Bits and Pieces

Council links reported closure of Berger Performing Arts Center to potential Oro Valley Performing Arts Center
Last week, local media outlets have reported that the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind will close the Berger Performing Arts Center on its Tucson campus effective June 30, citing funding and the closin of its Speedway location.  That reporting came after the Oro Valley Town Council had discussed the potential impact such a closure could have during last week’s strategic planning study session. At that time, Council members raised concerns about the possible loss of Berger, noting that the theater is widely used by Oro Valley-based groups and would cost tens of millions of dollars to replace. They also linked the issue to Oro Valley’s own discussions about a performing arts center, saying that the loss of a regional venue could shift demand to Oro Valley and affect the urgency and scope of any local project. Council members emphasized that the Town is not pursuing its own feasibility study, but intends to stay engaged with a nonprofit conducting a study and remain part of the broader regional conversation.

Council hires town attorney with Prescott Valley experience
This past Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council approved the employment contract for its new Town Attorney, a position that now reports directly to the Council rather than through the Town Manager. The Council selected Steven Zraick, a long-time Arizona attorney whose career has focused on municipal and public-sector law. Zraick most recently served as Deputy Town Attorney for the Town of Prescott Valley, where he advised elected officials, staff, and boards on day-to-day legal matters. Public records indicate that his legal work has been centered on local government rather than private practice, a background that aligns with the Council’s stated interest in strengthening its direct legal oversight.  The town attorney is responsible for providing legal advice directly to the Town Council, managing the Town’s legal department, representing the Town in legal matters, drafting and reviewing ordinances, resolutions, and contracts, and ensuring that Council actions comply with state law and the Oro Valley Town Code.  In his role, he may or may not replace the outside legal council at council meetings. 

Water impact fee shortfall flagged, changes to come before Council
Town water officials reported to the Water Utility Commission last week that the Water Resource & System Development Impact Fee, which is paid by new development to help fund growth-related water infrastructure, is projected to fall short in fiscal year 2026–27. Staff told the Commission that projected expenses of about $2.3 million exceed expected impact fee revenue of roughly $1.2 million, creating a gap tied largely to growth-related debt for major water projects. According to staff, current impact fees were set years ago and no longer reflect rising infrastructure costs. Staff said the next step is to prepare an updated impact fee analysis and bring a proposed fee adjustment to the Town Council later in 2026, following the state-required notice and public hearing process.

You can sign candidate nomination petitions online
Arizona voters can sign candidate nomination petitions online using the Secretary of State’s E-Qual system. Visit this link and select “Sign a Candidate Nomination Petition.” Log in with you Arizona driver license or state ID and date of birth to see which candidates they are eligible to support. The system allows you to review and sign petitions electronically, eliminating the need for in-person signature gathering and making it easier to participate in the local election process.

Stormwater Utility fee going up over three years
The Oro Valley Town Council approved a phased increase to the stormwater utility base rate on January 14. The increase will take effect July 1, at the start of the new fiscal year, and will be implemented over three years. The base rate will rise from $4.50 to $6.50 per equivalent residential unit (ERU) once fully phased in. Town staff said the additional revenue will support stormwater system maintenance, regulatory compliance, and flood control, noting that the stormwater rate had not been increased since 2016.

Water cost increase proposed for next July
At its January 12 meeting, the Water Utility Commission reviewed staff’s water rate analysis for FY 2026–27 and affirmed the recommended water rate changes for consideration by the Town Council. The recommendation includes an increase to potable water base rates only, with no changes to usage-based rates or reclaimed water rates; most residential customers with a 5/8-inch meter would see a $1.86 monthly increase. The Commission also reviewed the Groundwater Preservation Fee, for which no change is proposed. In addition, commissioners discussed the Water Resource & System Development Impact Fee, noting that projected expenses exceed revenues and that proposed changes would be brought to Town Council later in 2026 following the required notice and public hearing process. The amount of the proposed increase was not specified at the meeting.

November Financial Update: Town finances largely on track, construction sales tax trails budget
The town's General Fund revenues are tracking below budget through November 2025, largely due to weaker construction activity. Expenditures remain generally on budget due in part to vacancy savings. Community Center Fund continues to outperform expectations, the Highway Fund is tracking close to budget but may require continued capital fund support, and both the Water Utility and Stormwater Funds are trending positively. To address the General Fund shortfall, staff has taken cost-control measures including extended vacancies, reduced operating budgets, reconsideration of excess pension payments, and potential capital spending reductions, while noting that future transportation funding will depend on the outcome of the March RTA Next election [since the town is dependent on the RTA for public transportation] (Source: Budget and Finance Commission Meeting,  01-20-26)
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Bits and Pieces

Looking for some part time work? Check out the Town of Oro Valley

For residents looking to stay active and engaged while enjoying the flexibility of part-time work, the town offers several appealing opportunities. Positions like Recreation Aide in Parks & Recreation are perfect for those who want to assist with community programs and events without committing to full-time hours and might be an interesting part-time job for retirees or others seeking flexible schedules. Another great option is the Facility Monitor role, which involves overseeing town facilities during events and ensuring everything runs smoothly—a simple yet rewarding way to stay connected with the community. Check out all openings here. 

El Conastador golf course turf reduction project raises concerns over accountability and transparency

Concerns about the incomplete turf reduction project on the 5th hole of the Conquistador Course have intensified. According to a resident, the Town Council did not formally approve the project plan during the September 18, 2024, meeting. Instead, the Town Manager reportedly proceeded without Council authorization, implementing only part of the proposed work. The plan had included the use of 1/4” Desert Brown gravel, but none has been installed, leaving the project incomplete and inconsistent with the original scope.

Residents are frustrated by the lack of accountability, noting that inspections by the Mayor and Parks and Recreation Director have not led to resolutions or updates. They allege the Town Manager intends to defer corrective action to a future budget cycle instead of holding the contractor accountable for the shortfall. This has led to calls for immediate action from the Council to ensure the project is completed as agreed and to maintain transparency and oversight in managing public projects.

Seasons has changed... Decrease your outside water use

Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf are featuring discussions with Oro Valley Water Utility Director Peter Abraham in their monthly newsletter. This month’s edition highlights the importance of adjusting water use as the seasons change, particularly by reducing outdoor irrigation. Abraham emphasizes that irrigation accounts for about 60% of residential water use and suggests practical ways to conserve, such as adjusting irrigation schedules during cooler months and regularly maintaining systems to avoid leaks or waste. He also recommends the WaterSmart program, which helps residents monitor daily and hourly water consumption, making it easier to track and reduce usage. These tips not only help save money but also support Oro Valley’s commitment to sustainability.

Register now for this year's Hot Cocoa 5K Run/Walk

Kick off the New Year with Oro Valley’s 11th annual Hot Cocoa 5K Run/Walk on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The race begins at Steam Pump Ranch and follows the scenic multi-use path, offering participants snacks, water, and, of course, hot cocoa. It’s a fun way to start your New Year’s resolutions! Runners, walkers, and strollers are welcome, with prizes awarded to top finishers in various categories. The registration fee is $35 until December 18, 2024, and $40 thereafter. Children 12 and under can participate for free with a paying adult. Proceeds benefit the Town’s Recreation Scholarship Program. To register, please visit the Hot Cocoa 5K 2025 event page. 

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

You August water bill is going up "big time” 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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OV Path Forward: Let's Talk Water

Share your ideas and priorities to conserve water today!

Oro Valley’s water supply is a concern voiced by many residents throughout the past few months. The Town has numerous programs, requirements, and plans to ensure an adequate and quality water supply for current demands and anticipated growth. 

Due to the Water Utility’s continued planning and conservation measures, Oro Valley has never experienced a water shortage that required extreme responses (e.g. pausing permits, draining pools, or reducing irrigation).

But there’s always more work to be done
Oro Valley’s Central Arizona Project (CAP) water allocation is anticipated to decrease by 25% as early as 2027. Although this decrease is sustainable, implementing measures on both a large and small scale to reduce drinking water use is important. All new developments must comply with Oro Valley’s standards for rainwater harvesting, native plant use, irrigation restrictions and more.

Should water conservation requirements be increased for greywater use and more?
Nearly 90% of the 23,000 water customers are residential. Most residential customers use 5,000-7,000 gallons of water per month with over half being used outdoors. Water is wasted due to evaporation from pools and fountains, overwatering plants, and leaking irrigation systems. In fact, 42% of the leaks confirmed by customers in 2023, were from irrigation systems.

How can the Town increase awareness about the importance of water conservation and resources available?
Expansion of the CAP water delivery system and use of reclaimed water for irrigation to reduce potable water consumption are a few measurable actions included in the current 10-year plan. Everyone’s voice is needed to help create the actions for implementation over the next 10 years, through OV’s Path Forward.

Join the conversation today!
Everyone’s voice is needed to answer these questions and more on OVPathForward.com. Visit the “How OV Sustains” page, to read a short report, watch a video, listen to a podcast and most importantly, share your perspectives and expectations for OV’s future. Your participation is critical to establishing the vision, values, and goals for Oro Valley’s future. Please check www.OVPathForward.com often to make your voice heard.

Guest View-Mike Zinkin: "Town Water Wasting- The Beat Goes On"

Town of Oro Valley wins 2023 Water Waster Award

This Guest View of Mike Zinkin's is yet another chance to acknowledge the Town of Oro Valley for earning LOVE's 2023 Water Award. This is the third year of this award and, yes, the third time the town has won!

This recognition is attributed to the town's longstanding practice of using potable water for irrigating both a golf course and two town parks, with no apparent intention to adopt alternative measures.

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Zinkin... Potable Water use increasing

We have all received our October 2023 water bills, including the Town of Oro Valley, and the potable water usage remains alarmingly high.

Focusing on the Pusch Ridge golf course, the Town Manager's Report indicates no golf disc rounds played in October, with the course opening for golf only on October 27. Nevertheless, the potable water usage for the month was an excessive 12,390,000 gallons, equating to the needs of 1,770 homes. 

Big bucks spent

The water bill for Pusch Ridge totaled an astonishing $47,962.76. To cover this expense with a golf round cost of $50.00 (for 9 holes), the course would need to host 959 rounds just to break even on the water bill! Notably, the water usage for Pusch Ridge in October 2023 was significantly higher than the same time last year by 6,443,000 gallons, roughly twice 2022 usage. The reason behind this drastic increase in 2023 remains unclear.

Furthermore, the Town's wasteful practices extend to Riverfront Park and Jim Kriegh Park, with a combined usage of 3,236,000 gallons, enough for 462 homes. This represents a 30% increase from the October 2022 figure of 1,936,000 gallons.

Water wasting elsewhere

In addition, the Conquistador water usage in Oct. 2022 was 6,443,000 gallons, while in 2023 the October usage was 14,383,000 gallons. This is a 123% increase. The same trend is true for the Canada course; in October 2022 the usage was 16,318,000 gallons, while in October 2023 the usage was 22,588,000 gallons. This is a 38.5% increase. 

It is concerning to see such a substantial rise in water waste, and it prompts the question:

What changes have occurred on our properties to cause this surge in wastage?

None.

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Note: The town has asserted the following  regarding the increase water use over prior year
 in response to an an inquiry of Mr. Zinkin:

"One of the most significant contributors to water consumption is the temperature and weather and October 2022 was one of our cooler Falls on record,. If you compare last October to this October there were days that had as much as a 16 degree difference.

For example, the Pusch Ridge Course does its overseeding in October and in 2022 there was zero days with 90+ degree heat, compared to this October there were 15 days with 90+ degree heat before the 22nd.

It is important to note that water consumption needs to be looked at holistically over longer time periods to truly understand what the data is telling you. Looking at just one month’s consumption can create a bias that might not be accurate."

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Bits and Pieces

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

Alert: Traffic control change on Rancho Vistoso Blvd at Safeway

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

Single Family residence permitting activity lower than last year

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

Wilkins on-board

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

Water Rates to increase in August

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

Police Commander Olson to serve as interim UofA Police Chief

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

TMRB Seeks Added Staffing for 2023-24... No Reductions Planned

Six new positions... Total of 424 Town of Oro Valley Employees

The 2023 town manager recommended budget includes an increase of five new full-time and two part-time positions. This will bring the total number of people employed by the Town to 424. 

Where are they?

We see many of them on the roads because they are employed by the Police Department. We see other town employees on the roads because they are part of the Public Works Department. We know that many work in the Water Department because they provide beautifully clear fresh water every day. When we go to our Parks, we see them maintaining the facility that we are visiting that day. Indeed, more than three quarters of the town's employees are in these four departments (see chart below, right).

Police: 140 personnel, including 1 new position, $18.7 million cost
Half of the personnel in the Department are deployed in Field Services. Field Services is responsible for the uniformed patrol functions of the Department, including 24-hour response to the initial investigation of crimes and incidents, traffic enforcement and control, crash investigations, community policing programs and specialized operations such as SWAT and K-9.

Most of the remaining staff is involved in support services. The includes the Criminal Investigations Unit, Crime Analyst, Task Force Operations, Property and I.D., School Resource Officers, Community Resources, Citizen Volunteer Assistants Program, Records, and the Communications Bureau. Support Services focuses on and analyzes crime trends, efficient resource allocation and technological solutions. 

Public Works: 78 personnel, 1 new position, $6.4 million cost
This department wants to add a full-time transit supervisor to assist in driver management and review, service scheduling, and operations and program compliance, ensuring we continue meeting the needs of our community for this critical service.

Parks and Recreation: 69 personnel, 1.5 new positions, $4 million cost
Two-thirds of this department’s personnel are employed at the Community Center (23) and the Aquatic Center (22). This department wants to add a full-time parks maintenance worker to accommodate the addition of the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve and a part-time park monitor to accommodate new acreage and facilities coming online with the completion of the latest phase of the Naranja Park improvements.

Water Department: 40 personnel, no new positions, $3.9 million cost

Two thirds of the water department staff are deployed in field operations. "The Operations Division oversees the operation and maintenance of all potable and reclaimed water production and distribution facilities, to include wells, boosters, reservoirs, metering stations, water mains, fire hydrants and valves. Additional responsibilities include meter installations, commercial meter testing, water quality testing, backflow prevention, construction of minor water main projects and oversight of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure system, disinfection systems and security systems."

 
All other Departments: 97 personnel, 2.5 new positions, $10.1 million

There are ten other departments. The fastest growing of these is the Information and Technology Department, which seeks a complement of nineteen staff.  "The Recommended Budget includes two new full-time positions in the Innovation & Technology Department. An additional business systems analyst is necessary to support the growing use of technology in Town operations, with special emphasis on the needs of the Police Department. A security and compliance administrator will protect the organization by implementing and managing cybersecurity tools, as well as respond to and remediate cybersecurity incidents and threats. This position will also ensure the Town’s IT systems are compliant with recommended best practices and that action plans are completed for all regulatory agencies."

No cuts anywhere...even in places where position should be eliminated...for example

Somewhat of a surprise is that the Community and Economic Development Department continues its current complement of almost 29 staff. That department ought to be examined as a candidate to reduce staff. This is because there is a long-term continuing decline in permitting activity and of economic activity. 

In Oro Valley, Water Is A Challenge But There Is Plenty For Which To Hope

Some hope for an increase Colorado River water

As you know, demand for Colorado River Water exceeds supply. One reason is that Colorado River Water is oversubscribed. There are seven states, Mexico, and various tribes that draw from it. That is a total of 40 million people and 5.5 million acres of farmland that rely on it. 

The second reason is a 23-year drought, some of which has been alleviated with the extensive precipitation this winter. "Colorado's current snowpack is at 128%. Some parts of Utah have reported over 200% of their snow-water equivalent compared to average. When the snow melts, it will eventually flow into the Colorado River and help alleviate reservoir stress." (source)

Keeping the power working is the main focus of efforts regarding CAP Water

This is good news but it will take many more years of extensive precipitation to make Colorado River Water a long-term reliably supply. Thus, the need for continued effort to ensure that the water levels of Lake Meade and Lake Powell stay high enough to allow continued electric generation. 

The seven states have been given a deadline by the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to develop guidelines to do just that. This effort is called "reclamation."  Six of the seven states have submitted a plan. California, the big dog in the Colorado River water take, has not yet agreed to anything. Essentially, the plan reduces the water take of each state when the water levels of the two lakes reach specific levels.  Arizona continues to take big hits even under this plan.

Purified reclaimed water is a potential source of drinking water...Scottsdale is an example

During a discussion with Council last June, Oro Valley Water Director Peter Abraham mused at the possibility of purifying reclaimed water and putting it back in the drinking water supply. That is what Scottsdale does with some of its reclaimed water.  They call it "indirect potable water use." (Not “toilet to tap”)

The Scottsdale Advanced Water Treatment Plant ".. takes tertiary effluent from the city’s conventional water reclamation plant and further treats it through ozonation, membrane ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis and ultraviolet photolysis."  Scottsdale built the plant in 1998. The plant created 1.7 billion gallons of purified water last year. It comes from treating reclaimed water. (Source) That water is recharged into the aquifer. It is not directly put into the water system, though a 2018 Arizona statute allows them to do so. The drinking water treatment plant is part of the Scottsdale Water Campus.

Desalinated water is also on the horizon

Oro Valley Council Member Mo Greene discussed desalinated water at February 1 council meeting. "All of us have been following water pretty closely." Referring to the map at left: "If you follow the blue track, It goes down to Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco), where they are beginning to look at a desalinization plant, which could be brought by pipe up to Phoenix...this is something you may want to keep an eye on." According the Greene, speaking at this past Friday’s Council strategy session: “Desalinated water is in our future whether you like it or not.”

The "they" to which Greene referred is the State of Arizona. "Arizona officials voted to advance a $5.5-billion plan to build a water desalination plant in Mexico, as well as a 200-mile pipeline and associated infrastructure as part of a state effort to address its drought-driven water uncertainty" The State will finance this through a new organization called the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA).  Desalinated water can be made available by 2027.

The plan is to pipe water to two new reservoirs west of Phoenix. From there, the water would enter the CAP canal, flowing to Phoenix, Pinal County and Tucson. Some of the desalinated water would go though a separate pipeline to Hermosillo. The plant, constructed and operated by IDE Technologies, would provide 300,000 acre feet annually at a cost of about $2,500 per acre foot. That's less than a penny a gallon. The cost is about two times the cost of non desalinated water.

...but what to do is fraught with politics and environmental "concens" and cost concerns....

The problem with all this is that it is fraught with politics. The Puerto Penasco plan is merely an idea at this point. There is no commitment to do anything.There is only a commitment to study it.  There are other alternatives, like using the water to swap with Mexico's Colorado river take. And the water is costly. And there are environmental impacts. And the desalinization process uses lots of electricity. Here's a CNBC report on why desalinization is a "bad idea".

Still, it's a start at resolving a long term water issue that will plagues our desert communities. 

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Town Manager Jacobs Resigns After Proposing "Laundering" ARPA Funds

Jacobs resigns

Town Manager Mary Jacobs resigned Friday. We do not know the reasons behind this. We do know that she proposed a money laundering scheme regarding $5.38million in ARPA funds. This happened at the Town Council meeting last Wednesday. You can read about this scheme in this article.

We do know that council conducted her annual review as scheduled after she had proposed this scheme. 

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Jacobs proposed laundering ARPA funds 
Jacobs and her staff tried to “pull a fast one”. She put an item, Consent Agenda, item 2, on last week’s council meeting, which was an item that clearly needed discussion. Consent Agenda items are not discussed at the meeting unless a council member requests that the item be pulled for discussion. Otherwise, Consent Agenda items are voted on as a block.

The item called for the council to approve a loan of  $5.38 million from the General Fund to the Water Utility Fund.  These funds were received from the federal government as part of the ARPA award. ARPA required that the funds be used for water infrastructure projects. Under Jacobs’ scheme, the utility would pay back this money with interest over time. 

Rather than simply gifting the money from the town to the Water Utility to build infrastructure, Jacobs wanted to lend the money to the Water Utility so that the town can get it back and use it for another purpose, one not related to the federal allowable use of these funds.

As council member Steve Solomon pointed out at the council meeting, the scheme sounds like the town is trying to get around federal regulations for the use of the money because the town will get the money back and then use it for some other, non ARPA allowable purpose.

Solomon was exactly right.  

The Water Utility was the conduit for the sham transaction

Speaking in defense of the loan arrangement, Town Manager Mary Jacobs said that the money that the utility will be getting would be the ARPA funds which carry the restriction that be used for water infrastructure.  According to Jacobs, the money the town will get back in loan repayment and interest would be unrestricted. It will not get back ARPA funds. The funds would be from the general revenues of the Water Utility.

Attention all.

This is called “money laundering”.

Gephart: It's OK to do this because the Water Utility is an enterprise fund

Town Finance Director David Gephart justified the scheme because he felt that the town should not simply transfer the money to the utility.  Gephart said that the reason that a loan has been proposed is because the Water Utility is supposed to be a self sustaining (“An Enterprise Fund”) entity. Thus, anything that has to do with the Water Utility, including administrative services that are provided by the town must be paid by the utility.

The loan approach, according to Gephart, provides the appearance that the Water Utility is self-supporting. Gephart also explained that the town had no alternative but to use this money for the Water Utility system. That’s because any other allowable uses were just not feasible for the town.

So, why not just gift the money to the Water Utility Fund and be done with it? After all, these ARPA monies were gifted to the town by the federal government  The funds are intended to be used for water infrastructure projects.  In this case, the town’s general fund is merely a conduit to get the money to the town-owned Water Utility Fund because the Water Utility did not get the funds get directly from the federal government.

Jacobs tried to do this "in the dark of night" by putting the item on the “Consent Agenda” segment of the town council meeting

Jacobs claimed at the meeting that she wrote about this loan transaction in April. Council Member Bohen agreed that he found it buried in a document council received back then. The members never discussed it then because they were never really aware of it.

It would not have been discussed last week had it not been for the sharp eyes of Bohen, Jones-Ivey and Solomon. The former two asked for the item to be pulled from the Consent Agenda for discussion. Solomon identified the transaction for the “sham” that it is.

Former Town Manager Jacobs tried to put "one past them." 

Fortunately, she failed.

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Bits and Pieces

Oro Valley Water launches new account management web portal

The Oro Valley Water Department launched a new account management web portal on August 26. The old portal, which was really nothing more than a bill access and payment, is no longer active. The new portal has several added features, including an account profile page and detail usage billing information.  You can also pay your bill via the site. The portal has nothing to do with the town’s Water Smart web site. That site allows users to track water use on a continuing basis. You will need to sign up here for the new account management billing portal. It took us about five minutes to do so.

“Rockin’4Heroes”, Sunday, October 16, 2PM, Kreigh Park
“Rocking 4 Heroes is a community musical event that pays tribute to those who serve our communities and country. It was initiated by Michael and Bonnie Quinn, longtime residents of Oro Valley Arizona. The Quinn's have a history of supporting First Responders, Active-Duty Military, Veterans and Gold Star families…

The first “Rockin'4Heroes” event was held December 11, 2021 in collaboration with the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce and was well received by the community. Charitable donations allowed the concert to be brought to the public free of charge in hopes that more of the community would attend and shine a brighter light on our Heroes.” (Source: rockin4heroes.org) 

Parks and Recreation survey and open house For Residents Over 55

“The Town of Oro Valley is working to broaden and improve access to recreational programs for seniors, and we need your help! An online survey is available now through September 30 that asks for public input on the type of programming that is of greatest interest to Oro Valley residents ages 55 and older. Click here to access the online survey… Open House September 29.” The town is hosting an “… an in-person open house for residents interested in senior programming on September 29, from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. at the Community & Recreation Center fitness room (10555 N. La Cañada Drive).” (Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release).

 

Next Community Academy announced

The Community Academy is an excellent way for resident to learn about the town and how it works. The next one will start on October 6. It will be conducted in both the in person and on line modes. Learn more and register here.

Riley featured in podcast

The Town of Oro Valley has a podcast. Chief Riley is featured in the most recent one. You can access it here. 

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Another Season Begins

Another season begins

September starts a new season for Oro Valley. The election is over. The council is returning to work after a month’s hiatus (like LOVE). A new council, which is the same as the current council, was ratified in a three minute special council meeting on August 24. They will be seated in November. They’re rested. We’re rested. So, let’s get going!

. 

Some pressing business in the queue

There are zoning changes and one general plan amendment pending. Public hearings have occurred on all of these. Some have occurred in recent weeks. Here’s a quick update of what is to come.

General Plan amendment and zoning change requests

• A rezoning  project and general plan amendment and for 85 to 90 rental homes of one or two stories to be located at the southeast corner of LaCholla and Tangerine. This property is currently in the general plan for neighborhood commercial and low density residential use. The change to high density residential use will require a five person council member approval, if it comes before council.  There’s lots that will happen before that. Lots of neighborhood opposition to this one.
• Avila Rancho Vistoso East is a rezoning project that would allow tiny rental homes located just north of Safeway on Rancho Vistoso Blvd.  Lots of neighborhood opposition to this one too. And there’s another of these, Avila Rancho Vistoso West, in the queue also. This would add 125 tiny rental homes. The property is located at the west corner of Tangerine and Rancho Vistoso Blvd.
• Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene wants to build a sports complex next to its Concordia and Linda Vista location. Yes. Lots of opposition to this one too. This is a rezoning project.
• Town West has yet to submit a revise plan for the Oro Valley Market Place rezoning. We expect this to be filed in the not too distant future. We don’t expect a lot of opposition to this as long as the applicant keeps the building height within a reasonable limit and maintains a reasonable building setback.

Conditional Use Permits

There are also conditional use permits being requested for…

• A storage and RV Storage facility in the mostly vacant, shovel-ready Mercardo Del Rio “Plaza”. This is behind the Rooney Ranch Shopping Center
• Another storage facility at the southeast corner of LaCholla and Lambert Lane
• And yet another one at La Canada and Tangerine
• A car wash in the Oro Valley Marketplace

Zoning code amendments

There are town staff recommended zoning code amendments that are working through the process and will eventually find their way to town council. Last night, for example, the Planning and Zoning Commission considered changes to the development review process; and, as a separate discussion,  changes to recreational requirements for residential and multi-family units.

New regulations

Tonight, the council will consider regulations regarding vacation and short term rentals. Among other things, the regulations may include a licensing requirement.

Water: “The Elephant In The Room”

Most of these projects have two things in common: When completed, they will use lots of water. They will add to traffic congestion. 

Town assurances aside, residents are concerned about their ability to get the water they want at a reasonable price to do the things they moved to Oro Valley to do; like have a pool or a nicely landscaped property. They should not be asked to squash their dreams so others can move here. 

The council’s position appears to be one one of ignoring the water issue entirely, relying on water conservation penalties and assurances by the town water administrator that the town has an assured water supply of 100 years. 

Congestion: “The Other Elephant In The Room” 

The council has never addressed traffic congestion. Oracle Road, from Tangerine south, will be a higher traffic corridor than it is today once the apartments planned along that road are built.  The Rancho Vistoso Blvd-Tangerine intersection will become much more congested. Residents who use Woodburne Avenue will be negatively impacted.

The future holds even more

Add to all of this, the continued buildout of the town’s park system… the golf courses’ irrigation… a possible community center rebuild… use of drinking water to water public parks… the need for a new police station… use of reclaimed water… A 2025 General Plan.

All of this is yet ahead.

LOVE will report as it sorts out.

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Bits and Pieces

Former Oro Valley Deputy Chief Stevens disputes key assertion regarding Candidate Sharp’s financial competence

In a communication to LOVE, former Oro Valley Deputy Chief Stevens disputes an assertion in the Guest View of former Council Member Bill Garner. It regards Candidate Danny Sharp’s financial acumen. That Guest View concluded Sharp needed the help on Oro Valley resident with the 2011 budget. According to the writer, this demonstrated that Sharp does not have financial competence. 

This is “Not so,” according to Stephens. “Bill Garner talks about the department, including me, reaching out to John Musolf because Chief Sharp was at a loss. Not correct, Chief Sharp and I met with many residents over budgetary and other issues they questioned. We met with John Musolf as he presented himself as Bill Garner's budget advisor and we hoped to educate John a bit to avoid the constant public misrepresentations.”

Oro Valley Police Department receives grant to combat collision-causing driving behavior
ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (July 21, 2022) – The Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD), through financial support from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (AZGOHS), has received $64,528.00 in funding during Fiscal Year 2022 to support the purchase of a vehicle specifically dedicated to detecting and addressing hazardous collision causing driving behaviors.  In addition to being deployed on the main thoroughfares of the Town, the vehicle will be utilized to address traffic safety concerns voiced by the community. (Source: Oro Valley Police Department Press Release)

Town of Oro Valley is implementing a new water billing system
“If you don't receive your Vista at the usual time next month, that’s because the Town is transitioning its Water Utility billing system to a new vendor, and there will be a shift in the timing of when you receive your water bill in the mail (which is how we distribute the Vista). Keep an eye out for more details coming soon from the OV Water Utility.” (Source: Oro Valley Vista Newsletter, August 2022)

Challenger candidates campaign at the Oro Valley Church of Nazarene
Oro Valley’s next town council will have to make a decision on approving or denying the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene’s (OVCN) request to rezone and repad land next to the church so that OVCN can create a sports megaplex. There is longstanding and continuing opposing to this by every neighbor.

Here we see current Council member Greene, and council candidates Joe Erceg and Charlie Hurt “all smiles” at the OVCN a few weeks ago. 

The reader who sent us the picture notes that Council Member Greene is wearing a shirt with the Oro Valley logo, making it appear that he is representing the town. The reader also observes that candidate Erceg states on his web site that he had recently joined OVCN and that he looks forward to being involved in a large sports program in the future. The reader also wonders if candidate Charlie Hurt displays de facto support for the Church simply by being in the photo.   

The question the reader poses: Will the neighbors have any hope of prevailing if Erceg and Hurt are elected, given that the Oro Valley Town Council already has two OVCN Members (Greene and Solomon)?

Ownership of the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve transferred to the Town of Oro Valley
The Town of Oro Valley has officially assumed ownership of the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve (formerly known as the Vistoso Golf Course), an open space for passive recreation such as walking, biking and bird watching. The Town will be working on safety improvements including general maintenance and paved pathway repairs. 

A temporary trailhead has been designated near the former clubhouse, located on the 6.3-acre parcel of land that was purchased by independent developer Ross Rulney and is not part of the Town-owned 202-acre parcel. Restrooms will remain closed as staff assesses the best way to make necessary improvements, to include ADA accessibility. Stay tuned for details on a master planning process that will begin this fall. For more information and an updated trail map visit www.orovalleyaz.gov and search for VISTOSO. (Source: Oro Valley Vista Newsletter, August 2022)

Town of Oro Valley hosting conversation on mental health

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (July 26, 2022) – The Town of Oro Valley invites residents to participate in a Community Conversation on Mental Health on Tuesday, August 9 at 6 p.m. in the Oro Valley Council Chambers (11000 N. La Cañada Drive). 

This first-time event is hosted by the Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Department and will feature a panel of representatives from the Oro Valley Police Department, Oro Valley Parks and Recreation, Golder Ranch Fire District, Arizona Complete Health and local mental health professionals.

The community is invited to come and learn about local mental health resources, have insightful conversations and ask questions to panel members. The event is free and will also be available virtually via Zoom. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release)

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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Drinking Water Rate Increase "On Tap" For July

The process began last night

Last night, the Oro Valley town Council started opened the spigot for a 2022 – 23 water rate increase. The increase would be effective next July.  

The Council started the process of increasing the water rate by approving a notice to all that a water rate increase is being considered. The actual approval of the increase will not happen until June when there is a hearing before council.

Increase is part of a long term plan

The proposed increase is consistent with Water Department Utility Director Peter Abraham's plan to annually increase rates in small increments rather than implementing a large increase every few years.

The bottom line: Every user will experience an increase in drinking water cost

"The financial impact of the proposed base and commodity rate increase for a customer with a 5/8-inch meter using 7,000 gallons is $1.79 per month. Customers with a 5/8-inch meter represent 87 percent of the total customer base and include residential, commercial and irrigation classifications with the vast majority of those being residential. The base rate increase would be $0.95 per month for all customers with this meter size. The proposed commodity rate increase for customers in Tier 1 would be $0.12 per 1,000 gallons used per month."

The actual cost of the increase will be greater because of the taxes and fees that are added to your water bill. Some of these, the sales tax and utility tax, are a percent of the bill.

All water users will see some increase in water rates as shown in the table above.

There is no change proposed to the cost of reclaimed water.

Oro Valley Total Water Use Down In 2021

 Less water used in 2020 than in 2021
"The Utility’s Oro Valley service area experienced a decrease in annual consumption compared to last year. The overall reduction in consumption compared to last year is due to the better than average monsoon season Oro Valley experienced in 2021 as well as continued community water conservation." 

The utility added 306 service connections, bringing the total to 21,052 connections. (Source: Town Manager's Executive Report To Council, February 2022)

Oro Valley Village Center Is A Drinking Water Intensive Project

Wednesday, The Oro Valley Town Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed Oro Valley Village Center. The center is a replacement of the Oro Valley Marketplace. In preparing for that meeting, the Council held a study session on the matter on January 19. Subsequent to that meeting, council members submitted questions regarding the rezoning request. One of those questions was about water use, a topic that was not previously discussed.
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The Oro Valley Valley village center is a “water intensive” project
Town staff estimates that the Oro Valley Village Center will use an additional amount of water over what the Oro Valley Marketplace, if fully built-out, would use. That additional amount of water is equivalent to the annual water use of more than 1,600 single-family residential homes. To put that in perspective, that’s four times the drinking water that the town “wastes” watering the recently reopened Pusch Ridge Golf Course. It's more water than used in most subdivisions in the town. The panel below lists the additional uses of drinking water for Oro Valley Village Center project.

Staff assures council there is more than enough water to accommodate this project
In its responses to council, town staff assured council that “this increased demand can be supplied without impacting existing or future customers.” (Report Page 33) 

Staff determined this based on their analysis of the quantity of groundwater the State allows the town to withdraw annually (13.4 thousand Acre Feet Per year) versus the quantity that is currently withdrawing (5 thousand). The town has been able to keep its groundwater withdrawals lower than allowed “…though a combination of the introduction of reclaimed water, conservation efforts, and receiving a portion of our CAP allocation through wheeling agreements with Tucson Water.”

A few months ago, water utility Director Peter Abraham reported to counsel that he felt that further conservation efforts were not going to reduce water consumption. Abraham, however, does not foresee any circumstance in which to town will not have sufficient water to supply its customers.

CAP is in a level 1 water restriction. This restriction does not impact water delivery to residential users. Though CAP water delivery is assured for the next few years, there is no assurance that this will continue indefinitely since CAP water is likely to be further restricted in future years. CAP water is used to replenish the town's groundwater supply. CAP is by far the most significant reason the town’s net groundwater withdrawal is below the limit.

Wise water use is a council priority
Town Council is made it clear that wise water use is a council priority. This council has continued to support water conservation, approved water rates that penalize water use, continued “sin taxes” on water that add to water cost, approved regulations that penalize water wasting and put emergency procedures in place in case there is a water shortage. 

Jobs and Water Use

There are instances of communities in Arizona that have not allowed zoning changes because the water use would be far in excess of the economic benefit brought to the community. One benefit is the number of and quality of jobs a project, if completed, brings to the community. The town's economic development plan calls for increasing the number of high wage, high value jobs to the town. The estimated number and quality of jobs this project will bring to the town has not been provided to the council.

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About the council questions
Council members were asked to submit questions regarding the rezoning requests of the Oro Valley Market place at the conclusion of the study session of January 19. They submitted a total of 97 questions. Town staff categorized these questions into six areas: Apartments, pedestrian connectivity, the entertainment district, the noise study, traffic, zoning, ESLO, water, and other. Either the town staff or the applicant provided the answer to each question. The response document is 36 pages. You can access it here.

Bits and Pieces

Kreigh Park playground temporarily closing for upgrades
ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Feb. 3, 2022) –– Oro Valley Parks and Recreation is excited to announce that the playground at James D. Kriegh Park will be replaced with brand-new playground structures, play surface and shade structure.

 
Before the new amenities can be installed, the existing playground and surface need to be removed. Because of that, the playground and ramada will be closed for construction starting Feb. 7. The upgraded playground is expected to reopen in late March.
The existing playground equipment is over 20 years old and was identified as needing to be replaced through the Parks and Recreation Master Plan process that was conducted in 2020/2021.

 

Community input played an important role in the new playground design. Parks and Recreation created a survey for residents to pick different designs and amenities. Over 400 people responded with comments and feedback on the designs. The first option (shown below) received over 65% of the vote, making it the winner.

 
Construction updates along with closure/reopening announcements will be made on the Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Facebook page. During construction, don’t forget that Oro Valley has additional playgrounds at Naranja Park and Riverfront Park.

(Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release 2-3-22)

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Council approves removing HSL option to lease town courses (if town declares any one of them 
"discontinued")

"On April 23, 2015, the Town Council entered into a Purchase and Sales Agreement for the El Conquistador Country Club and Golf Courses with HSL El Conquistador Golf, LLC (HSL). The agreement contains provisions allowing HSL to lease from the Town the 9-hole Resort (Pusch) Golf Course and/or the La Canada Golf Course in the event the Town decided not to maintain them as golf courses. A similar provision is included for the tennis courts.

In January 2021, HSL opted not to exercise its right to operate/lease the Pusch Golf Course after the Town declared it a discontinued course, effectively extinguishing their option in the Agreement. During the Town Council's discussion regarding the installation of new irrigation for the La Canada and El Conquistador courses, Council expressed interest in inquiring of HSL their willingness to relinquish the same option on the La Canada course.

(source)

 
HSL agreed to do so.  Council approved the measure 6-1 at the meeting this past Wednesday.

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LaCanada awaits repaving after water break

The town has repaired the water line break that occurred on LaCanada, north of Lambert Lane. Contractors are awaiting warmer day temperatures to repave the road.

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Volunteers needed for senior programming task force

"Oro Valley Parks and Recreation is seeking volunteers for a new taskforce to research and provide suggestions/feedback on senior program ideas. If you are interested, please contact Nancy Ellis at nellis@orovalleyaz.gov to request an application. The deadline to apply is February 28, 2022."

(Source)

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El Conquistador Resort hosts Golf Pro Tour All-Star Event on Pusch Ridge Course this month

The  El Conquistador Resort is hosting the second annual Disc Golf Pro Tour All-Star event. It will be held on the Pusch Ridge Golf course on February 11-13, 2022. The event will showcase some of the top disc golfers in the world as they compete in a unique format event that will kick off the 2022 season. Spectator tickets may be purchased here. Read more about this event here.

(source)