Eight Key Issues That Will Shape Oro Valley in 2026

As Oro Valley enters 2026, a series of unresolved policy questions and major decisions are converging. This article highlights the eight key most likely to drive debate, influence voters, and shape the Town’s direction over the coming year.

Water infrastructure will reach a major milestone
The  NWRRDS project is expected to be completed later in the year, marking a major step in strengthening Oro Valley’s long-term water supply and system reliability. Essentially, it enables the town to bring CAP water directly to Oro Valley. Currently, the town get's CAP water via the Tucson Water System.

The election that will shape future priorities
The 2026 election will influence policy discussions throughout the year, affecting council focus, the timing of decisions, and the broader public dialogue. Some issues thatr are likely to surface as campaign themes and voter concerns includes

• Town finances: Is there a structural financial problem, or are current concerns tied to timing and long-range forecasts? If a problem exists, when does it emerge, and what options are available to address it?
• Growth and housing: How much additional residential growth should Oro Valley plan for, and what mix of housing makes sense? This includes questions about more homes, housing affordability, density, and the pace of development.
• Annexation and the tax base: Should the Town pursue annexation of retail-intensive or commercially valuable areas as a way to strengthen revenues and reduce reliance on residential taxes?
• Infrastructure and service capacity: Can existing roads, water systems, public safety services, parks, and facilities support additional growth without major new costs?
• Taxes and fees: If revenues fall short of future needs, should the Town consider new or adjusted taxes, fees, or other funding mechanisms?
• Long-term planning priorities: How should policies outlined in OV Path Forward be implemented, and which priorities should be addressed first?

Our guess is that more candidates will file for office. Residents will get a wide view of opinions on these and other items.

Possible new taxes and long-term finances remain central
Debate over potential new taxes is likely to continue, alongside close attention to the Town’s overall financial condition, including forecasts, reserves, and future obligations. The council will consider approving the three new taxes under consideration this month.

A possible Amphi school closure with major community impact
The possible closing of Copper Creek Elementary remains unresolved and is expected to be an early issue in 2026. Amphitheater School District officials have indicated they intend to move quickly toward a decision, and current signals suggest the school is likely to close. At the same time, the proposal has raised concerns among parents and nearby residents about neighborhood impacts, student reassignment, and long-term effects on the surrounding community. Whether that concern translates into organized pushback, and how the District responds, could shape the outcome and keep the issue in the public spotlight.

A tourism strategy that will be built

Findings from the destination marketing study are expected to influence how Oro Valley approaches tourism, branding, and related economic development. A draft plan is now in circulation, but several elements are likely to require further refinement before adoption, including how group and business travel is addressed, how the plan’s return on investment is quantified, and how tourism governance and funding would be structured. Town staff has indicated that the draft will be reviewed in a Town Council work session in late January, with possible action to follow in February.

Planning the Town’s trail network
Continued work on the Trails Master Plan will influence future recreation priorities, trail connectivity, and capital investment decisions across Oro Valley. As the plan moves closer to completion, key questions remain about which trail segments should be prioritized, how new connections will balance recreation with neighborhood impacts, and how improvements will be funded and phased. Council direction on these issues will shape how quickly recommendations move from planning to construction and how the trail system fits into broader transportation, conservation, and quality-of-life goals.

Regional transportation decisions with local impact
RTA Next will continue to be a major topic in the next few months, with long-term implications for transportation funding and infrastructure across the region. March, voters are expected to weigh in on extending or modifying the regional transportation program, which would determine how road improvements, transit projects, and maintenance are funded for decades to come. For Oro Valley, the debate will likely focus on whether the proposed projects align with local priorities, how much funding the Town would receive relative to its contribution, and how regional commitments intersect with other pressing capital needs.

A vote on Oro Valley’s future framework
Completion of OV Path Forward will culminate in a voter decision next November. If approved, the updated General Plan would establish the Town’s policy framework for growth, land use, housing, transportation, and infrastructure for the next decade and beyond. In the months leading up to the election, debate is likely to focus on how the plan addresses growth expectations, preservation of community character, and alignment with long-term financial and infrastructure capacity.

What are your thoughts on the big stories of 2026. 

Let us know of our Facebook page.

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Bits and Pieces

Council approves plan to recruit new Town Attorney

Wednesday night's meeting, the Oro Valley Town Council approved the process for recruiting a new in-house Town Attorney. Human Resources Director Andy Votava outlined a plan modeled after the one used earlier this year to hire the Town Magistrate — posting the position quickly, advertising statewide, and having Council make the final hiring decision. Council members agreed the process should move forward without delay, citing the recent retirements of Legal Services Director Tobin Sidles and Chief Civil Deputy Joe Andrews. Staff was instructed to post the position immediately and return to Council with progress updates as the search advances. (See our previous report on this form more information)

Council approves Parks and Recreation fee increases; begins process to increase stormwater rate 

At Wednesday night’s meeting, the Oro Valley Town Council approved an update to the Parks and Recreation fee schedule and authorized a Notice of Intent to consider future changes to the stormwater utility base rate. The Parks and Recreation action updates fees for facility rentals, programs, and memberships beginning in January 2026. The stormwater item does not raise rates now but begins the required public process to review a possible increase from the current $4.50 monthly fee per household. The Council will hold a public hearing on January 14, 2026, before deciding whether to adopt the proposed stormwater rate changes.

Northbound lane closures on Oracle Road begin Monday 

The Town of Oro Valley’s Street Operations team will close portions of the northbound inside lane on Oracle Road from just south of Suffolk Drive to north of Big Wash Overlook Place between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily, Oct. 20–24, with possible extension through Oct. 29. Crews will perform biannual median maintenance, including tree trimming, weed control, and trash removal. Traffic control and signage will guide motorists, and all lanes will reopen outside work hours. The Town maintains the medians under a longstanding agreement with the Arizona Department of Transportation. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Oro Valley's “mystery water line” project on State Lands

At Wednesday's Oro Valley Town Council meeting, Dan Scott, who lives in the Tortolita neighborhood just outside town limits near Tangerine and Thornydale, told the Council that heavy construction equipment had damaged his property from workers claimed to be installing a water line for Oro Valley. The water line is going into the state lands that were later discussed in the meeting. Scott said crews from contractor K.E.&G. entered the area about two weeks earlier, blading a wide path across State Trust land between Thornydale and Shannon Road and removing vegetation without any prior notice to nearby residents. He said neither he nor his neighbors had been informed of the project and asked the Town to explain what was happening. After his comments, no clarification was provided about the purpose or authorization of the work. However, we did see town Water Director Peter Abraham quickly moving to talk to Scott. Wonder what he said? We suspect that the water line is part of the NWRRDS project.  More to follow....

The no parking signs are mostly up

In early September we reported that the Town Council established no-street-parking zones on two major streets where the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene is located. This week, we noticed that “No Parking” signs have been installed along Concordia and the southern portion of Buena Vista. Signs have not yet been placed on Buena Vista north of Concordia. The signs are small—but there are many of them [see panel right]. If you are a member of OVCN, please park in the church parking lot. We’ve been told there is sufficient parking for all parishioners, with overflow parking available at CDO. Street parking during church hours has been a long-standing concern for nearby residents. We don’t yet know when the remaining signs will be installed.

Chamber uses Gen-Zers to push for more apartments in Oro Valley

The push for higher-density housing seems to have become a mission for the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce. Earlier this year, the Chamber’s Gen Z Committee met with young professionals who concluded that the Town’s housing policies make it difficult for them to live where they work. The group sent letters to Town officials urging more apartments, townhomes, and mixed-use developments, and their views were featured in an article titled “Gen Z Seeks Housing Focus.”  Wednesday night, several supporters, one who works for the Chamber and leader of the Gen Z group, appeared before the Town Council again, repeating those same arguments and asking that Oro Valley’s draft general plan be changed to remove what they called “bias” against apartments and high-density housing. 

Town accepts Sierra Wash easement but avoids responsibility for broader maintenance

The Town Council approved an easement from the Canada Ridge Homeowners Association allowing the Town to access and maintain recently constructed drainage improvements at the Sierra Wash crossing under Naranja Drive. Staff said the action was necessary to protect the public roadway and underground utilities from erosion caused by storm runoff. Town officials made clear that the Town’s maintenance obligations apply only to the newly installed protective armoring around the culvert—not to the natural wash itself. Several council members noted that other HOAs must continue maintaining their own washes and that the Town would not assume those responsibilities unless a wash directly affects public infrastructure. (Source: The Oro Valley Town Council Meeting, October 15, 2025)

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Bits and Pieces

Grant awarded for ADA improvements at Vistoso Trails
The Oro Valley Town Council approved Resolution (R)25-42 in August, authorizing acceptance of a $144,500 grant from Arizona State Parks to fund ADA improvements at the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. The project will cover pathway repairs, new safety signage, and the construction of compacted decomposed granite ADA trails. The Town’s contribution is $8,734.36, or about 5.7% of the $153,234 total cost. LOVE reported on this grant application back in March 2024, and now the funding has been awarded.

YouTuber confrontation moves to Sahuarita...with success

In April, we reported that a “YouTuber” had come to Oro Valley to “bait the cops.” We did not name the individual or their website because we did not want to draw traffic to their site.  That person was at it again—this time in Sahuarita. And this time, however, it looks like it worked. In early August, an incident occurred at the Sahuarita Police Department when the individual was forcibly removed and arrested from a public area by the Chief of Police. This in follow up to what appears to be a terribly botched Sahuarita Police welfare check on a home a year earlier. A video of the arrest incident and of the botch welfare check is available online. 

May 2025 Crime Statistics

Town attorney contract renewed
The Town Council approved Resolution (R)25-35 in August to renew the contract with Mesch Clark Rothschild, P.C. for another year of Town Attorney services. The firm has represented Oro Valley since September 2021, when it was first selected following a competitive process. Since then, the contract has been renewed annually, making this the fourth extension. Under the agreement, the Town pays a fixed rate of $1,025 per council meeting, with additional legal services billed at $200 per hour for attorneys and $120 per hour for paralegals.

School resource officer assigned to Leman Academy
The Town Council approved Resolution (R)25-40, in August authorizing an agreement with Leman Academy of Excellence to assign an Oro Valley police officer as a full-time School Resource Officer (SRO). Leman was awarded a three-year School Safety Program grant from the Arizona Department of Education in 2023 to cover the cost of salary and benefits. The 2025–26 school year is the third year of this grant cycle. The grant reimburses the Town for salary and employee-related expenses, so this does not add costs beyond what is already budgeted.

Another Fiber right-of-way license granted
The Town Council approved Resolution (R)25-38 in August, authorizing a right-of-way license agreement with Ripple Fiber Arizona LLC. The license allows Ripple to install and maintain fiber-optic cable within Oro Valley rights-of-way to provide fiber-to-the-premise service. It runs for an initial 10-year term with three optional five-year renewals. Similar agreements were approved with Wyyerd Fiber and Novos Fiber, making Ripple the third provider licensed since June. Ripple will pay the Town $0.89 per linear foot of conduit installed, with annual reporting to verify total footage.

June 2025 Crime Statistics

Town Manager’s August report to Council highlights Fall start of Naranja MUP and more

The August executive report included several notable updates. The Naranja Drive Multi-Use Path, a $3.99 million project that is 91% grant funded, is scheduled to break ground this fall and be completed by March 2026. The Northwest Recharge and Recovery Delivery System is also progressing, with more than seven miles of pipeline under construction and three recovery wells already drilled. When completed in mid-2026, this project will provide long-term water sustainability for more than 115,000 customers across Oro Valley and neighboring communities. The report also highlighted a record crowd of nearly 10,000 people at this year’s Independence Day celebration. (Source: Town Manager Executive Report To Council, August 2025)

Oro Valley employee guidance is not binding

Did you know that the town disclaims any information you receive in conversation, email, or a meeting with a Town employee? That such information is only preliminary and not binding? That it may not even be correct? According to the town, only a formal written determination from a Town Administrator is official. Staff comments or responses are not the same as legal documents, and the Town says that it cannot be held liable if informal guidance or information is wrong. As a result, you should independently verify information before relying on it. (Source: Town Disclaimer)

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While We Were Away...

Sidles and Adler retire

Longtime Town of Oro Valley employees Margie Adler and Tobin Sidles retired this August. Adler, who served as the town’s economic development specialist since 2015, was recognized for her dedication to helping local businesses and for delivering regular economic updates to the community. According to Mayor Hiremeth, Margit was "...the face of small business for Oro Valley." Sidles, the Town’s Legal Services Department Director, retired after 35 years of service and was honored with the State Bar of Arizona’s 2025 John Belatti Public Lawyer Career Achievement Award for his commitment to public service and ethical legal practice. Both leave behind strong legacies in their respective fields.

Naranja Drive path construction begins this fall

Construction of the Naranja Drive Multi-Use Path is scheduled to begin in mid-September 2025, following the Oro Valley Town Council’s unanimous approval of final funding on June 30. The 1.75-mile, 10-foot-wide paved path will run along the north side of Naranja Drive from La Cañada Drive to First Avenue, providing safer access for walkers, cyclists, and joggers. Nearly 91% of the project’s $3.99 million cost is covered by federal and regional transportation grants, with the Town contributing $341,000 through local project savings. The Arizona Department of Transportation will oversee the work, which is expected to be completed by March 2026. Town leaders say the new path will improve safety and connectivity for the community (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Napier announces candidacy for Mayor

There is an important election coming up this summer. It is an election for the mayor of the town. There are also three council seats that are up for election. Thirty-year  Oro Valley resident Mark Napier has announced that he will be running for council. In his August 13 Facebook announcement Napier notes: "Oro Valley has provided so much for my family and me over the years: Safe neighborhoods, beautiful open spaces, good parks, and an incredible sense of community. This is why I am running for Mayor in the August 2026 election - to ensure we preserve our community character and values, while responsibly and strategically planning for our future." (Source)

A few notable updates from the July town manager "Executive Report To Council"

Several smaller updates stand out in the July 2025 Town Manager’s Executive Report. The Town Council approved right-of-way license agreements for new high-speed internet providers, paving the way for expanded service in Oro Valley. Only two new short-term rental licenses were issued in June, with the vast majority of these rentals being single-family homes. Every available segment in the Town’s Adopt-A-Road program is now spoken for, reflecting strong community participation. Transit ride numbers increased slightly to nearly 68,000 rides in fiscal year 2024/25, though monthly usage appears to be leveling out.

Drones overhead? Know your rights

Oro Valley police addressed common concerns in the July 2025 CrimeFighter newsletter, reaffirming that drone flights over private property—such as backyard and rooftops—are legal under federal jurisdiction. As Oro Valley lies in Class G airspace, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) holds controlling authority over drone operations, and the town does not impose additional airspace restrictions. While police oversee public safety in flight situations, they don’t regulate drone operations. The only limits are standard FAA rules: drones must fly below 400 feet, avoid sustained flights over people or moving vehicles, and refrain from capturing images inside private yards without consent. Homeowners uncomfortable with overhead drones are encouraged to reach out to OVPD for guidance. (Source: OVPD Crimefighter, July, 2025)

Pusch Ridge Golf Course seeks Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program Certification

The Pusch Ridge Golf Course has joined the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, launching a comprehensive process to enhance wildlife habitat, promote conservation, and improve environmental stewardship. This signals a commitment to protecting the natural resources that make the course unique, benefiting not only golfers but also residents and wildlife. Achieving certification will mean the course meets high standards for habitat management, water conservation, and chemical safety. It will place Pusch Ridge among a select group of environmentally responsible courses in the region and show Oro Valley’s leadership in balancing recreation with conservation. The project will also offer new volunteer opportunities for those who want to support sustainability and help shape the future of the golf course. (Source: Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf media newsletter, 07-29-25)    

Draft of OV’s Path Forward coming later this fall

Residents can expect the full draft of OV’s Path Forward—Oro Valley’s next 10-year action plan—to be released later this fall, offering the first comprehensive view of proposed goals, policies, and action steps developed with input from more than 100 residents during Phase 2 earlier this year . The initial 30% draft was completed by May 2025, and now includes 31 goals, 78 policies, and over 255 action items organized into themes such as sustainability, land use, parks, and public safety. The draft marks a point when the community can review, refine, and ensure that the final plan reflects residents’ priorities before it goes to a public vote in November 2026.

Oro Valley secures $3 million for water sustainability

The Oro Valley Water Utility has secured the full $3 million grant from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona to support the Northwest Recharge and Recovery Delivery System (NWRRDS). This grant was fully anticipated by the town and it's planning so it's no surprise. This regional project—done in partnership with Marana and the Metro Water District—will allow Oro Valley to store and recover renewable water supplies, significantly reducing groundwater pumping and helping stabilize aquifer levels. For residents, this means improved water security, better water quality, and less risk of land subsidence. The grant also eases long-term costs for customers by offsetting infrastructure expenses without requiring repayment. Once completed in mid-2026, the system will provide reliable renewable water to over 115,000 customers across northwest Tucson. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

The OVHS has had a very busy summer 

The Oro Valley Historical Society marked its 20th anniversary with a summer full of projects and community milestones. The Society launched a new website with the help of Red Coyote Services and dedicated volunteer Lynn Zoyiopoulos, rejuvenated the Heritage Garden with Home Depot’s support, and—thanks to a major Chamber of Commerce Foundation donation—installed eight new interpretive signs at Steam Pump Ranch. OVHS volunteers completed updates to the Procter-Leiber family tree, advanced the digitization of the Society’s historic records, and expanded outreach by meeting with other regional historical groups. They also hosted the Tucson Paranormal Society for a special museum investigation and celebrated Jim Williams, who received a national award for his book, “Oro Valley: The First Fifty Years.” All of this activity sets the stage for a full fall calendar, new exhibits, and collaborative events at Steam Pump Ranch. (Source: OVHS August 2025 Update).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Water Utility Adds Another $12 Million Loan To Complete NWRRDS Project

Council approves new WIFA loan
In an article posted a few weeks ago, we anticipated that the Oro Valley Water Utility would soon ask the Town Council to approve borrowing more money to complete the Northwest Recharge, Recovery and Delivery System (NWRRDS) project. That happened last Wednesday when the Town Council unanimously approved borrowing $12 million from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA).

Loan will fund final project components
The loan will help pay for the final two independent components of the NWRRDS project: the Twin Peaks Booster Station and about seven miles of water transmission main. With this funding, the project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2026. Most of the system is already built and funded through impact fees, groundwater preservation fees, a previous $6 million private loan, and a water conservation grant.

Water utility—not the town—is responsible
The loan is not a debt of the Town of Oro Valley’s general government. It will be repaid entirely by the Water Utility, using only its own revenues. No taxpayer funds or general fund dollars will be used, and the loan is not backed or guaranteed by the Town. According to the loan agreement, the debt will be repaid from net revenues of the water system—revenues that come from ratepayers. This arrangement keeps the obligation strictly within the utility’s enterprise fund.

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NWRRDS costs have escalated over time... Total Cost Today $47.4 million
The NWRRDS project began in 2017 as a joint effort between Oro Valley, Marana, and Metro Water to bring additional Central Arizona Project (CAP) water into the region. Initially, Oro Valley's share was projected at approximately $12–$13 million. However, over time, costs have increased due to factors such as inflation, design modifications, and construction challenges. As of 2025, Oro Valley's share has risen to about $21 million, with the independent portion of the project now estimated at $12 million, doubling the original estimate. This escalation in costs has necessitated  financing to ensure the project's completion.

Loan terms and financial impact
According to Water Utility Director Peter Abraham, this additional funding need was projected years ago. “It’s nothing new,” he told the council. “It’s been in our water rate reports since 2019.” Finance Director David Gephart added that the utility would be responsible for repaying just over $11 million, since about $1 million of the principal is forgivable. The estimated interest rate is 3.45%, with an annual debt service of about $797,000. No water rate increases are needed to cover the payments.

This, the last of two loans totaling $18 million, completes utility’s NWRRDS outside funding

With last week’s approval of the $12 million WIFA loan, the Council has now authorized a total of $18 million in borrowing to complete the NWRRDS project. In March, it approved a $6 million private placement loan to fund the town’s share of jointly constructed facilities. This WIFA loan covers the final two independent components. Together, the two loans are intended to ensure that the project is fully funded and completed by 2026.

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You can read more on NWRRDS here.

Oro Valley Financing NWRRDS Project Cost Overruns— $6 Million Loan Approved, $12 Million More Coming

Oro Valley approves $6 million loan for NWRRDS water project
Last week, the Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved a $6 million senior lien water revenue obligation. This new loan will help fund an overrun on the town’s share of the partnered Northwest Recharge, Recovery, and Delivery System (NWRRDS) project — a multi-agency effort to deliver some of Oro Valley’s Colorado River water allocation directly to the town, rather than routing it through Tucson Water. The project’s partners are Marana and Metro Water.

As it turns out, NWRRDS is a very expensive project
The project has turned out to be far more expensive than town staff envisioned in 2017. Partnered costs have grown from $30 million in 2017 to $49 million today. Oro Valley’s share was projected to be around $12–$13 million in 2017, based on its contractual capacity of 4,000 acre-feet per year. Today, that share is about $21 million. The independent portion of the project, which Oro Valley funds entirely, was originally estimated at $6 million. The town now plans to seek a $12 million WIFA loan in April 2025, doubling that initial estimate as well.

Concerns about project management... and total project cost
This ballooning cost should have prompted discussion by the council last week. Questions like: Are our Oro Valley Water engineers competent in bidding, managing, and, most importantly, reporting to their customers on complex projects where risk and inflation will inevitably revise the initial estimate? — have never been asked. Instead, councilmembers praised the town’s strong finances and debt management during the meeting. But no one asked why this overrun exists, how realistic future funding assumptions are, or whether Oro Valley residents are being asked to pay for mismanagement or avoidable cost increases.

The loan to fund the partnered portion overrun is a private placement
The council approved the $6 million loan to help fund the overrun on Oro Valley’s portion of the partnered project. The funding will come through a private placement loan at an interest rate of 4.085%, repayable over 10 years.

Town is paying a premium interest rate for convenience
Town staff and advisors called the 4.085% tax-free interest rate “favorable,” but not all residents are convinced. One knowledgeable reader pointed out that the town may be paying a premium — less than 1% above what would be typical if they were able to borrow in the public market and exercise early payoff flexibility. Over a 3–10 year window, comparable borrowing rates would range from approximately 2.79% to 3.17%.

The private placement route offered convenience: no underwriting costs, no credit rating expenses, and a simplified process with six institutional bids. However, residents are left wondering whether the town thoroughly explored a public offering. While a $6 million deal is small by municipal standards (where issuance costs can be significant), the absence of comparative analysis leaves questions unanswered. As one resident put it: “It would be helpful if they provided more numbers as a comparison to the private placement.”

More borrowing ahead — and more questions
The $6 million private placement loan is only part of the picture. On April 16, the council will be asked to approve an additional $12 million WIFA loan for the independent portion of the NWRRDS project, bringing the total new borrowing to $18 million. The plan, according to staff, is for 60% of that debt service to be paid by future impact fees and 40% by the groundwater preservation fee (GPF).

But residents are asking: Where will the approximately $11 million in needed impact fees come from? According to the town’s 2022 fee schedule, the residential water impact fee for a standard 5/8" meter is $6,387 per home. That translates to roughly 1,700 new homes needed just to cover the planned impact fee share. Given current market conditions, including a growing apartment surplus in Tucson and slowdowns in new development, that target may be unrealistic.

One concerned resident wrote: “It appears to me that the 60/40 Impact Fee/GPF split can't be maintained. Our impact fee per house yet to be built is far too low to cover 60% of NWRRDS cost overruns. The GPF will possibly need to cover far more than 40% of the new debt service.” In other words, existing residents — not future growth — could end up footing more of the bill than originally planned.

What’s next?
The $6 million loan will close on April 22, giving the town the funds needed to cover project overruns and continue construction. But with another $12 million loan request coming next month and serious questions about funding sources and cost management, residents are left wondering: How much more will they be asked to pay — and when will the town council start asking hard questions of its own?
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2024 State of the Town: Winfield Celebrates Oro Valley

Mayor Winfield’s celebrates Oro Valley

This past Thursday, Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield delivered the annual State of the Town address at the El Conquistador Resort. Sponsored by the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce, the event welcomed roughly 600 attendees and marked the town’s 50th anniversary, reflecting on recent accomplishments and plans for future growth. In his address, Mayor Winfield covered seven key areas impacting Oro Valley’s development and community life.

Safety initiatives focus on police accreditation and courthouse improvements
In public safety, Mayor Winfield highlighted the accomplishments and future goals of the Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD). Led by Chief Kara Riley, the department is completing its third accreditation through the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police, a credential only two departments in Arizona will hold, further solidifying OVPD’s reputation for safety and excellence. Mayor Winfield also announced the improvements to the town’s court, including upgrades to the lobby, jury rooms, and facilities for safely transporting high-risk individuals. Winfield noted: “Maintaining a high level of public safety contributes to Oro Valley’s attractiveness as a safe community for families and businesses."

Water projects emphasize conservation and reduced groundwater pumping
Mayor Winfield also provided updates on water and sustainability initiatives, key to Oro Valley’s long-term resilience. As he noted, the town’s population in the water service area has grown by 14 percent over the past two decades, yet total water consumption has decreased by 12 percent, a sign of effective conservation measures. Furthermore, Oro Valley’s water utility has reduced groundwater pumping by 60 percent. To sustain these efforts, the town has dedicated $52 million for water utility projects, including $23 million toward the Northwest Recharge Recovery and Delivery System. This system, slated for completion in 2026, is expected to reduce groundwater reliance further, safeguarding the aquifer for future generations. According to Winfield: '“Water remains a key priority for growth and sustainability. Thanks to our community’s conservation ethic, advances in home construction, and strategic investments in water infrastructure, Oro Valley is well positioned for the future."

Economic growth continues through development permits and marketplace plans
On the topic of community development and economic activity, Mayor Winfield shared that Oro Valley issued over 2,200 permits in the past year, representing $133 million in private construction. Residential development continues, with 95 single-family permits expected this fiscal year, alongside two new apartment projects. Commercial growth is set to expand with the addition of a hotel and two senior living communities. Significant redevelopment is also underway at the Oro Valley Marketplace, where plans include four-story hotels, new dining options, and enhanced recreational amenities. He also noted that: '“Annexation remains an important tool for the Town’s future expansion, and we will continue to vigorously pursue all annexation opportunities that can be justified economically, environmentally, and socially for the benefit of Town residents.”

Additional topics covered included tourism, general plan, parks, and partnerships
In addition to these primary areas, Mayor Winfield touched on several other initiatives and accomplishments. Oro Valley was designated an official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) to enhance tourism; the General Plan update, "OV’s Path Forward," is moving forward with community involvement; the Parks and Recreation Department has completed major upgrades, and partnerships with local, state, and federal entities are helping secure funds for infrastructure improvements. He also noted the November ribbon cutting for the Arizona Heroes Memorial, which is located in Naranja Park.  And, of course, he noted the completion of Naranja Park itself and the creation of the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve.

Missing: No discussion of the towns' financial financial strength

Absent from this year’s speech was any discussion of the town’s financial health. By all accounts, the town is currently in a strong financial position. This has been achieved without any property tax, making the town unique not only in Arizona but across the country. It is certainly something that should be acknowledged. No organization can be successful if it is not first financially sound. Up to this point, Oro Valley has been just that.

Winfield: "Building a community that we are proud to call home"

Mayor Winfield concluded his address with a reflection on Oro Valley’s progress and a vision for the future, stating that “Oro Valley’s journey has always been shaped by its people, a community bound by a shared vision for excellence. Together, we’ve honored the past, thrived in the present, and laid a strong foundation for an even brighter future. With every project, partnership, and accomplishment, we carry forward the legacy of those who came before us. Here’s to the next 50 years as we continue building a community that we are all proud to call home.” 

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Watch event video

Read transcript

Bits and Pieces

Tonight, Marana visits CDO in "Tangerine Road Battle" 

Undefeated Marana High School visits Canyon del Oro (CDO) tonight in what is shaping up to be the biggest game of the season for CDO. Led by new head coach Scott McKee, CDO has turned things around after an opening loss, going on a three-game win streak to bring their record to 3-1. What’s remarkable about CDO’s performance this season is that only a handful of seniors from last year’s state championship team have returned and they have a new coach. Go Dorados!

Council approves seeking $18 million in funding for NWRRDS
The Oro Valley Town Council has approved seeking a loan from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) to fund the Northwest Recharge, Recovery, and Delivery System (NWRRDS) project. This project will enable Oro Valley to bring CAP water from the Avra Valley reservoirs directly to the Town. Currently, that water is delivered to Oro Valley through the City of Tucson water system.

The loan will cover some this fiscal year’s expenditures, which are budgeted at $22.3 million. To date, the project has been funded through a combination of impact fees, groundwater preservation fees, and a previous WIFA grant. This approval allows the town to proceed with the loan application process to secure the necessary funding to continue the project.

The total project cost is estimated at $47.6 million, with $10.2 million anticipated to be spent in the final year of the project in fiscal 2026. The loan being sought will only cover some of this fiscal year’s expenditures, ensuring the project can continue without disruption. We anticipate that the final year’s spending will also need to be funded through a future loan.

Town receives two awards for communications and marketing
The Town of Oro Valley received two national awards for its communications and marketing efforts from the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA). The first award, a Silver Circle Award for Best Use of Humor, was for a social media video promoting the town's shred event using a "Star Wars" spoof. The second award, an Award of Excellence in the Digital Interactive – Media, Radio, Podcast category, was for the *This Is Oro Valley* podcast series, which provides updates on town services and events. Both projects were recognized for their success in increasing community engagement.

Bark in the Park at Steam Pump Ranch tomorrow

"Calling all dog lovers! Join us this Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, from 5 to 8 p.m. for Bark in the Park, a free community event hosted by Town of Oro Valley Parks and Recreation at Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road. Bring your family, friends, and furry companions for an evening of fun-filled activities dedicated to our canine friends! Enjoy a dog costume contest and plenty of opportunities for your pups to make new friends. Participants register on-site for the dog costume contest, with prizes provided by the Southern Arizona Animal Food Bank for the best-dressed dogs." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Today is the last day to register for Community Academy
Today is the last day to register for Oro Valley’s 27th Annual Community Academy. This program offers residents the chance to learn about important topics such as water use, growth, and traffic while helping to shape the town’s future. The academy runs from October 3 to November 4, 2024, with both in-person and online participation options available. Don’t miss this opportunity to get involved in planning Oro Valley’s next 10-year action plan. Register by the end of the day at orovalleyaz.gov.

No council general planning liaisons will be assigned this time around
In 2014, two council member liaisons were assigned to the *Your Voice, Our Future* general plan effort, though their exact role was unclear. We asked Mayor Winfield if he planned to do the same for the current *Path Forward* planning cycle. Mayor Winfield told us that no specific council liaisons would be assigned. Instead, all council members can participate in the general plan process as they choose, and updates on the plan’s progress will be presented to the council periodically.

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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) 

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

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

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

Parks projects are almost half of all spending

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

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

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

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

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

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

Remaining capital improvement spending is primarily for public safety

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

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Council Rejects Using ARPA Funds To Extend Reclaimed Water System

Council votes "No" on using $5.4 in ARPA funding to extend the reclaimed water system
Last Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council rejected, by a vote of 5-2, using $5.4 million in ARPA funds to bring reclaimed water to Riverfront Park and to the town's town public facilities (Kreigh Park and Pusch View Golf Course) south of the CDO Wash.  

Council Member Solomon, who proposed the measure, and Council Member Green were the only two who voted in favor of it. They did so on the basis that it is "right" to save drinking water in these drought times.

Extending reclaimed water system is not on the town's list of capital improvement projects

The most common council member objection to designating the ARPA funds to extending the reclaimed water system is that the project is not a current project. Indeed, it is not even a project listed in the town's then year capital improvement plan.  As reported in LOVE, the need to eliminate the used of drinking water on town property never rose to council visibility until last June. At that time, the issue was tabled until this spring for "strategic" consideration.

Town staff has no idea of what that project will cost and how long it will take. 

According to Oro Valley Water Director Peter Abraham, town staff is in the process of determining what it will take to extend the system. Staff has developed a preferred route for the reclaimed water system extension. The challenge, according the him, is deciding how to bring the water across the CDO wash. (Our suggestion is that the town run the water lines attached under the Pusch View Bridge. This is a common practice for bring utilities across a river. It is far less expensive than crossing the wash or digging under the wash.) 

Required deadline of ARPA spending a major consideration

A second concern of those who voted against the measure regards the timing of the spending. It is a federal requirement that the ARPA funds be spent by December 31, 2026.  Thus, any project to which the funds are designated must be at least in major progress by then.  As a result, Water Director Abraham would like to spend the money on existing projects. An extension of the reclaimed water system is, at best, in the planning stage. It is yet to be approved by council. Thus, it is highly unlikely that the ARPA funds could be spent on a reclaimed water system extension before the spending deadline.

For those opposed, the better ARPA funding option is the NWRRDS project... but that project has been delayed

The project they specifically identified for ARPA funding is the Northwest Recovery and Recharge District (NWRRDS) project . This project is going to bring CAP water from the northernmost CAP storage pond in Avra Valley to Oro Valley through Marana. According to town Water Director Peter Abraham, that project is currently paused because the cost estimates for continuing to build it have increased substantially. The three partners on the project (Marana, Metro Water, and Oro Valley) are seeking ways to simplify the project and reduce cost. Construction on the project won’t start again for another 18 months at most according to Director Abraham. 

The result: No decision has been made on how to apply the ARPA funds

The Council continued the decision on what to do with the money to a future session.They did so because Council Member Tim Bohen wants to get a "better" understanding of what LOVE has defined as a money laundering loan scheme proposed by the town's former town manager and the town's outside accountants. This has nothing to do with how the ARPA funds are applied. It has to do with how the funds are transferred to the water department.

Use of drinking water on town outdoor facilities still needs to be addressed

The fact is: 715 homes worth of drinking water are being used every day by the town's three outdoor facilities that are south of the CDO wash. Add to this, the drinking water that is being used for outdoor watering by two non town owned facilities that are located south of the CDO wash.  Extending the reclaimed water system south to them plus some clever negotiating could provide enough water to supply almost 2,000 homes [panel above right]. That is a lot of homes.... possibly almost half the size of Rancho Vistoso.

The drinking water saving opportunity of extending the reclaimed water system south is huge.

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2023 Town Manager Recommended Budget Reduced to $148 million... Hearing Tonight

Town Public  Hearings Tonight

Tonight, Town Manager Mary Jacobs will ask the Oro Valley Town Council to approve a spending limitation of $147.7 million for fiscal 2023. This request is part of the first public hearing that the town is holding on the 2023 Town Manager Recommended Budget (“TMRB”). 

Requested amount is less than previously reported

The amount being requested is about $11.5 million less than was submitted in the TMRB on which we have reported.

Reduction in the request is the net result of changes in the funding requested of three items

• The General Fund request was reduced by about $600,000. That reduction is the net result of two items: An estimated increase of $2.7 million in state shared income tax revenue; and an increase in recommended personnel spending. The town manager is adding funds to provide for additional capacity for implementing the classification and compensation study currently being performed by an outside firm. 
• One of the largest recommended capital expenditures this year was in the water resources fund. This request was reduced by $10.3 million due to adjustments in the spending on partnered portions of the Northwest recovery project (NWRRDS). That is a project the town is doing in cooperation with the Town of Marana and with Metro Water to bring water more directly from a CAP Reservoir in Avra Valley to Oro Valley.
• The Town Manager  reduced her requested capital fund monies by $3 million. This reflects two items. One is a shift in the source of the funding; the other is changes in the estimated cost of some road projects.  

Spending requested for town operations remains the same

The operating portion of the TMRB (with the exception of the personnel cost spending increase noted previously) remain the same. So let’s take a look at those personnel costs. 

TMRB request is for staff to grow to 414

This year’s TMRB includes 414 personnel. That is an increase of nine full-time and four part-time positions. TMRB personnel spending is $89.3 million. 

 
Two departments are 52% of total personnel cost and 43% of all personnel (panel right)

Police

The Police Department is asking for funding of 139 positions. This adds two police officers and a civilians public information officer. An additional telecommunications position is also sought. The addition of the public information officer frees a sergeant position for field work. According to Oro Valley Police Chief Kara Riley, these staff position additions fulfill all staffing needs for 2023.

 

Water

The water utility has one-third of the town's personnel spending.  The utility currently has forty full-time and 1 part-time position. The department has no TMRB request for added staff.   

Public Works and Parks and Recreation

Public Works and Parks and Recreation are seeking to add four positions each. Public Works is responsible for building all the planned parks facilities. That will be a huge focus of their activity this year. The Parks Department itself wants to add staff at the aquatic center. The TMRB also seeks to add one Park monitor to help cover hours in special events of town parks.

 
Big raises due?
The town is undertaking a competitive wage study. As previously reported and as noted above, the result of the wage study will have a major impact on personnel cost. “The recommended budget includes $1.3 million in the general fund set aside for implementing the final pay plan which is yet to be brought to council. [The TMRB] also includes funds to continue normal step increases for all eligible town employees.”

 
According to Town Manager Jacobs, Oro Valley has fared better than other organizations when it comes to employee turnover and resignations.

Also tonight...Water rate hike!

Tonight's town council agenda includes a public hearing on the proposed 2022-23 water rate price increase. The council will likely approve the rate hike once the public hearing is closed.

Town Manager Recommends $56.1 million In Capital Spending in 2023

"A conservative projection"

Oro Valley Town Manager Mary Jacobs is recommending capital spending in 2023 of $56.1 million. Jacobs says that this is a conservative projection of spending. Two programs dominate this spending: Almost half is for Parks and Recreation facilities; while one quarter is for water facilities.(See panel below, right)

Parks and Recreation: $26.1 Million
Spending for Oro Valley Parks and Recreation facilities is the centerpiece of this year’s capital budget portion of the Town Manager's Recommended Budget ("TMRB").

$10 million is budgeted for spending on the buildout of Naranja Park. 

We’ve noted in a previous article that the specifics of exactly what amenities are going to be built at the park have yet to be defined. The town is moving forward with grading the remaining undeveloped portions of the land and installing needed infrastructure.

Spending on municipal golf is almost $7.8 million. 

That includes spending of $7 million on golf course irrigation for the town’s two 18-hole golf courses. There is also money planned for golf path repaving, for turf replacement, and for equipment replacement.  $142,000 is set planned for reconfiguring the Pusch Ridge facility parking and pedestrian approach to meet ADA code requirements, resurfacing of roof and replacing roof drains.

From what we can tell, no money is targeted for improving the Pusch Ridge golf course. As we noted recently, the group Friends of Pusch Ridge believe that more needs to be done at their course.

The TMRB calls for spending approximately $1.9 million on the Community Center

Almost 80% of this relates to mobility access. That has two components. One is spending $750,000 on “Various accessibility modifications and improvements to the Community Center.” The other is a "placeholder" for an elevator that also costs $750,000. We call it a "placeholder" because it has been included in the past three town capital budgets. 

Water Department: $15.1 Million
There are two components to the Water Department capital funding amount. Approximately one third is planned to be spent to maintain the existing water system. This includes a host of projects. The remainder is a continuation of a project to bring water directly from one of the Avra Valley reservoirs that hold CAP water to Oro Valley. (Currently, Oro Valley gets CAP water through connection to the City of Tucson water system.) The project is called NWRRDS. It is a project in which the town is partnering with the Town of Marana and Metro Water.  We think that some of the cost included in the budget are partially reimbursed from those entities. NWRRDS spending is planned at $10.4 million this year.

Public Works: $8.0 Million
The town's Public Works Department takes care of the roads on which we travel, the facilities the town uses, the vehicles it uses, and the town’s public transportation interface. There are seventeen public works projects planned. The largest proposed projects include pavement preservation ($1.9m), two road repaving projects, ($1.2m) and vehicle replacement ($.5m).

General Administration: $5.8 Million

Approximately 60% of TMRB general administrative capital spending is a project that will establish a fiber optic network for expanded broadband services. This will provide a faster internet network. The town believes that having such is"... critical to Oro Valley's ability to attract, grow and retain primary employers and expand job opportunities. (TMRB, p 114). Most of this project is funded by a grant.

Police: $1.2Million

We identified two capital projects that relate to the police department. One is to replace police vehicles ($1.1m). The other is for a traffic camera video recording system. 

Whats' Missing?

The TMRB's schedule of capital projects includes spending for all projects anticipated over the next ten years. Two items which LOVE has been following are not included in this schedule. One is funding for a new police facility. According to our discussion with Chief Riley, one will be needed within five or six years.  The other is funding for bringing reclaimed water to the southern section of the town. Such would save millions of gallons of drinking water by converting the Pusch Ridge Golf Course, Kreigh Park, and CDO High School to its use.

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About The TMRB: "Capital spending conservatively projected"
"Costs for capital projects have been projected conservatively and are higher than predicted just a year ago. The Town’s experience, as well as that of our regional and state counterparts, is that availability of contractors and subcontractors is unpredictable and continues to significantly impact the cost of capital investments. The Recommended Budget includes additional project contingency funds budgeted in the Capital Fund, Water Utility Fund, and Community Center Fund to ensure capital projects can still move forward if the Town’s updated estimates do not align with future market conditions." (Source: TMRB 2023, P.iii).

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About the numbers

The numbers we have presented by program are based on the detail information by department presented in the TMRB.  This detail does not tie to the summary presented by the town manager. The summary for capital spending per the town manager is $59.5 million. The detail provided by program is $56.1 million. We have not identified why there is this difference. However, regardless of the reason, the data we have presented in accurate at the program level.

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