Council and let them determine if the cost is too high? First, staff spends without Council authorization, and then staff decides not to spend without Council approval.

Spending is the authority of the Council
The Council are the elected decision-makers, not staff. Nobody voted for any staff member. Staff is there to carry out the decisions of the Council, not make decisions that are under the authority of the Council.

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Ending Visit Tucson Destination Marketing Agreement Sends Town Staff Into Panic Mode

The town created a mess when it dismissed Visit Tucson

In March, Town Manager Wilkins announced that the town did not renew an agreement with Visit Tucson to, among other things, provide group marketing bookings/leads for the town's two resorts: Westward Look and The El Conquistador. This ended a twelve-plus year partnership.

Wilkins violated the open meeting law by "polling" the council. Then, without a formal council vote, he terminated the relationship via a letter. He never consulted the resorts in making the decision. The day after sending the letter he learned that the resorts would have no access to Visit Tucson's group booking services; thus forcing the town into panic mode to get into a business in which they have no expertise... replacing Visit Tucson's destination marketing activities. Faced with this mess, he had no choice to bring it to the council last week to get their funding approval to move forward with his plan.

The panic happened because Wilkins made the decision behind closed doors without thinking through the implications

We learned how all this happened when the situation was discussed by the council last week and motions voted upon, in an attempt of the town to "paint over the mess" Wilkins created.

In January and February, Wilkins violated the open meeting law

...by polling individual council members in one-on-one meetings on firing Visit Tucson. Supposedly, he reviewed staff analysis of Visit Tucson performance in relation to the town. He did this in response to a strategic plan item for a Visit Tucson return on investment analysis [see panel right]. He did this in individual sessions not open to the public. From these meetings, Wilkins concluded that the council wanted him to not renew Visit Tucson's contract.

In March, Wilkins sent the letter to Visit Tucson

He sent a letter to Visit Tucson informing them of the decision without considering the immediate impact on the two resorts.

Wilkins did so without understanding the impact on the two resorts

The next day, Wilkins learned that the two Oro Valley resorts would no longer be getting group booking services from Visit Tucson. Visit Tucson by-laws only allow resorts in jurisdictions that pay fees to Visit Tucson to be members and, therefore, avail themselves of Visit Tucson services. According to Oro Valley Development Director Paul Melcher, “When we terminated our agreement with Visit Tucson, [we learned that] there wasn't an automatic extension of membership to the two resorts. We found that out after we had presented the letter to Visit Tucson."

Panic ensued

Operating in panic mode, town staff cobbled together a plan to provide destination marketing services for the two resorts. According to Melcher: “We immediately went into the mode of what are we going to do for the first 30 days once we knew there might not be an opportunity for the resorts to be part of Visit Tucson. We recognized that they needed that group booking support.”

Last week, Wilkins asked the council to "paint over the mess"

Last week, staff met at the council meeting to present the Visit Tucson ROI analysis and their plan for the town to become a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). At that time, Wilkins explained why he did not renew the Visit Tucson contract. Referring to the staff ROI analysis:

“So, those are the thoughts that we, uh, we reviewed with, uh, with council members. But if that’s really after that, uh, there really wasn't, uh, you're from the council, uh. You know we had, again, our contract was coming- the extension of the three months was coming forward-and there wasn't a council member said “You know what: Let's put on the agenda and renew and extend.”

Council vote: 6-1 in favor of the "paint job"

In the meeting, council voted 6-1 (Councilmember Solomon voted no) to ratify to no longer use Visit Tucson, to have the town proceed with becoming a DMO, and to implement the plan. This, despite the fact, as Solomon noted, that the town is not prepared to make this work:

“Everything we see here is on paper. We're already behind the game. We would have needed this to be in place and fully operational on the day that we left Visit Tucson and it wasn't and it isn't now. This is a wish list. There is nothing functioning here. There's no website. We don't have the expertise on staff. We don't have the experience and we don't have nearly the financial capability that Visit Tucson has.”

The whole thing is bizarre

The manner in which this is being handled is amateurish and places a significant revenue stream source of the resorts and the town in jeopardy. As Solomon noted: “If this goes wrong, what are the consequences: A third of the income to the Hilton and a good part to the Westwood look and a negative 11 million dollar economic impact to the town. This may be good a year from now. But it is not ready. It is short-sighted and it can cause irreparable harm to our community and our economy.”

So why would the Wilkins do this?
Is town staff incompetent? Or is there something we have not been told? Our gut tells us it's some of both.

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Town Council Faces Bridge Dilemma Because Of Poor Oversight By Town Manager Wilkins

Lack of oversight causes delayed decision regarding the bridge on Hole 7 of the Pusch Ridge Golf Course

Tomorrow night, the Town Council will consider what to do about the unsafe, closed bridge between holes 7 and 8 at the Pusch View Golf Course [Agenda]. This is the second time they will be discussing this situation. Why? Because Town Manager Jeff Wilkins has failed to provide proper oversight of town staff. Wilkins is one of three people who report to the Council. Town staff reports to Wilkins. Yet, they address the council directly at meetings and they do so without proper oversight from Wilkins.

Two month saga of ineptitude 

Let's go back to the night of February 7 when the council decided to keep the Pusch View Golf Course open. At that time, Carl Shaddock, a staff management analyst, discussed capital investment needs at the Course. He noted capital projects: “...First, the Hole 7 Bridge reconstruction, estimated at about $318,000, and anticipated in fiscal year 2026.”

Apparently, however, Wilkins had never asked Shaddock whether he or town staff had actually visited the course and evaluated the bridge to make this determination. We were told by a reliable source that they had not.

The next day, February 8, staff rushed to the course to look at this bridge. Why? “…given the statements [by speakers at the meeting of February 7] of 'repairs' by community members, staff needed to immediately review what had been done and visited the site on February 8th.”

The repairs done by residents are obvious: Some painting and shoring up the deck. Had staff actually gone to the course they would have seen this.

Suddenly, that visit sparked staff concern. The bridge looked unsafe. So, on February 20, the Town contracted a structural engineering consultant, Structural Concepts Inc., to evaluate the bridge. This was done on an emergency basis.

On February 22, the consultant visited the course to gather necessary information to conduct an evaluation.

On March 8, the consultant issued a report recommending closing the bridge “…until structural repairs, strengthening, and/or replacement components can be installed.”

Staff closed the bridge shortly after that.

This mess happened because Wilkins never challenged town staff

Apparently, Wilkins never challenged Shaddock, the town Parks Department or the town’s public works department regarding the capital expenditures they presented to council on February 7. Essentially, Wilkins allowed the staff to present incorrect information regarding the condition of the bridge on hole 7. Council relied upon this information to make its decision on future course operations.

Wait, though, it gets worse…Now its an emergency

Two weeks ago, Wilkins jammed an item into the March 13 council agenda, with, of course, the Mayor’s approval. The item was for council to approve funding for how staff wanted to fix the situation. This was, after all, an emergency. Shaddock’s statement “Maybe we fix the bridge in 2026”; became a “We have to fix it immediately.”

...Council goes “Oops” ...Approves staff solution...failing to consider the impact on those who walk the course

A one-hour discussion ensued at the meeting in which the council initially approved funding of the staff’s recommendation. Then, realizing that he had forgotten two “Blue Card’ resident speakers, Mayor Winfield reopened the discussion to learn that the fix they had approved created a problem for those walking the course. 

...Then gets the straight scoop from a resident

Resident Scott Hunt pointed out that there was a purpose for the bridge being there in the first place.  By the time a walking player would reach hole 8 under the staff solution scenario: “You've walked up five stories, essentially. Now you've got to walk down three stories and then up two more stories to get up to the green [hole 8] with this path that is being created. So essentially you've doubled the climb for anybody who's using the thing without a cart.”  

... Then rescinds approval of the staff solution.. asks staff to provide alternatives at the next meeting

Scott Hunt’s comment resonated with the council. They “rescinded” their approval of the staff’s recommendation and asked for other options, like rebuilding the bridge so people wouldn’t have to have the stamina of a Big Horn Sheep to walk the course.

Staff knew the preferred player solution.. they never presented it... did Wilkins did not think they should consider it?

Apparently, Staff had decided that their solution was the only one council should hear even though staff had met with course players who said clearly that the bridge should be repaired or rebuilt.  They told this to Assistant Town Manage Cornelison, Public Works Director Keesler, and a representative of course operator Indigo Golf.  Either Wilkins was never informed of this preference, deliberately chose to overlook it, did not think of it, or delegated the decision entirely to Cornelison.

Wilkins is the town manager. He needs to “up his game.” 

Staff reports to Wilkins, not to the town council. It is his job to assure that staff presented items are accurate and thought through before they are presented to council. Perhaps Wilkins assumes the professionals on town staff never make mistakes. We all make mistakes. Wilkins job is to catch them. He is the buffer between town staff and the Council and any mistake they make that gets to the council is his mistake.  That is why he has the job. He needs to make sure he knows that what staff is presenting to the council is accurate and considers “all angles.”

He failed to do that in this case.

Wilkins’’ failure to fulfill this crucial oversight role has not only resulted in inefficiencies and missteps but also squandered valuable town resources.

And there is more… 

There are other examples of issues with Wilkins' job performance. Visit TakeBackOV Facebook for more.

LOVE’s Top Five Stories of 2023

What a year it was
We've scoured our hundred or so postings this year and selected our top five.

1. St. Patrick’s Day Tragedy
There's no doubt that this is the top story of the year. Olivia Villalobos was killed, and her sister was severely injured when struck by a car on St. Patrick's Day at the Naranja Park entrance. They were just trying to get home from the park when they were struck by the car driven by Sabrina Garcia. The case against the driver, Sabrina Garcia, is being prosecuted by the City of Tucson, and we anticipate resolution in 2024. The town had planned to make immediate significant improvements to pedestrian safety in the area, but that has been put on hold because of an $89.6 million lawsuit due to the accident. What happens regarding the settlement of the suit will be a big story in 2024.

2. Residents rail against OVCN proposed sports complex

At the beginning of the year, the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) continued to press for rezoning for a huge sports complex on residential land it had purchased some years ago that is adjacent to the church on Concordia. Residents have fought hard against it. The proposal was heard by the Planning and Zoning Commission in February. It was supposed to be heard by the council after that, but that hearing was postponed. Nothing has happened since then. One might think that the proposal is dormant at this point, but we don't think so. Things like this never go away, so the residents are going to have to continue to be vigilant.

3. Marketplace approved to start with zero town funding

The Town Council "stood tall" when it rejected investing about $10 million in infrastructure to support the recreation area proposed by Town West as part of its planned revitalization of the Oro Valley Marketplace. It will be called the Oro Valley Village Center.  Instead, Town West requested, and the council approved changes to the recreation area so that the revitalization could start. 

4. Record town budget of $148 million

In June, the Town Council passed an historic budget of $148 million, driven up by the imperative to use remaining $25 million from the Naranja Park Bond and the use of $15 million in ARPA funding. Anticipating reduced funds in the future, we foresee subsequent budgets being significantly lower. A major question for 2025 will revolve around how the Town manages its budget amidst the substantial increase in infrastructure costs, coupled with the apparent decline in future construction, thereby restricting potential construction tax revenue.

5. Wilkins era begins

In April, the Town appointed Jeff Wilkins as Town Manager. His hiring was the result of a nationwide search in which the community participated. Wilkins joined the town in July. We don't know Wilkins. From afar, his style strikes us as someone who is focussed on managing the business of Oro Valley as opposed to striving to change our community.

They were many other stories from which to select

• The “Umbrella Lady”, Lydia Reis, was killed in a hit-and-run accident on Ina Road. 
• The Arizona Heroes Memorial in Naranja Park broke ground. 
• The Town of Oro Valley earned the 2023 Water Waster Award. 
• Henry Zipf, great grandson of the Pusch Family and avid LOVE reader died. 
• The town enacted and implemented a short-term rental ordinance. 
• Long-time Parks and Recreation Director Kristy Diaz-Trahan resigned in July, just two months after we celebrated her 10th anniversary with the Town. 
• Sinking houses on Moore Loop Road. 
• The town council asked for a report on golf operations. The report will include an independent audit of reported operating and financial results. 
• Staff kicked off a three year process to create the 2026 general plan. They're calling it Oro Valley's Path Forward.

We look for more exciting stuff next year.

In the meantime, it's time to kick back and relax.

We'll see you January 2 to help launch Tim Tarris’ historic flight around the globe.

Enjoy the holidays.

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Some Thoughts Until September

Here’s what to look for this summer
Every other year LOVE takes a summer break. It happens when there is no town election. Fortunately, this year, there is none….though we do expect a “doozy” next year as there will be three council seats up for election.

While we are away, however, we continue to follow Oro Valley happenings.We will do that again this year. We will report events to you when we return in September. We do have a list of  things to keep an eye on while we’re away. 

Here are some of the things we expect to be reporting about in September

Making the Naranja Park entrance pedestrian safe now

This is our number 1 priority. The current pedestrian situation is completely unacceptable. The town has said that they are planning to do some things. We figure that they should have done a lot by September 12, our return date.

Any decision the council made regarding plans for the Vistoso TrailsNature Preserve

The town has completed a Master Plan study on to build the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. At one point, the study’s findings became so challenging that the lead outside consultant on the project quit. To many residents in the area, the final plan, which will be reviewed with council, is too elaborate and far more invasive to life for those who live around the golf course.

Jeff Wilkins

Jeff Wilkins will have completed his first quarter as Oro Valley Town Manager. We wil (try to) interview Wilkins to report his first impressions of our town.

Outrageous Giveaway 2

The Council may consider yet another investment in the Oro Valley Marketplace (aka Oro Valley Village Center). This one for about $12 million. They are under no obligation to do so; but town staff has been in negotiations with the developer and center owner Town West for 18 months to do just that. It will be very interesting to see how Council handles this.
 

The “Big Sports Complex” Affair

Then, of course, there is the matter of the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) wanting to obliterate the lifestyle of those who live in the “Original Oro Valley.” The project is a major sports complex at their Concordia/Buena Vista location. It requires council approval of zoning changes to make this a reality. We don’t know when the next hearing is on this; but it is a huge problem for those who need to protect the lovely lifestyle that area affords.

The Oro Valley Housing Survey

Town staff has completed a survey of town housing needs. Many believe that the survey questions biased responses to favor more apartments…more congestion in Oro Valley… a more “balanced”community.  Regardless, the allure of federal funds that will become available to the town as it grows to subsidize low income housing will become very alluring. You ought to be concerned if you want Oro Valley to remain a single family residential community. As one resident wrote: “Federal funds may dictate “Section 8” to achieve the - financially attainable housing - which is not a fit for this community.” Beware: That from which you wanted to escape by moving to Oro Valley may follow you here.

Use of potable water on town owned parks and the Pusch Ridge Golf Course

The town continues to use potable water for irrigation at Riverfront and Kreigh Parks, at the Pusch Ridge Golf Course, and in serving CDO high school. Reclaimed water would be a better solution. We think, but we don’t know, that the cost of bringing reclaimed water to these facilities is prohibitive. The town has discussed further treating the reclaimed water, purifying it, and inserting it into the potable water supply. It’s all talk at this point but something does need to be done.

We will also keep an eye on other things like

…the July court appearance of Sabrina Garcia, the person who was driving the car that killed a teenager and her half sister on St. Patrick’s Day. It happened near the entrance to Naranja Park…thus, our obsession with getting the town to do something to improve pedestrian safety now.

Meanwhile, enjoy your summer.

We certainly do plan to do so

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Bits and Pieces

Monsoon Prep: Sand Bags are available 
“ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (June 15, 2023) – June 15 marks the official start of monsoon season, and the Town of Oro Valley wants to make sure residents are monsoon ready! Beginning today, June 15, the Town will provide free sandbags to residents who may need to protect areas of their home and property from monsoon storm runoff. This year, the sandbag pickup has moved to a new location, 9451 N. Egleston Drive, which is behind the fields at James D. Kriegh Park.” (Town of Oro Valley Media Release).  Read more about the town’s sandbag program here.

Alert: Traffic control change on Rancho Vistoso Blvd at Safeway

“Based on the volume of accidents caused by left-hand turns onto Rancho Vistoso Blvd., the Town will be installing signage prohibiting left-hand turns when exiting the Safeway Vistoso Plaza (located on the northeast corner of Tangerine Road and Rancho Vistoso Blvd). Motorists who wish to travel south, east or west from the shopping center will now use the plaza’s southern exit onto Tangerine Road, then proceed to their direction of travel at the intersection. The sign and associated striping is tentatively scheduled for June 15, pending utility blue stake clearances. Staff has already communicated with Safeway that the sign is going to be placed, and the Town will provide an educational flyer for businesses to share with patrons. After the installation, we will be monitoring the compliance of the traffic control change to determine if further measures are needed.” (Source: Town Manager Report for June 2023)

Single Family residence permitting activity lower than last year

“Single Family Residential Activity Nine new Single Family Residential (SFR) permits were issued during the month of May compared to 10 SFR permits issued in April. Year-to-date, 44 SFR permits have been issued since the beginning of the year compared to 110 issued during the same period in 2022.” (Source: Town Manager Report for June 2023)

Wilkins on-board

Town Manager Jeff Wilkins started his tenure with Town of Oro Valley on June 12. 

Water Rates to increase in August

The Town Council unanimously approved an increase in water rates at its June 7 Town Council meeting. The increased water rates will go into effect in August. The increase will cost the average homeowner $1.20 per month in the base rate plus 13 cents per thousand gallons used. The total for the average customer (7,000 gallons used over month) is an increase from  $44 per month to $46 per month. According to Town Water Director Peter Abraham, the increase is needed to cover an increase in CAP water deliver costs and an increase in capital project costs. The increase aligns with Abraham’s philosophy of increasing rates annually at lowest rates possible. The town also increased its reclaimed water rate to cover a 5% increase in the cost of delivery of reclaimed water from Tucson Water. That’s about 10 cents per thousand gallons. (Source: Town Council Meeting, June 7, 2023).

Police Commander Olson to serve as interim UofA Police Chief

Oro Valley Police Officer Chris Olson will serve as Interim Police Chief for the University of Arizona for fiscal 2023-34. Olson is long-time member of the Oro Valley Police Force and a senior leader of the force. The University will reimburse the town for all related personnel costs. Olson worked at the University earlier in his career. (Source)  Council Member Steve Solomon, speaking at the June 21 council meeting, noted that Olson’ s appointment is certainly a testimonial to the quality of the OVPD.

Jeff Wilkins is New Oro Valley Town Manager

Council to approve Wilkins employment agreement tonight

The Oro Valley Town Council has selected Jeff Wilkins as Town Manager. Wilkins was one of two finalists for the position. The council will approve his employment agreement tonight. The agreement is a two year agreement from the time of his employment, which can be no later than July 1.  

Becomes Oro Valley's most highly compensated employee

Wilkins will receive a signing bonus of $25,000. His annual salary will be $200,000. He will receive fully paid health, dental, life and disability insurance, and the use of a town vehicle. He will also receive cost of living adjustments to his pay as do other town employees. 

Also to receive funding for retirement
In addition, "the town will pay into his retirement pension [by making] a deferred compensation payment into [his] Employee’s 457 retirement savings account in an amount of Ten Thousand Twenty-Six Dollars and Twelve Cents ($10,026.12) per year (payable in equal installments each regular Town pay period)." (Source: Wilkins Employment Agreement)

Welcome to Oro Valley, Jeff
“We look forward to welcoming Jeff Wilkins as our new town manager,” said Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield. “His wealth of knowledge and depth of experience in local government will help Oro Valley continue to thrive. My fellow councilmembers and I are confident in this decision, and we look forward to this next chapter of leadership in our community.” 

"I am humbled by being selected by the Town Council,” said Wilkins. “Everyone I've met has been very gracious and proud of Oro Valley. I believe Oro Valley is a community of excellence, and I look forward to working with the Town Council, staff, and citizens to ensure Oro Valley continues to be a great community to live, work and play."

Meet Jeff 
Jeff Wilkins has dedicated his career to local government for 27 years. He proudly served communities in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio in roles as County Administrator, City Manager, Assistant Town Manager and Director of Administration and Treasurer. He served communities during fast growth, slow growth, and redevelopment. All positions required his leadership in strategic planning, intergovernmental relations, economic development, capital planning, budget and finance, team building and HR/staff development.

His long tenure of 15 years as County Administrator of Kendall County, Illinois (40 miles southwest of Chicago) was when the county had the fastest growth rate per the US Census Bureau. His service required leadership, collaboration, and financial planning from initial concept through successful implementation for strategic projects such as a courthouse expansion, jail expansion and new health department facility. He is especially proud of his leadership of Kendall Area Transit - the county’s first public transportation system serving the entire county with 12 incorporated cities.

Wilkins strives to build teams and collaboration for internal and community initiatives. His teams plan together for goals and celebrate together when accomplished. Wilkins earned his master’s degree from Indiana University and bachelor’s degree from DePauw University. Wilkins and his wife, Gina, are proud parents of two children, and they enjoy time with their two rescue dogs and rescue cat.

(Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

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Meet and Comment On The Town Manager Candidates Tonight

Meet the candidates tonight
The Oro Valley Town Council will hold an open session tonight starting at 5pm. The two manager finalists,  Jeff Wilkins and Larry Dorr, will present their case to the Council.  Residents are invited to view the session in person or online. Then, the town invites residents to "...provide feedback that will help the Council make this important decision." This can be done in person at the meeting or by completing a digital comment card. Digital comment cards are available between 5pm and midnight.

A first time event
This is the first time that Oro Valley is allowing residents the opportunity to do this. Prior Councils selected former town managers Mary Jacobs, Greg Caton, David Andrews, and Chuck Sweet with no community involvement. In addition, a few residents will submit one question to each candidate. These members were selected by the each councilmember.

Who are these guys anyway?
The town has provided a brief bio on the two candidates, Jeff Wilkins and Larry Dorr.  We published that last week.  Both Wilkins and Dorr have social media accounts on Linkedin, the site for professionals. However, neither account is active. 

Jeff Wilkins
According to his Linkedin [Social media web site for professionals] account, Wilkins was County Administrator for Kendall County (Il) for fifteen years. Then, he was Interim Finance Director for six months for the City of DeKalb until October 2017. After that ,Wilkins joined the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) as Director of Administration. Though his Linkedin profile states that he his currently working there, the SWACO web site does not list him as an employee. The profile the town released indicates that he is not currently employed. 

According to one news report, Wilkins left his Kendall County Administrator position (Source) for mutual reasons. According to Kendall County Board Chairman Scott Gryder, there was new leadership and it was "... good for everybody to move in a new direction." Wilkins salary at that time was $125,000. The county's budget of about $96 million is comparable to Oro Valley's budget. Like Pima County, Kendall County is finance by a property tax. (Source) Oro Valley does not have a property tax. The town was founded on never having one.  Residents have always rejected such.

A few months ago, Wilkins was one of three finalists for County Administrator of Indian River County in Florida. He was not selected as a finalist.

Larry Dorr
Larry Dorr is the Deputy City Manager/Chief Financial Officer for the City of Westminster Co. Westminster is located nine miles north-northwest of Denver. The City is much larger than Oro Valley. It's expenditure budget is about $260 million. The town employs more than 1,000 employees.  Westminster has 116,000 residents. The Westminster budget includes operations that are similar to those of Oro Valley. For example, the budget includes a water department, a police department and golf. (source)

Dorr has been looking to leave his position in Westminster for some time. He lost out as candidate for Larimer County (Co) Administrator in 2022. That would be just two years after he joined Westminster.

Dorr served for sixteen years as Finance Director for the City of Lakewood Co. Lakewood is also larger than Oro Valley. Their budget is more than $200 million. The City population is three times that of Oro Valley

Do these two really fit? 
We are surprised that these are the two best candidates that resulted from the national search. They have experience in a much larger organizations than Oro Valley. The Oro Valley town manager job is really a step back in their career. 

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