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

Sign Destruction Continues…Police Involved
Council candidates report that all candidate signs were stolen at corners on La Cholla and Lambert and LaCholla and Naranja.  This appears to be vandalism. However, Robb and Bohen’s signs have been targeted and destroyed in multiple locations, including Pusch View Lane and Oracle.  Tuesday night we learned that a Greene sign at LaCholla and Tangering was sliced with the face cut out. A Murphy sign was on the ground in the same area. 

What is going on people? The police have been notified and are currently investigating the incidents. They are determined to catch the culprits.

Incidents are under investigation by the
Oro Valley Police Department

Follow Up: SRO Program Costs Oro Valley $550,000 Annually
In April, we reported that in 2023/24 the town received $90,000 from the Amphi School District for the School Resource Officers it provides to the district’s schools. According to the Oro Valley Police Department the cost of these officers is $639,885 for this year. Though the years are different, our best guess is that the annual cost of the program to the town is about $550,000. 

Sandbags available during Monsoon season
Last week marked "… the official start of monsoon season, and the Town of Oro Valley wants to make sure residents are monsoon ready. The Town will once again provide free sandbags to residents who may need to protect areas of their homes from storm runoff. Sandbag pickup is located at 9451 N. Egleston Drive, which is behind the fields at James D. Kriegh Park. Sandbags will be available beginning Monday, June 17, through September 30, 2024. The lot is accessible from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. "(Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

CDO shared use path closures to enable water flood control
This week, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District began a Cañada del Oro (CDO) Wash Levee Augmentation Project along share use path.  There will be intermittent closures from N. La Cañada Drive to N. Oracle Road, with completion expected by November 2024, weather permitting. Following the 2020 Bighorn Fire, sediment build-up decreased the wash’s capacity, necessitating this project to restore capacity and enhance flood protection for nearby homes and businesses.  (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

- - -

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.

Bits and Pieces

The Town of Oro Valley lives well while many residents are hurting
Oro Valley Town Finance Director Gephart reported to the Town Council on Wednesday that just about every source of income to the General Fund are well ahead of budget as of April. 

Things look great. 

In fact, General Fund revenues are estimated by year end to be $6.3 million ahead of budget. That’s 13% better than budget. At the same time, General Fund expenditures are estimated to be $2.7 million less than budget. That’s 4% less than budgeted spending. Major factors in play are that inflation is driving the sales tax revenue increase of 23% over budget. The spending underage is the result of the town’s accounting for debt service on pension obligations. 

Given the town’s strong financial position, a reduction in fees residents pay for most of the town’s recreation facilities would be in order; given the impact that current historic inflation is having on reducing the buying power of the many senior residents… most of whom are on fixed income. This council has failed to even consider reducing taxes and fees residents pay!

Scrooge July 4… No fireworks! Laser Show at Kreigh Park instead
The Town of Oro Valley will celebrate July 4 at Kreigh Park with a Laser Show. There will be not be fireworks because of “supply chain issues,” according to Town Manager Mary Jacobs.  The event will start at 6pm. There will be a “Tom Petty Cover Band”, plenty of food trucks and lots of things to do. “Bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy a 4th of July in person.”  (Source: Town Manager Oral “Report To Council’, 6/15/22)

We understand that other communities will have fireworks. Guess they did not have any “supply chain” issues!

OVCN residents continue to speak out
Those who will be most impacted by the major sports facilities proposal of the Church of the Nazarene (“OVCN”) continue to address the town council. Speaking at this past Wednesday’s Meeting, they unanimously oppose this proposal for a variety of reasons. Follow LOVE’s exclusive coverage of this, “Do Unto Others”. 

Council declares Community Center Fund “Fully Paid”
In 2015, the Oro Valley Town Council, led by then Mayor Hiremath, voted to borrow $1.2 million from the General Fund to start the Community Center Fund. That money was to be repaid in annual installments of $120,000 per year for ten years. The present town council, led by now Mayor Winfield, set a precedent at Wednesday's council meeting meeting.  On a 6-1 vote (Councilmember Bohen dissenting), the council voted to rescind that annual repayment by declaring the debt “fully paid”.  This is precedent setting.  In essence, the Council has reneged on a commitment to pay back a debt that has been incurred by the town.

Monsoon ready? (Fill you own) Free sandbags available for Oro Valley residents
“ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (June 15, 2022) – June 15 marks the official start of monsoon season in Southern Arizona, and the Town of Oro Valley wants to make sure you are monsoon ready! Beginning today, June 15, the Town will provide free sandbags to residents who may need to protect areas of their homes from storm runoff during monsoons.

Sandbags can be picked up now through the duration of the 2022 monsoon (or while supplies last). Due to a limited number of supplies, only Town of Oro Valley residents are eligible. Sandbags are self-service; the Town will provide the bags and sand, but you will need to bring your own shovel and load your own sand. There is a limit of 10 sandbags per vehicle.

Pickup Location
*Naranja Park (810 W. Naranja Drive) Follow the signs to the area known as the “Christmas tree recycling lot,” just north of the archery range (see Pickup Location Map below). “ (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)

Lane Restrictions on Naranja: June 21 to July 1
“ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (June 16, 2022) – The Oro Valley Water Utility will be replacing a water main underneath Naranja Drive starting Tuesday, June 21, causing lane restrictions that will impact both lanes of travel and potential traffic delays until Friday, July 1.

The water main replacement is underneath the eastbound lanes of Naranja Drive, between Monterra Vista Drive and Desert Whisper Way. Traffic will be shifted to the westbound lanes on Naranja Drive, with one lane of traffic each way. Speed will be reduced to 25 mph in the construction zone. For the safety of workers and other drivers, please obey construction message boards, traffic signage and signals. Drivers are encouraged to find alternative routes of travel to avoid delays. “(Source: Oro Valley Press Release)

Bits and Pieces

Daily public access to Steam Pump Ranch in the offing
Town Manager Mary Jacobs is hopeful that the Steam Pump Ranch will be daily Oro Valley attraction. This after the town renovates once renovation of the garage on the property is done. She has included $550,000 for that. Once completed, staff will work from the facility. You can read more about this and other items in the TMRB here.

July 4th fireworks at Community Center
The town has cancelled its July 4 celebration but not the fireworks. “The good news is that we are still planning an epic fireworks show from the Community and Recreation Center. We will be using larger shells that will soar higher into the night sky,” said Parks and Recreation Director Kristy Diaz-Trahan. “We really wanted to host a July 4th celebration this year. This community needs it, but ultimately the decision is about public safety.” (Source)

Need sandbags for the monsoon?
"Beginning Monday, June 15, the Town of Oro Valley will provide free sandbags to residents who may need to protect areas of their homes from storm runoff during monsoon. Sandbags can be picked up [at Naranja Park] beginning Monday June 15, through the duration of the 2020 monsoon. Due to a limited number of supplies, only Town of Oro Valley residents are eligible, and there is a limit of 10 sandbags per vehicle. Sandbags are self-service; you will need to bag and load your own sand." (source)

Community Center and Aquatic Centers open Monday
"The Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center and Oro Valley Aquatic Center will be reopening on Monday, June 1, 2020." Doing this safely will be of primary importance. The town will be following county reopening rules.

The bad guys are back
One of things Chief Riley told us in our interview a few weeks back was that she expected shoplifting to be center state as retailers re-opened. KGUN9 showed a video of bad guys doing just that at Walmart this week. Take a look. Call the cops if you know these guys. Crime never takes a break.

Ben Coronado, Oro Valley resident, appointed Civilian Aid to the US Secretary of the Army
He was appointed on May 14 at Ft. Huachuca. "CASAs, a vital part of the Army, promote good relations between the Army and the public and advise the secretary on regional issues." Read about him here.

Heather's Corner: Monsoons-It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

I love the monsoons! So does Beatrice.

So what if my backyard floods every time it rains. I don't care that I have to keep towels by my front window when the water decides to come at the house in a horizontal down pour. And least of all do I care that our dog, Beatrice, thinks the sofa is her personal grooming towel to dry off when she comes back in from doing her business. I love it all!

So I thought I would share a few facts I found on monsoons with you:

Beatice Enjoys The Monsoon!

• 32 percent our of Arizona’s yearly rain totals come during the monsoon. 
• 40 percent of In Pinetop’s yearly rain totals come during the monsoon. 
• 62 percent of Bisbee’s yearly rain totals come during the monsoon. 
• Lightning will strike about 500,000 times during the monsoon. 
• There are between 500 and 600 Arizona weather spotters. 
• The term “monsoon” comes from the Arabic “mausim” meaning “season” or “wind shift”. 
• The Arizona monsoon officially begins June 15th. Until recently, the monsoon was official three consecutive day of dew points above 55 degrees. Now it officially starts whether there is any change in the dew point or not. 
• The official last day of the monsoon is September 30th. 
• The word “monsoon” refers to a season by definition, and should never be used with the word “season”. 
• The Arizona monsoon usually continues for about two months resulting in about 2 1/2 inches of rain and about 1/3 of our yearly rainfall. 
• Monsoon storms range from minor dust storms to violent thunderstorms. Arizona monsoon storms start with heavy winds sometimes resulting in a visible wall of dust hundreds of feet high. 
• Dust storms during the monsoon are normally accompanied by thunder and lightning and often lead to heavy downpours. 
• The longest Arizona monsoon is recorded as 99 days in 1984. -The shortest Arizona monsoon on record is 27 days in 1962. 
• The most rain generated from an Arizona monsoon was 9.38 inches in 1984. 
• The driest monsoon in Arizona was .35 inches in 1924 

Arizona Stupid Motorist law, enacted in 1995 for governments to hold motorists responsible for rescue and recovery who knowingly enter a roadway or wash in rushing waters from a monsoon, even has it's own Facebook page now.

There you can learn: "If you get caught in a ‪monsoon, pull over and turn off your lights. Stay safe. Don't be a stupid motorist!"

And for those looking for a more scientific approach to monsoons, they are most simply a response to the sun heating up the atmosphere. "In Arizona, the process starts with the hot and dry weather of May and June. Usually, the winds are from a dry westerly direction, so humidity is low and temperatures soar above 100 degrees in the deserts. As the atmosphere warms, the jet stream retreats northward. this allows the winds to shift to a more southerly component and bring in the moisture. Most of our humid air comes from the Sea of Cortez, but a good portion also comes from the Gulf of Mexico. Once the moist air arrives, our strong summer sun heats the moist air causing the familiar thunderstorm (cumulonimbus) clouds." (Source)

We'd love you to share any monsoon photos with us.

In the meantime keep enjoying all the benefits of the monsoons and this photo of Beatrice doing the same.
---
Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley a total of five years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Her husband is Canadian so she is a hockey fan by default and so are her two very clever children. When not being a mommy, she enjoys hiking in Catalina State Park, hand building pottery, and gardening. Her favorite things about living in Oro Valley are the towns recognition of art and culture, their commitment to preserving nature and the Christmas parade. (Also anything from GMG Chinese Bistro.)