Bits and Pieces

It's official... Council adopts 2026 Election Result

On August 5, 2026, the Oro Valley Town Council adopted the official results of the July 21 primary election. Melanie Barrett was elected mayor with 8,471 votes, while Rosa Dailey (8,661 votes), Rhonda Pina (7,866 votes), and Matt Wood (7,436 votes) secured the three council seats. Each will serve a four-year term beginning November 4, 2026.

Town seeks individual for Budget and Finance Commission

The Town of Oro Valley is seeking a resident to fill one vacancy on its Budget and Finance Commission. The commission advises the Town Council by reviewing the proposed budget, annual financial audit, and other financial matters. The member will serve a two-year term and meet at 4 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at Town Hall. Applicants should have experience in accounting, finance, banking, investments, or a related business field; be available for meetings; and complete the Town’s Community Academy during their term. To apply, contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 520-229-4700 or visit the Town Clerk’s webpage at orovalleyaz.gov. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Oro Valley’s history digitization project moving along

The Oro Valley Historical Society is bringing local history into the digital age, having already created catalog-ready images of more than 600 artifacts, publications, maps, and photographs. Using its new CatalogIt museum software and a donated professional photography light box, volunteers are organizing and photographing the collection for future museum displays and a new online photo gallery, making Oro Valley’s historical treasures easier for the public to discover and enjoy. (Source: Oro Valley Historical Society August Newsletter).

Federal funding in queue for new police department.    

The Oro Valley Police Department is slated to receive $4.2 million in preliminary federal funding to upgrade technology and modernize critical public-safety equipment, helping equip the department’s new headquarters for future operations. Secured through the fiscal year 2027 Community Project Funding process, the proposed investment has advanced through committee but must still receive final approval from Congress and the President before the money becomes available. Read the funding announcement.

State Orders ASDB to Correct Student Placement Process

Since LOVE first reported the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind’s (ASDB) move to the Oro Valley Copper Creek Elementary School, the Arizona Department of Education has found that ASDB violated federal special-education law by predetermining placements for blind, visually impaired, and residential students rather than allowing their individualized education program teams to consider the full range of options. The finding does not mean the new Oro Valley campus or the relocation itself is illegal. Rather, it concerns how affected students were assigned to other schools. ASDB must now work with a state-approved monitor, review each affected student’s placement, reconvene education teams when necessary, and document corrective action by August 28, 2026. The complaint was filed by the University of Arizona Education Advocacy Clinic. Read their report here.

Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Pond restoration begins Monday

We are excited to share that construction is about to begin on the Vistoso Pond Restoration Project on Monday, August 10. To prepare for construction, trail detour and closure signs will be put in place on Tuesday, August 4 and the contractor will be mobilizing equipment and materials to the site throughout the week. (Source: This Week In Parks and Recreation Newsletter, 8-7-26)

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Bits and Pieces

Trails plan sets long-term direction

The Town has adopted the OV Trails Connect Master Plan, a long-range blueprint for expanding and improving Oro Valley’s trail and pathway system. The plan emphasizes better connections among neighborhoods, parks, schools, businesses and recreation areas. It will also help the Town prioritize projects and compete for grant funding. More than 1,500 public comments and responses helped shape the final plan. (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Police warn of the dangers of hot cars
The Oro Valley Police Department is reminding residents that the inside of a parked vehicle can become deadly in just minutes. On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach 105 degrees in about 10 minutes. Police encourage residents to check the back seat, keep parked vehicles locked and call 911 immediately if they see a child or pet in distress inside a vehicle. (July-August Crimefigher Newsletter)

Marketplace park opens to the public
North Park is now open at the Oro Valley Marketplace. The new public space includes a playground, splash pad and gathering area for small community events. It is the first completed feature of the Marketplace redevelopment and is part of the first phase of the project, which also includes construction of the 320-unit Encantada apartment community. (July-August Oro Valley Vista Newsletter)

Great Horned Owl visits Rancho Vistoso
A Stone Terrace resident photographed a Great Horned Owl during a nighttime visit to the neighborhood. The Vistoso Community Association featured the photograph as its July “Critter of the Month.” Great Horned Owls feed on rabbits, rodents, snakes and other small animals, helping maintain the natural balance of Oro Valley’s desert environment. (Source: Vistoso Community Association July Newsletter)

Community Center parking project finishes early
The Community and Recreation Center parking lot resurfacing project was completed one month ahead of schedule and under budget. The project included removal of the old asphalt, grading, repaving and restriping. It also added 18 parking spaces and three ADA-accessible spaces, improving access for residents using the Community Center and nearby recreational facilities. (June Town Manager Executive Report To Council)

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Bits and Pieces

County outlines eviction assistance program
On May 20, Pima County staff presented the Emergency Eviction Legal Services, EELS, program to the Oro Valley Town Council. The program provides legal assistance, rental aid, shelter access, rehousing help, and job referrals for tenants facing eviction. Since its creation in 2021, the County reports that 3,725 households have received legal services, 3,500 have received rental assistance, and more than 80% of households leaving emergency shelter moved to positive housing destinations. Annual program costs include about $1.8 million for rental assistance and $400,000 for legal services. Most program clients, about 80%, live within the City of Tucson.

Indoor recreation center proposal being considered at Suffolk and Oracle

A proposed commercial project near the northeast corner of Suffolk Drive and Oracle Road would bring a roughly 25,000 square foot family recreation center, restaurant, and retail space to the site. According to Town materials, the proposal includes an indoor Kids That Rip (KTR) action sports facility featuring trampolines, sport courts, obstacle courses, and other family recreation uses. The project requires rezoning from Residential Service, R-S, to Neighborhood Commercial, C-N, along with a Conditional Use Permit to allow a 25,000 square foot single tenant family recreation center that exceeds the zoning code’s standard 5,000 square foot tenant limit. The project underwent a March neighborhood meeting that, according to Town staff, generated a mix of resident support and concerns, including questions about traffic, drainage, flooding, noise, and neighborhood compatibility. Some residents supported having a local indoor family recreation option. The company has six locations in the Phoenix area.  (Project details)

OVPD reports: Some e-bikes may be considered motorcycles under Arizona Law

The May/June OVPD CrimeFighter newsletter says officers are seeing a “significant increase” in juveniles operating electric dirt bikes and other non street legal vehicles on Oro Valley roads and multi use paths. The department warned parents that some high powered vehicles marketed as e-bikes, including certain Surron, Talaria, and similar models, may legally qualify as motorcycles under Arizona law, requiring registration, insurance, and a motorcycle endorsement. OVPD said illegally operated vehicles may be stopped and impounded. 

Bits and Pieces

No Turn On Red

There is one traffic light intersection in Oro Valley where drivers are not allowed to make a right turn on red. Can you guess which one it is?  It is the intersection of Tangerine Road and Oracle Road, specifically for traffic heading eastbound on Tangerine and turning southbound onto Oracle. Lieutenant Eric Larter of the Oro Valley Police Department told LOVE that the “No Turn on Red” restriction for eastbound Tangerine Road turning southbound onto Oracle Road exists because Oracle has a 55 mph speed limit at that location and southbound drivers come over a crest just north of the intersection before heading downhill toward Oro Valley Marketplace. According to Larter, the restriction is intended to reduce the risk of collisions between high speed southbound traffic and vehicles accelerating from a stop on Tangerine. He also noted that quite a few drivers attempt the turn and that officers often stop motorists there simply to educate them about the restriction and signage.

Memorial Day remembrance Monday

A Memorial Day remembrance ceremony is planned for Monday, May 25, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Arizona Heroes Memorial at Naranja Park. The event will honor the men and women who gave their lives in military service to the nation. The event is hosted by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 132 and Arizona Heroes Memorial.

🎈🎈🎈Congratulations: CDO Softball wins State Championship

Canyon Del Oro High School softball captured the AIA 4A state championship Monday, earning the program’s 10th state title, its first since 2017. The championship run required winning five straight games in a 16 team tournament that began May 2, a feat only one team can achieve. CDO dominated early, shutting out opponents in its first three games, then won its final two contests by one run. The accomplishment is particularly notable because the team’s pitcher, Savanna Mares, is a freshman. Mares was a key force in the 2026 season, compiling a 21-6 record in a year that included a perfect game with 20 strikeouts. Congratulations as well to CDO Coach Kelly Fowler and the entire Dorados team on another state title. The 2026 championship run was powered by a freshman standout, a team that hit when it mattered, and a coach who knows how to win. (Assist from All Sports Tucson)

Explore Oro Valley tourism website launches today

Oro Valley’s new destination marketing website, ExploreOroValley.com will launch today after 11 a.m., according to Destination Marketing Manager Crystal Frank. It was presented to council Wednesday.  The site is the culmination of roughly a year of work. It is intended to support tourism, community awareness, and local business visibility. Frank described it as more than a website, calling it a new destination identity for Oro Valley. The site includes interactive features for events, dining, outdoor recreation, arts, lodging, trip planning, and mobile use, along with a new tourism focused brand and logo system separate from the Town’s official seal and logo. The branding and website effort cost about $175,000, according to Economic Development Director Paul Melcher.

Water customers will need to switch usage tracking apps on June 30

Oro Valley water customers who use the Town’s WaterSmart portal to monitor water use will need to move to a new platform called SpryPoint beginning June 30. According to Town Manager Jeff Wilkins, current WaterSmart users will need to register again and reenter their information in the new system. The change primarily affects customers who actively track their household water use.

Golder Ranch highlights fall prevention app NYMBL

Golder Ranch Fire District is encouraging residents to consider using the NYMBL balance training app, a mobile program designed to help reduce the risk of falls. According to Golder Ranch Fire District materials, the app combines balance exercises with cognitive training activities intended to improve stability, coordination, reaction time, and confidence during everyday movement. The district’s materials state that the program is aimed primarily at older adults and can be completed in about 10 minutes a day using a smartphone or tablet.

Council approves Sun City fountain

The Oro Valley Town Council voted 6–1 Wednesday to allow restoration of the Lion’s Head fountain at the Sun City Oro Valley Recreation Center in Rancho Vistoso. The action approved a site specific zoning amendment allowing the ornamental fountain to return. A council decision on this was needed because Town code prohibits new ornamental fountains. Supporters argued the redesigned fountain would use substantially less water and include conservation features such as rainwater harvesting. Opponents cited drought concerns, water conservation policy, and the precedent of granting an exception. Councilmember Joyce Jones Ivey cast the lone dissenting vote. Readers interested in the background and arguments on both sides can review LOVE’s earlier article on the proposal.  

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Bits and Pieces

Catalina Foothills group opposes Oro Valley annexation efforts

During the public hearing on Oro Valley’s Path Forward General Plan, this past Wednesday, Tom Pugh, speaking on behalf of the Catalina Foothills Association, urged Oro Valley officials to stop pursuing annexation efforts involving nearby unincorporated areas. Pugh said the association represents more than 1,700 homes and does not want to become part of Oro Valley. He stated that letters expressing those concerns had previously been sent to the Town and asked Council to respect the wishes of residents living in the Catalina Foothills area.

Unused Preserve funds redirected to pond irrigation and ADA trails
The Oro Valley Town Council voted Wednesday to use about $150,000 in unspent fiscal 2025-26 Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve funds, plus $50,000 from next year’s allotment, for plant and turf irrigation in the pond area as part of the pond restoration project. Council also approved use of a $136,210 Arizona State Parks grant for ADA trails in the same area. Supporters said doing the irrigation work now, while the pond is being built, would be more cost effective and would make it easier to complete other improvements later. 

Council approves Stonegarden Grant funds for police night vision equipment
Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved participation in the Operation Stonegarden grant program, authorizing the Police Chief to enter into an agreement with the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to receive up to $38,808 for equipment. The funding will be used by the Oro Valley Police Department to purchase night vision goggles to support regional law enforcement efforts, including coordinated deployments with U.S. Border Patrol aimed at reducing human trafficking, smuggling, and related criminal activity. The grant is reimbursable and tied to specific federal requirements, with the equipment intended to enhance officer effectiveness in targeted operations.

Town extends agreement with Pima County for animal control services

Also Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council approved a one year extension of its intergovernmental agreement with Pima County for animal control services, continuing the current arrangement from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The agreement does not include a direct contract payment amount. The service model is based on Pima County retaining licensing fee revenues and covering remaining costs through its own general fund, with no change to the existing terms. The extension allows Pima County to continue enforcing local animal control ordinances and providing sheltering and care services within Oro Valley. During public comment, one resident urged the Town to seek stronger enforcement response provisions for neighborhood complaints involving pet waste and animal control issues.

Town terminates contract legal services to consolidate under Town Attorney 

The Oro Valley Town Council approved termination of its contract with Mesch Clark Rothschild for Town Attorney services, following the establishment of an in house Town Attorney position, currently held by Steven Zraick. The change reflects a shift to consolidate legal services under a single office that reports directly to Council. According to the staff report, maintaining both a contract attorney and an in house Town Attorney created potential confusion over roles, raised ethical concerns about who provides legal advice, and could result in unnecessary costs. The contract termination was made by mutual consent and allows the Town to streamline how legal services are delivered going forward.

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Bits and Pieces

LOVE Grades Last Night’s Candidate Forum: A+

Full Coverage Next Tuesday

Last night’s Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce candidate forum delivered a full and engaging evening. From the opening meet and greet to the seven-question council candidate discussion and the thirteen-question mayoral discussion, the program moved at a steady pace. Candidates offered opening and closing statements in a setting that remained collegial and respectful throughout. With hundreds in attendance, the event drew strong community interest. Read what was said, and who said it, in next Tuesday in LOVE.

Agreement allows drones to be deployed from fire stations for faster response
Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council approved an agreement between the Oro Valley Police Department and the Golder Ranch Fire District to launch a Drone as First Responder program. The program will place drones at two Golder Ranch fire stations, allowing officers to deploy them quickly and view live video of incidents before arriving on scene. The effort is funded in part by a state grant, with the Town responsible for equipment and operations, and the Fire District providing space and utilities. The agreement reflects a continuation of the two agencies’ long-standing cooperation on public safety and is intended to improve response times and situational awareness.

Council reviews possible changes to animal rules and local food access
Also Wednesday, the Town Council discussed a proposed zoning code amendment addressing small animal husbandry and food access, but took no action as this was a study session. The discussion focused on whether to allow more small animals on large residential lots with neighbor approval, whether to continue prohibiting roosters or allow them under limited conditions, and whether to permit on-site processing of animals for personal use. Council also reviewed options to expand food access, including allowing community gardens at schools, churches, and on certain residential lots, expanding where farmers markets can operate, and formally permitting food banks and mobile food pantries in additional zoning districts. The item was presented for feedback only, with staff planning additional community outreach before drafting a formal ordinance for future consideration. These potential changes could affect how residents use their property, what activities are allowed in their neighborhoods, and access to locally grown food and community-based food programs.

Town explains limits on controlling fiber expansion in neighborhoods
Council reviewed the Town’s role in expanding fiber-to-the-home broadband service. Staff explained that multiple providers are actively installing fiber across Oro Valley and that state and federal law require the Town to allow access to public rights-of-way without favoring any provider. The discussion focused on what the Town can and cannot control. While the Town can require permits, inspections, and adherence to construction standards, it cannot restrict providers, delay projects, or impose additional fees beyond actual costs. Council also discussed communication with residents, including requirements for advance notice to HOAs and documentation of construction conditions. The presentation emphasized that the Town’s role is largely regulatory, ensuring safety and coordination, while allowing broadband expansion to proceed under state law.  

Once fiber is available to your home, you will be able to access fast and reliable internet, often at a cost comparable to cable. This will support remote work, online learning, video streaming, telehealth, and other everyday uses. Some areas of town have fiber access. However, it is rolling out unevenly. There may be access on one street but not the next. The only reliable way to know is to check your specific address with a provider who is going to serve your neighborhood (Wyyerd, CenturyLink, Novos, Ripple, Trico). Check this link to see which provider is serving your neighborhood.

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Police Annual Report Highlights Steady Service Levels And Changing Priorities

Beyond response times, a broader look at OVPD operations
Several weeks ago, we informed our readers of the availability of the Oro Valley Police Department’s 2025 Annual Report. We highlighted call volume and response times. A closer look at the report shows there is much more going on behind those numbers.

Retail theft prompts targeted enforcement
One of the crime trends noted in the report is an increase in retail theft and shoplifting. In response, the Department worked with local businesses on targeted enforcement efforts focused on repeat offenders. These operations resulted in arrests and reflect a shift toward more focused policing in specific problem areas rather than broader, general enforcement. (Targeted Enforcement "Blitz")

Staffing remains steady, with focus on hiring and retention
The department reports 108 sworn officers and 33 civilian employees. During 2025, OVPD hired 12 officers to fill vacancies and added a Police Program Manager position to oversee recruitment and hiring. The focus remains on maintaining staffing levels and service capacity as turnover occurs, rather than expanding the overall size of the department.

Wellness program introduced to support personnel wellbeing
A new Wellness Officer position was created during the year to support employee health, including physical, mental, and financial well-being. Chief Riley's message in the report presents this as a practical step to improve retention and ensure that personnel can continue to meet the demands of the job over time.

Operational improvements aimed at efficiency and safety
The report highlights several operational changes, including improvements in how quickly patrol vehicles are put into service and the addition of equipment such as bumper grapplers. These devices were used in felony incidents to safely stop suspects and avoid extended pursuits, reducing risk to officers and the public.

Chief’s message emphasizes consistency and adaptation
The Chief’s message in the report ties these elements together, emphasizing the importance of maintaining current service levels while adapting to changing conditions. The focus is on supporting personnel, addressing emerging issues such as retail theft, and making targeted investments in technology and partnerships to improve response and investigative capabilities going forward.

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Bits and Pieces

Barrett qualifies for mayoral ballot with maximum signatures
Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett has qualified for the Oro Valley mayoral ballot, submitting 1,050 signatures, double the 525 required. Barrett, who has served two terms on council, cited priorities including fiscal responsibility, parks and recreation, and protecting views and open space. “I am incredibly grateful to each person who signed and helped us achieve this significant milestone,...This level of support demonstrates significant grass-roots support in the community, as well as hundreds of conversations with citizens of Oro Valley.” She will now continue her campaign leading up to the July 21, 2026 election. (Source: Media Release, melaniebarrett.org)

Scramble for youth returns April 18 at El Conquistador
The Oro Valley Optimist Club will host its annual “Scramble for Youth” golf fundraiser on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the El Conquistador Golf Course, with an 8:00 a.m. shotgun start and lunch included. Proceeds support local youth programs such as Camp Fury, Project Graduation, Police Explorers, and Arizona Youth Partnership. Organizers note that the event remains a key fundraiser for these efforts and will also include raffle prizes. Residents can learn more or register here

2025 Annual Police report shows strong response times and high call volume and much more
The Oro Valley Police Department’s 2025 Annual Report is now available online, offering a detailed look at department activity and priorities. Among the highlights, officers handled more than 50,000 calls for service in 2025, while maintaining average response times of about 3 minutes for high-priority emergencies and under 5 minutes for other calls. The report also outlines staffing levels, community programs, and crime trends, giving residents a clearer picture of how police services are delivered and where resources are focused.

Volunteers lead push to make Pusch Ridge a certified wildlife sanctuary
The latest newsletter from Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf highlights a growing volunteer effort to transform the course into a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. As detailed in the March update, 14 volunteers recently planted 61 pollinator plants along key areas of the course to begin creating butterfly gardens that will support birds and other wildlife. The effort is part of a broader, multi-year process that includes habitat management, water conservation, and environmental education, with participation from residents, local organizations, and Town staff. Residents can contact the group about the Audubon project at puschaudubon@gmail.com ( Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf Newsletter, March 18, 2026)

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Bits and Pieces

Council rejects two of three new taxes
Wednesday night, the Oro Valley Town Council took action on three proposed new taxes. Council approved a commercial use tax, but voted not to approve the proposed telecommunications tax or the proposed commercial rental tax. LOVE will provide a more detailed summary of the Council discussion and votes in next Tuesday’s article.

Arizona State School for Deaf and Blind to move to Copper Creek facility
It looks like the Copper Creek Elementary School Building, which Amphi is closing at the end of this school year, won’t be vacant for long.  The Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB) plans to move its Tucson campus into the Copper Creek facility under a proposed multi-year lease with the Amphitheater School District. ASDB officials have said the move would allow the state agency to rightsize Tucson operations moving to the existing school campus rather than maintaining the larger, older facility on Speedway in Tucson. 

"The goal of this move is: (1) long-term sustainability of the agency and the Tucson campus, so that students continue to receive exceptional education opportunities; and (2) decrease operational/overhead costs, in order to have more resources for students and teachers."

According to ASDB, staff and students will move to the facility this summer.  The fall semester will begin at that location. The site will be repurposed for specialized education.  The move provides certainty to the  town and to the residents of Copper Creek that the facility will continue to a well maintained facility. Read more about their decision to move to Oro Valley here.

Town receives land gift... will likely be added to trails system
Also Wednesday, The Oro Valley Town Council approved a gift agreement to accept two parcels of undeveloped desert land adjacent to Honey Bee Canyon Park. Deputy Town Manager Chris Cornelison explained that the donation consists of roughly 33 acres of natural desert, offered at no cost, with property taxes current. The land is zoned as open space under the Rancho Vistoso PAD and includes existing informal trails. The land will be held by the Town for possible future inclusion in broader parks and trails planning efforts. The next step is for staff to complete standard due diligence, including title review and preparation of the deed, with no obligation for the Town to make improvements or incur expenses related to the property. mmCouncil members expressed support, noting that the donation complements Honey Bee Canyon Park. The Council unanimously approved the resolution, with a 6–0 vote.  

Police gain access to statewide investigative data system
Wednesday, the Town Council unanimously approved an agreement allowing the Oro Valley Police Department to participate in a state-supported law enforcement records management and analytics system. Police staff said the system will give OVPD access to data from other law enforcement agencies that do not share the same records platform, improving investigations and officer safety by providing more complete background and contact information. The system will be funded through a one-year state grant administered by the Arizona Department of Administration. In response to council questions, staff said the system meets all criminal justice data privacy standards and that the Town is not required to continue participation if grant funding ends

Council adopts state-mandated zoning code changes
Also Wednesday, the Town Council approved updates to the zoning codes required by recent State of Arizona law changes. We previously reported on these changes. Planning staff explained that the amendments formalize administrative approval for certain non-discretionary development and design review applications, clarify who may appeal administrative decisions and under what conditions, allow earlier submittal of grading and drainage plans, and correct minor code errors. The discussion also addressed a change requiring conditional use permits for building height increases in private school and parks and open space zoning districts, placing final approval authority with the Council. Council members noted that while many of the updates are state-mandated, staff worked to retain local oversight where possible. Changes had been previously approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Phased stormwater rate increase approved... will support system maintenance
Later in the meeting, the Council approved a phased increase to the stormwater utility base rate, adopting Resolution R26-02. The increase raises the residential base rate by 67 cents per month, from $4.50 to $5.17, effective July 1, 2026. Two additional increases were also approved, another 67 cents effective July 1, 2027, bringing the rate to $5.84, and a final increase effective July 1, 2028, bringing the base rate to $6.50, a total $2 increase over three years. Commercial properties will see proportional increases based on impervious surface area. Staff said the stormwater base rate has not been adjusted since 2016, a point previously reported in LOVE, and that the phased approach was designed to limit impacts on residents while ensuring the utility can fund operations, meet regulatory requirements, and maintain required reserves. The storm utility fee is part of your monthly water bill.

Ballots for RTA Next all-mail election coming soon
An all-mail election is coming up on March 10 for Pima County voters to decide the future of regional transportation funding through the RTA Next plan. Proposition 418 asks voters to approve a new 20-year regional transportation plan covering roadway, transit, and safety projects across the region. Proposition 419 asks voters to continue the existing half-cent sales tax that funds the Regional Transportation Authority, with no increase in the tax rate. Ballots will be mailed automatically to registered voters beginning February 11 and must be received by 7:00 p.m. on March 10. There will be no in-person voting; participation is by mail only.
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The Top Five Stories That Shaped Oro Valley In 2025

As the new year begins, it’s a good time to look back at the stories that shaped Oro Valley in 2025. Throughout the year, LOVE's 186 articles closely followed debates, decisions, and developments that had lasting impacts on residents and the Town’s direction. These      five stories stood out for their significance, the level of public engagement they generated, and the way they moved long-running issues toward resolution.

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OVCN matter is finally "settled"

After years of controversy over the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene’s proposed expansion, including fights over rezoning for a sports facility, building height variances, and neighborhood concerns about traffic, noise and character, the long-running saga came to a close in 2025 when the Oro Valley Town Council approved a conditional height of 36 feet for the church’s new sanctuary. The issue drew extensive community involvement, with the Planning and Zoning Commission initially denying the church’s height request and residents urging the council to block expansion, while supporters cited community benefits. By granting a modified height approval and setting expectations for ongoing neighbor engagement, the council brought a resolution to a dispute about what will happen at that property, a dispute that had persisted for several years.

Police Pay Agreement Ends Lengthy Negotiations

One of 2025’s most closely watched local issues was the long, sometimes contentious process to finalize a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Town of Oro Valley and the Oro Valley Police Officers Association. After several months of discussions and multiple competing proposals, in May, prompted by concerns over pay, recruitment, and retention, the Town Council delayed action to obtain detailed cost comparisons and give both sides time to refine their offers. Council and union representatives worked through these differences, and on June 4 the council unanimously approved a new four-year MOU that includes competitive pay increases and cost-of-living adjustments, bringing resolution to a negotiation that drew strong community interest and debate about public safety and fiscal sustainability. 

Oro Valley Moves Forward on New Police Headquarters

In 2025 the Town of Oro Valley took major steps toward a new police headquarters, unanimously approving the purchase of a 50,500-square-foot building at 13101 North Oracle Road to replace the outdated La Cañada Drive facility and consolidate scattered offices into a central location. Council members also adjusted the town’s reserve requirement to free $2.42 million toward the project, reflecting a commitment to fiscal planning and public safety. The site, formerly a medical office complex, was acquired for $3.8 million and will be renovated in phases to include expanded training space, offices and support areas for officers and civilian staff. Town leaders said the move will improve department efficiency, enhance community services and accommodate long-term growth.

Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve to Get a Pond

In 2025 the long-awaited plan for the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve took a significant step forward when the Oro Valley Town Council voted 4-2 to restore a 2.5-acre pond on the former golf course site, reversing earlier concepts that had removed a water feature from the master plan and favoring reclaimed water for the project. The decision followed months of debate over costs, design alternatives and how best to balance restoration with water conservation, with council members and residents weighing the community value of a focal water feature against long-term maintenance and environmental concerns. Staff later reported progress on preliminary pond design and related ADA trail improvements, keeping the project moving toward construction in the near future.  

    

Community Center Sales Tax Moved Into General Fund

In 2025 the Oro Valley Town Council voted to redirect the half-cent sales tax that had been dedicated to the Community Center Fund into the town’s general fund while keeping the Community Center Fund as a reporting mechanism supported by budgeted transfers. The change came after discussion about the flexibility needed to address broader town priorities such as roads and public safety, even as parks and recreation programs remain a focus of budget planning. Council members agreed the transparency of showing transfers to the Community Center Fund would be preserved, allowing residents to track how these revenues continue to support community center and recreation services within the broader financial picture.  

Honorable mentions from 2025

Other stories that shaped Oro Valley in 2025 include: 

• The Town advanced the 2026 General Plan through the OV Path Forward process. Residents will vote on that plan this coming November.
• Town staff updated its five-year financial forecast, identifying a potential funding gap four years from now.  
• The Northwest Recharge, Recovery and Delivery System (NWRRDS), a major regional water-supply project with long-term implications for Oro Valley's water supply received major added funding. That project is expected to be completed at the end of this year.  
• Governance changes also drew attention, including the decision to hire a town attorney who reports directly to council. 
• On the economic and community side, long-delayed activity finally began at the Oro Valley Marketplace, while a Tourism Advisory Commission was created to help shape the town's tourism future. 
• Community life was enriched by the return of a very festive Rockin’ 4 Heroes event in November.

All in all... It was a busy year in Oro Valley.

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Oro Valley Police Focus on Shoplifting with Targeted Enforcement "Blitz"

A targeted enforcement action
The Oro Valley Police Department ("OVPD") conducted a two-day organized retail-theft “blitz” in late November that resulted in 11 arrests and the recovery of about $3,000 in stolen merchandise. This was the first deployment of its kind for the department, prompted by an in-depth review of calls for service, arrest patterns, and case loads within the Criminal Investigations Unit. 

Using crime-trend analysis...

OVPD identified locations and times with repeated theft activity and assigned officers exclusively to the operation. The arrests ranged from misdemeanor and felony shoplifting to outstanding warrants, drug-paraphernalia violations, and multi-state fraud, underscoring that retail theft often intersects with other criminal activity. Officers from patrol and investigations worked in coordinated teams to monitor store activity, respond quickly, and make arrests.

Working with retailers with focussed resources targeting shoplifters and organized theft
The blitz relied on cooperation from local retailers that had been reporting repeated losses. OVPD said this partnership is essential, because the police department, not store employee, should determine what constitutes a crime. Every crime report enables officers to intervene, investigate, and connect related incidents when appropriate. OVPD emphasized in discussions with LOVE: “We want you to call us,” noting that some aspects of their property-crime enforcement are intentionally less visible but part of a broader strategy to deter organized theft.

An action that shows how OVPD actions help the retailer's bottom line.. a boost to commercial annexation efforts... a boost to bringing business to Oro Valley 

This type of focused enforcement also strengthens Oro Valley’s position when engaging commercial areas the Town may consider for future annexation. All of these areas are currently served by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, which does not typically conduct targeted, analytics-driven retail-theft operations like OVPD’s recent blitz. For retailers, OVPD’s model offers a clear advantage: Reduced losses from theft and a safer, more predictable shopping environment for customers. Both of these directly support a stronger bottom line. 

Demonstrating this level of proactive policing is a meaningful selling point for businesses evaluating the benefits of being located within Oro Valley’s boundaries.

Making shopping an even safer experience this holiday season
These operations are designed not only to protect businesses but to improve the shopping experience for residents. Shoppers need to feel safe while out in public, and visible, strategic enforcement helps assure both residents and retailers that Oro Valley is taking active steps to remain a low-crime, high-quality community. Increased police presence in retail areas during the holidays is part of that strategy, balanced with the need to respond promptly to calls throughout the town.

If you see it... call 911
In discussions with LOVE, OVPD made this point clear: If a resident witnesses shoplifting or suspicious behavior, they should call 911. OVPD stresses that residents should never assume a situation is “too small” to report. Determining whether something is a crime is the department’s responsibility, not the public’s. Quick reporting allows officers to intervene before suspects leave the area and helps investigators link cases that may be part of a larger pattern.

More blitzes in store
Given the success of the late-November blitz, OVPD has already planned similar operations in the near future. These efforts will continue to be driven by crime data and ongoing analysis of property-crime trends. OVPD also encouraged businesses to participate in its Adopt-A-Business program, which pairs each participating business with an officer liaison to strengthen communication and problem-solving.

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Bits and Pieces

Town issues RTA Next voter information

The Town released a voter-information notice encouraging residents to learn about RTA Next ahead of the March 10, 2026 election. The update outlines the two propositions voters will consider, highlights key project corridors affecting Oro Valley, and provides dates for ballot mailings and a December 10 community Q&A session. The information is consistent with the details reported in our LOVE article Wednesday, and readers who want a deeper understanding of what the RTA’s presentation revealed—including project specifics and clarifications not covered in the Town’s summary—can read the full analysis on LOVE.

Work starts next week on building the Naranja Drive multi-use path

Work on the Naranja Drive Multi-Use Path begins Monday, November 17. Crews will be building a 1.75-mile, 10-foot-wide paved path on the north side of Naranja Drive between La Cañada and First Avenue. The project, managed by ADOT and constructed by Granite Construction, will run through summer 2026 and is designed to improve safety and neighborhood connectivity. Drivers should expect shoulder activity, slow down in the work zone, and follow posted signs. The Town notes that no lane closures are anticipated. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release) 

Town seeking volunteers for key boards and commissions

The Town is recruiting residents to fill several current and upcoming vacancies across eight boards and commissions, and applications will remain open until each position is filled. These volunteer groups play an active role in reviewing development proposals, shaping long-term planning, advising on parks, water policy, finances, and broader community priorities. Residents who want to participate directly in town decision-making can apply through the Town’s website, where details for each board and commission are posted. (Source: Oro ValleyVista) 

Marketplace redevelopment officially underway

The Town reports that construction continues on Phase 1 of the long-planned Oro Valley Marketplace redevelopment, approved in 2023. This first phase includes 320 new apartments, a public park, and pedestrian improvements designed to create a more active, mixed-use environment. HSL Properties and Borderlands Construction are leading the work. Shoppers can expect lane restrictions and detours on Water Harvest Way through 2027, but all Marketplace stores will remain open during construction. (Source: Oro ValleyVista) 

Wednesday's TEP outage disrupted traffic along Oracle Road

A Tucson Electric Power outage Wednesday afternoon affected several areas of Oro Valley, the County, and the City of Tucson. In Oro Valley, power  along and near Oracle Road, was cut off beginning at 2:06 p.m. and returned 4 p.m. The loss of power caused traffic signal malfunctions at major intersections in Oro Valley, prompting the Police Department to remind drivers to treat dark or flashing signals as four-way stops. A TEP update later in the day confirmed restoration efforts and advised customers still without service to check their outside breakers. TEP listed the cause as an “Emergency/Safety Issue,” meaning power was intentionally cut so crews could address a hazardous condition. This type of shutdown explains why multiple outage areas across the region lost and regained service at the same time.

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Bits and Pieces

Running For Office? Your candidate packet awaits 

Oro Valley residents thinking about running for mayor or Town Council in 2026 can now pick up a Candidate Handbook from the Town Clerk’s Office at Town Hall, 11000 N. La Cañada Drive. Appointments can be made by emailing Mike Standish at mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov or calling 520-229-4700. Three council seats and the mayor’s seat are on the ballot. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, qualified to vote, and have lived in Oro Valley for at least one year before the election. Nomination papers can be filed March 9 – April 6, 2026, with between 525 and 1,050 signatures required. The Primary Election is August 4, 2026, and newly elected officials are expected to be sworn in shortly after the General Election on November 3, 2026. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Council to seek public input on proposed new taxes

By a 4–3 vote, the Oro Valley Town Council agreed Wednesday night to post notice of intent to adopt three taxes: A phased-in Commercial Rental Tax; a Telecommunications Tax; and a Use Tax. This step begins a state-required 60-day public notice and comment period, ending with a potential Council vote on January 14, 2026 to approve or reject any of the taxes. If enacted as proposed, Oro Valley’s 0% commercial rental tax would phase up to 2.5% over three years, the telecommunications tax would increase from 0% to 2.5%, and a new 2.5% use tax would be added to align with neighboring jurisdictions like Tucson and Marana. Councilmembers Barrett, Murphy, and Nicholson opposed moving forward, citing concerns over timing, business impacts, and the need for more cost-saving reviews of town operations. Staff will post a public notice of these proposed taxes on the town website on November 15. The council will make a decision on each of the three taxes at it's January 14 meeting. 

Where there is a will, there is a way

At Wednesday’s Council meeting, several residents expressed concern about the new no parking signs installed along Calle Buena Vista and parts of Calle Concordia. She said her household was not notified about the change and has seen no parking issues near their home in the past four and a half years. While she supports signage near OVCN to address overflow parking, she believes the signs further south are unnecessary, unsightly, and out of character with the neighborhood. Despite all the signage, which she described as an eyesore, we noted that church attendees were still parking on Calle Buena Vista this past Sunday [see panel right]. 

As written: New Use Tax would legally apply to individuals as well as businesses

If adopted, residents have been told by town staff that Oro Valley’s proposed use tax would apply mainly to businesses and not to residents. Businesses would be required to report out-of-state purchases where no local sales tax was paid. These are captured on regular tax filings submitted through the Arizona Department of Revenue, which may also conduct audits to ensure compliance. Town staff has repeatedly stated that the use tax would not be enforced on individual residents, and there are no plans to audit personal purchases. However, as technology advances, future governments may find it easier to track and enforce such taxes more broadly; though doing so would likely raise questions about privacy and require higher-level policy changes.

Film producer urges creation of Oro Valley film commission

Hollywood film producer Mark Headley spoke during Call to Audience segment of Wednesday's council meeting. He talked about the economic benefits of attracting movie production to the town. Drawing on his years of experience in the industry and Arizona’s past success as a filming location, he recommended the creation of a local film commission. Headley said such a commission could be inexpensive to set up and would complement efforts by the Arizona Film Office. He added that film productions typically leave about one-third of their budgets in the communities where they shoot.  Locally, both the Tucson and Marana film commissions. Film Tucson reported last year that filmmaking in the Tucson region generates between $9 million and $12 million annually in economic impact (hotels, restaurants, crews).

Council approves funds for police headquarters purchase and repairs

Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved reallocating $5.45 million from the Capital Fund contingency to cover the purchase and immediate repairs of the new police administration facility at 13101 N. Oracle Road. The purchase, completed for about $3.8 million, will be followed by an estimated $1.65 million in improvements, including HVAC replacement, roofing, stucco and parapet repair, and termite treatment. Vice Mayor Barrett noted she would have preferred some of the funding to be addressed during the next budget cycle but acknowledged the allocation was necessary. The motion passed 7–0, ensuring the building can be secured and preparations begun for future police operations.

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Bits and Pieces

Town partially funds purchase of police facility through release of some general fund reserves

Wednesday, The Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved the release of some of Oro Valley's General Fund Reserves to pay for the purchase of the new Oracle Road police facility.  The resolution returns brings the reserve from 30% to 25%. Both of these levels are above the historical 20% reserve level under prior administrations. This release amounts to about $2.4 million this year. That amount, by resolution, will be applied to the $3.8 million cost of the building being purchases.

Grants fuel town projects

Grants continue to play a major role in funding projects across Oro Valley. According to the September Town Manager’s report, the Town has recently secured or is awaiting decisions on more than two dozen grants. Awards include $144,500 from Arizona State Parks for accessibility improvements at the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve, $25,988 from Arizona Game and Fish for the Naranja Park Archery Range, and over $3 million for the Northwest Recharge, Recovery and Delivery System. Other applications are pending, such as $86,490 from the U.S. Department of Justice for police programs and $80,300 from the Tohono O’odham Nation for interpretive signage at Vistoso. In total, more than $4 million in requests remain under review, highlighting the importance of pending grants in supporting future projects. (Source Town Manager Executive Report To Council, September 2025)

Group formed to advocate for Oro Valley Performing Arts Center

At Wednesday night’s council meeting, Oro Valley resident Tony D’Angelo updated the council on efforts to bring a performing arts center to Oro Valley. He noted that community surveys for the OVPathForward general plan show strong interest, and a recent tourism stakeholder session ranked a performing arts center as its top “big idea.” D’Angelo announced the formation of the Oro Valley Performing Arts Center (OVPAC) exploratory board, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit with nine local leaders. One board member has already funded a full market and feasibility study by a nationally recognized consultant, which will take 14 weeks to complete. The study will examine financial viability, economic impact, and community benefits, with findings to be shared publicly as the effort advances. (Source: The Oro Valley Town Council Meeting, Call To Audience, September 17, 2025)

Pusch Ridge Tennis event space opens

The Town of Oro Valley celebrated the completion of a new event space at the Pusch Ridge Tennis Facility with a ribbon-cutting this month. The project, finished in just three months, added two large shade structures, concrete pads, bleachers, picnic benches, and artificial turf. Councilmember Elizabeth Robb called the improvements “an investment in Oro Valley’s strong tennis culture,” while Tennis Director Jennifer Fuchs noted the facility has long been central to community life. The space will serve both players and spectators and provide a venue for tournaments, gatherings, and special events (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Council will study new fees and taxes at October 1 study session... State of Town Addess on October 30

At Wednesday's council meeting, Town Manager Jeff Wilkins highlighted several upcoming activities and initiatives. The Community Academy begins October 2 with a nine-class series offering residents a look inside town operations. Council will review proposed new fees and taxes at an October 1 study session, followed by a public forum on October 15.  Wilkins also noted the State of the Town address on October 30, with a free business expo hosted by the Chamber of Commerce from 9–11 a.m. and a ticketed luncheon to follow. (Source Town Manager Report To Council, September 17, 2025)

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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Council Delivers Solution To Police Space Crunch

Town to invest $23.6M in a police facility on Oracle Road
For years, LOVE has been reporting that Oro Valley Police Department facilities are substantially undersized. The department operates in 42,500 square feet of space across four locations, which has not been enough to support all police activities. In our 2021 report, we noted that Chief Riley felt the need for more space would become critical by 2026–27. Town Council anticipated this by including a “placeholder” $27 million amount in the capital expenditure plan for a future date.

Council approves purchase of building that will fill the need
Last week, the town council approved a $3.8 million purchase of a 50,000+ square foot building located north of Harbor Freight on Oracle Road. The police will use approximately 32,000 feet of that facility. Renovation costs are estimated at almost $20 million. The total cost for the purchase and renovation is $23.6 million.

Project will be funded over three years
The $3.8 million purchase price is built into the 2026 budget. We reported on this last-minute addition in June. There is no specifically identified funding source for the $20 million renovation. Those funds will have to come from town revenues or possible grants. The anticipated renovation period is about 2½ years, spreading costs across three fiscal years.

Funds left from purchase authorization could jump start renovation
There is a remaining amount of about $700,000 from a $4.5 million June appropriation. This is because the negotiated purchase price came in lower than the total appropriated amount. With council approval, these remaining funds can be used to start immediate renovation. According to Town Public Works Director Paul Keesler, early work will include roof replacement, electrical upgrades, and interior reconfiguration to prepare the space for police use.

Council felt this was the best of four options
Town staff presented four other options to the council for solving the police space problem. Two of these were more costly than the selected option. One alternative not fully discussed at the meeting was adding a second story to the existing headquarters at the town complex on La Cañada. That would cost approximately $20 million, including a 30% contingency, and would keep most operations in one facility. However, construction and occupancy time would be about twice as long, it would be highly disruptive to daily operations, and parking availability would be insufficient.

Added space give opportunity for expanded operations and training
The police department intends to use the building to meet several operational needs. It will provide room for a growing Criminal Investigations Unit, allow for better proximity between work groups, and create large meeting and training spaces that the department currently lacks. The facility will also give the department the capacity to host large-scale training events locally, reducing the need to travel and enabling more officers to participate.

Visibility and proximity to GRFD headquarters an added benefit
While the new building is away from the main town campus, police leaders noted they are accustomed to working throughout the community and will adapt. The location offers opportunities to make the new facility more visible and welcoming to the public than the current station, which some residents have difficulty finding. Proximity to Golder Ranch Fire headquarters may also foster closer collaboration.

Police department and Council enthusiastic
Police command staff expressed strong support for acquiring the building, calling it a long-awaited opportunity to address long-term space shortages. They emphasized that the size and flexibility of the facility will allow for phased renovations and expansions as needs arise and funding allows, ensuring that it can evolve with the department’s requirements.  Council approval of the purchase was unanimous.  Councilmember Nicolson summed up Council's excitement: “This is an investment in public safety and in our community’s future.”
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Note:
The new facility is located at 12955 N. Oracle Road. It is north of the intersection of Rancho Vistoso Boulevard and Oracle Road.

The Police MOU: A Four-Year Agreement—A Bumpy Road Caused By Town Staff Errors

Flawed pension impact calculations derailed the MOU negotiations 
Oro Valley’s new police pay agreement is now in place, as we reported last week. With the deal ratified, pay and pension provisions are set through 2029—unless police pay rapidly escalates in Marana. But getting to an agreement was not easy, largely due to flawed estimates of the pension impact of the various proposals. In fact, it took a declaration of impasse by the Oro Valley Police Officers Association to get a meaningful agreement.

How did it get so complicated?
To understand what happened, we requested and reviewed more than ninety emails and schedules from the Town. Our public records request asked for any reports, memos, modeling worksheets, presentations, or correspondence prepared by Stifel & Co related to the pension liability impact of the police union MOU proposals. We specifically asked for documents showing how pension costs were modeled, the assumptions used, and any communications between Town staff and Stifel about adjustments made to the analysis between April 14 and May 7, 2025.

Early April: An outside advisor runs the numbers
In early April, both the union and Town proposals were far apart on pay and pension impacts. At some point, Town staff had engaged Stifel & Co to analyze how each proposal would affect the Town’s public safety pension obligation. An April Stifel analysis showed the union proposal would have a far greater impact on pension costs than management’s offer. This early analysis indicated the union proposal would increase the Town’s pension obligation by $8.3 million (9.48% of total liability), while the Town’s proposal ranged from $2.2 million (2.55%) to $8.0 million (9.15%), depending on assumptions.

$5 million total impact limit given to town staff
This result came as a shock to Town staff. It was well over the “limit” they had been given: “We have received direction to attempt to keep the total cost of the new agreement, including PSPRS impact, to around $5M which our last proposal did not do. Additionally, our Town Council likes options when it comes to these things.” [Gephart to Daghestani email of April 18, 2025 (Email 47.pdf)]. At one point in the discussions, a Town representative told the union that their proposal could “bankrupt the town”—a comment that reflected how high the early pension impact figures were and set the stage for even greater tension as the impasse loomed.

The April frenzy: A search for affordable options
Between April 14 and April 30, the situation became especially intense. Town staff scrambled to understand the financial impacts of the various options. For example, between April 17 and April 23, Finance Director David Gephart worked with Human Resources Director Andrew Votava to develop and submit new management pay proposals to Stifel for analysis. As a result, staff sent at least two new management pay scenarios for Stifel to cost out, while continuing to refine a third. This period was marked by rapid back-and-forth as staff tried to provide council with multiple, affordable options ahead of the scheduled executive session at the end of April.

The union declares impasse—and uncovers an error
By April 28, negotiations had become so unproductive that the union declared an impasse. One reason was that the union determined Town staff had miscalculated the pension impact by including eight Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) officers. DROP officers are police employees who have entered a program that lets them “retire in place”—collecting pension while still working, but not accruing new pension benefits. Including these officers in the original pension calculations overstated the Town’s true obligation because their salaries no longer affect pension costs.

Two April mistakes in calculating pension impact
This episode surrounding the pension impact was a mess that could have been easily avoided. Town staff made two mistakes that were entirely preventable, had everyone on the negotiating team understood how the different offers would affect pension costs. First, on April 23, Gephart wrote to Stifel acknowledging that his earlier implementation of “Mgmt 3” was incorrect and provided revised weighted averages to bring the PSPRS impact down. Second, the inclusion of eight DROP officers in the analysis was not discovered by the Town, but was caught by the union, which correctly pointed out that DROP officers should not have been counted. While these mistakes were unfolding, negotiations continued using faulty data. It’s no wonder the union declared an impasse on April 28. The Town was not operating in good faith.

What happened in May?
We don’t have documentation of what occurred during May. However, we do know that the final Memorandum of Understanding was agreed upon and adopted by the Town Council on June 6. Based on the timeline, it appears that the council’s involvement, along with the use of accurate and mutually agreed-upon data, enabled both sides to reach a settlement. 

The terms of the final agreement are very similar to those under discussion in April, suggesting that resolution would have been possible had accurate pension impact numbers been provided.
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