Bits and Pieces

Lots Happening At Pusch Ridge Golf

The town’s Pusch View 9-hole golf course opens November 1. Prior to that, on October 30, the town is hosting a pre-opening golf event. It’s a sold out event! The group, “Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf” is also sponsoring the event. They have also announced three new golf leagues. You can learn more about that here.

Oro Valley average population is aging

This information just for the record. Based on the town’s 2020 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, 32% of residents are over 64. This population segment is expected to increase by about 1 percentage point each year through 2034.  During the same time period, the population of kids under 18 is expected to decrease from 16% to 12%. The vast majority of Oro Valley homes are situated on small lots, are smaller homes and have no place for kids to play. It may well be that the town’s housing stock simply is not attractive for younger families. (Source: 2021 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, section 3.4.1)

Pima County no longer in severe drought

The monsoon rains have significantly changed the state’s official drought designations. Pima County has moved rom sever drought to abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions. This is a huge change from just one year ago. Learn more here.

Bits and Pieces

OVPD Finds Suspect Manuel Chavira

"The Oro Valley Police Department would like to thank the public for its assistance in the May 16 incident involving Manuel Chavira. The suspect has been identified and charged. Please see the original media release below

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (May 16, 2014) - The Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD) is seeking the public's help in locating a felony suspect.

Manuel Chavira broke into his ex-girlfriend's home through the garage by utilizing a keypad entry. This was witnessed by a neighbor. Chavira stole a watch from the residence and immediately pawned it. It is suspected Chavira may have stolen and pawned other items from his ex-girlfriend throughout the relationship, to include a wedding ring. Chavira is wanted for four counts of trafficking in stolen property and has a $5,000 bond.

Manuel Chavira is a 45-year-old Hispanic male, 5'6" in height, 150 pounds, with short brown hair and brown eyes." (Source: The Oro Valley Police Department Press Release)
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Your County Taxes Are Going Up

Pima County Supervisors voted earlier this week to increase your property tax rate.  Lots of reports on this already. However, we think the analysis to which we linked is the most honest.  Its a 12% increase in the rate that will cost the "average $100,000 home" an added $51.  Bad news, for Oro Valley homeowners.  Our property values are much higher than the average. In fact, it is people like us who fund the tax and spend county.

According to the article: "Despite a poor economy, the County administrator Chuck Huckelberry says the increase begins to increase funding for core services. The County has tapped its cash reserves and its bond rating is at risk.

The Board similarly approved nine separate decision packages to make targeted investments in such areas as Sheriff’s services, indigent defense, road repairs and wildcat dumping enforcement."

Don't you love the euphemism: "Investment."  Is sounds so much better than "spending."  Just ask Oro Valley Town Manager Greg Caton,  He insists that Oro Valley's outrageous increase in its spending per the 2014-15 budget represents "Investment."  However, we know its simply "spending."
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Oro Valley Shows Slow Population Growth

According to the US Census Bureau, Oro Valley's population grew from 41,011 to 41,627 or 1.5% in the three years ended 2013.  During the same period, Marana's population grew more than 9% and Sahuarita's grew 6.4%.  The population growth rate for Arizona was 3.7%.  (Source)

Oro Valley will probably catch up when the 1,000 or so apartments go on stream later this year and early next year.
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