Bits and Pieces

Town Manager to present $130 million recommended budget for next year
Town Manager Jeff Wilkins will present his recommended budget for fiscal year 2026/27 to the Town Council Monday. His request is for $130 million, about $21 million less than the current year. Of the total, about $22.7 million is for the Water Utility, which operates as a separate enterprise fund with its own revenue stream. The remaining spending is for all other Town operations, about $81 million, with capital and other expenditures making up the balance of about $26 million. The Town’s press release describes the budget as a “conservative” response to revenue and cost pressures, while maintaining core services. (Town of Oro Valley Media Release, April 30, 2026 and Town of Oro Valley, Town Manager’s Recommended Budget, April 24, 2026)

Stormwater fee increase begins July 1

The Town of Oro Valley will begin a phased increase to its stormwater utility fee on July 1, the first adjustment in ten years. The three-year plan raises the monthly rate from $4.50 to $6.50 per Equivalent Residential Unit, with residents expected to see an increase of about $0.67 per month in each of the next three years. Town materials state the increase is intended to support long-term maintenance and improvement of stormwater infrastructure and to maintain compliance with regional, state, and federal requirements. (Town of Oro Valley Vista Newsletter, April/May 2026)

Proposed 64 homes requires rezoning
On April 21, Town staff held the first of two neighborhood meetings regarding a proposed rezoning of a 15-acre site on the northwest corner of North Rancho Vistoso Boulevard and Vistoso Commerce Loop. The property is owned by Tom Warren, who purchased it in 2021. He is represented by Brian Underwood of The Planning Center, and the proposed builder is Meritage Homes. The applicant needs the town to rezone the property from campus park industrial to medium-density residential, consistent with its Town’s General Plan designation, so that he can develop up to 64 single-family homes. There will be a mix of one- and two-story units and access from both Vistoso Commerce Loop and Vistoso Village Drive. Neighbors attending the meeting voiced concerns including increased traffic and safety, loss of mountain views, building height and density, impacts to wildlife and neighborhood character, and whether the land should remain available for commercial use that could generate Town revenue. Next steps include submission of a formal application. Learn more about this project here.

Sun City Mayoral forum added local detail to mayoral race

Wednesday’s Sun City mayoral forum covered several topics not discussed at last week’s Chamber event. On improving paths and connectivity along Rancho Vistoso Boulevard, candidate and current Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett pointed to the Town’s adopted Trails Connect plan and identified funding sources. Candidate Mark Napier said he would gather resident input, evaluate needs, and then consider costs in deciding on any request in this area. Both candidates addressed a question on speeding in Sun City, citing enforcement as a key tool. Regarding Town staffing levels, Napier called for a staffing review, while Barrett noted that no new positions are planned in the current five-year forecast. Both candidates said they oppose data centers in Oro Valley.

Historical Society launches digitization project

The Oro Valley Historical Society is moving forward with a project to digitize its collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs. The effort is expected to take place over the coming months, with a new scanner recently purchased to support the work. The organization is seeking volunteers to assist with the project and plans to continue preparing new exhibits and programs for the fall season. If you are interested in helping, email info@ovhistory.org (Oro Valley Historical Society Board Meeting Minutes, April 23, 2026)

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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

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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Bits and Pieces

Council approves plan to recruit new Town Attorney

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

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

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

Northbound lane closures on Oracle Road begin Monday 

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

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

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

The no parking signs are mostly up

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

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

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

Town accepts Sierra Wash easement but avoids responsibility for broader maintenance

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

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Oro Valley Staff Targets October Council Approval of New Revenue Sources and Fee Increases

Fee increases and new taxes vetting continues

Resident participation in July’s community outreach meetings on proposed taxes and fee changes was limited. According to Finance Director David Gephart, about 30 residents attended across three online sessions focused on parks and recreation fees (July 9), new taxes (July 10), and the stormwater utility fee (July 15).

Gephart: Fee increases and new revenue sources needed because of rising cost of public safety and roads
Gephart told residents at the July meetings and the Budget and Finance Commission in August that new revenues are needed because costs are rising faster than revenues. Police services have grown 23% since 2021, absorbing 80% of General Fund growth. Road maintenance costs have more than doubled in the same period, increasing 107%. Meanwhile, sales tax revenues have been flat for three years, and a retail leakage study showed Oro Valley loses about $1.8 billion annually in taxable sales to surrounding communities, equal to $45 million in foregone revenue.

Gephart added that the stormwater utility fee currently covers only operations and not capital projects, while parks and recreation fees are being adjusted to better reflect costs. The goal of the proposed changes, he said, is to diversify revenues, reduce reliance on debt, and direct new funding toward capital projects such as police facilities, vehicle replacement, and road maintenance.

Resident outreach met with low attendance
Approximately thirty residents participated in the three sessions. Attendance was low and may not reflect the views of the broader community. Vice Mayor Barrett noted at a June study session that scheduling three meetings close together in July, a peak holiday and vacation period, may have limited participation.

Residents who participated raised concerns about fairness, timing, and process more than about the size of the increases. Parks and recreation questions focused on whether fee changes treated age groups and activities equally. At the new taxes session, participants questioned the need for new revenues now, discussed the possibility of a property tax, and cautioned against rushing decisions before full engagement. At the stormwater meeting, comments focused on development practices near washes and a preference for smaller, steady increases.

Gephart also reported on business outreach
Gephart has met with the Oro Valley Chamber Board, Roche, and other representatives. A Chamber-hosted forum is scheduled for September 11. The Chamber suggested a property tax would be fairer, questioned whether the proposed revenues would be sufficient, and urged more business-friendly policies. Roche’s main concern was the telecom tax, while small businesses and residents expressed worry about the commercial rental tax and its impact on already high rents. Gephart said these discussions have been helpful in identifying concerns.

Budget and Finance Commissioners’ question the rental tax
Commissioners asked Gephart several questions during the August meeting. Gephart said a commercial rental tax would be difficult to pass, and noted that Council had previously advised staff to avoid relying on this tax. Commissioners also noted that higher rents in Oro Valley compared to Tucson and Marana could make such a tax unfair. Gephart acknowledged Oro Valley rents are higher but said the tax would create equity since the Town currently collects nothing from many services such as medical offices and storage facilities.

Commissioners shifted their attention to a tax change not on the agenda: a small sales tax increase. Gephart said that might be considered later as a “step two,” but the first step is to adopt the three tax categories used in neighboring towns. Commissioners also asked about the reliability of revenue estimates. Gephart noted the use tax could generate between $900,000 and $1.8 million annually but is volatile. He acknowledged that if revenues came in low, the Town might need to consider additional measures in the future, but said possible relief could come if required police pension contributions decline.

Gephart: Revenues intended for capital items
Gephart emphasized that revenues from new taxes are intended for capital needs such as improvements at the newly purchased police facility, police vehicle replacement, and continued road maintenance. At present, only stormwater utility fee revenues are legally dedicated to the Stormwater Utility Fund. All other new revenues would go into the General Fund, and Council would need to act if it wished to dedicate them specifically to capital purposes.

Gephart targets October for council vote
Gephart hopes to present a firm vetted proposal to Council in October. This would follow the planned September Chamber forum and review by relevant commissions (the Budget and Finance Commission, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and the Stormwater Utility Commission). Council is expected to discuss the proposals at an October 1 study session, with a possible vote on October 15.

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Other Information:

2025 Town of Oro Valley Taxes and Fees

LOVE Parks and Recreation Fee Proposed Increase

LOVE Stormwater Utility Fee Proposed Increase

LOVE Oro Valley Considers New Local Taxes

LOVE Oro Valley Seeks Input On New Taxes and Fees

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Town Staff Proposes Increase In Stormwater Utility Fee

This is the second article in our series discussing potential new taxes and fee increases that Oro Valley town staff are recommending to the Town Council. Last week, we discussed three new taxes. Today, we cover a recommended increase in the stormwater utility fee. Tomorrow, we will discuss proposed increases in Parks and Recreation fees.

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Oro Valley staff proposes a stormwater fee increase as part of a package of revenue seeking options
The Town of Oro Valley is considering an increase to its monthly stormwater utility fee beginning in fiscal year 2025–26. This fee is added into the town monthly water bill.  

This increase is part of a package of proposed new taxes and recreational facility user increases that staff presented two weeks ago in a study session to the Oro Valley Town Council.

First rate increase since the utility was created in 2001

According to town staff, the stormwater utility fee, first implemented in 2001 when the utility was created, has remained unchanged. Now, Town staff and the town's Stormwater Utility Commission are recommending a $2.00 per month increase for each Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU)—a billing unit that represents the amount of stormwater runoff generated by a typical single-family home. An ERU is also used to calculate charges for commercial properties based on their impervious surface area. The new proposal would raise the base rate from $4.50 to $6.50 per ERU for both residential and commercial properties. This marks the first major change to the stormwater fee since its creation and is intended to support both ongoing operations and a growing list of capital improvement projects. 

Current fee cannot fund new projects
Staff stated that the reason for the proposed increase is that the current rate only covers day-to-day operations and routine maintenance. The current fee level does not generate enough revenue to fund capital improvement projects. For example, the Calle Concordia channel improvement project and the La Cholla wash crossing at Lambert Lane are both on hold due to insufficient stormwater funds. There are other examples of projects proposed by not done around town [See panel right]. 

New rates will affect both residents and businesses?

If approved, developed residential properties would see their monthly stormwater feed charge go from $4.50 to $6.50, or an increase of $24 per year per household. Commercial properties, which are billed based on the amount of impervious surface area, would see a similar per-ERU increase. The change is projected to generate approximately $2.2 million in stormwater revenue in FY 2025–26, a substantial increase from current collections of $1.5 million. Staff say this will allow the utility to cover routine costs, meet reserve requirements, and fund some capital improvements without needing to dip into emergency reserves. 

What did council members have to say?
Speaking at the study session, several council members acknowledged the need to maintain Oro Valley’s infrastructure and prepare for future challenges. However, concerns were raised about the timing and size of the increase, especially given recent or proposed increases in other fees and taxes. One Councilmember stated that “We need to be sure residents understand why this increase is needed and how the money will be used.” Other members stressed the importance of annual reviews to avoid large, sudden jumps in the future. This is the rate increase model that is used by the Water Utility.

Resident question: Is this increase simply the result of poor town planning? 
One resident wrote us observing tha  “Despite our Town Manager updating our 10 Year Capital Improvement Plan in every budget, it is clear to me that there are long needed stormwater projects which have never been adequately socialized with Council, nor planned nor funded. Thus the Town gets the false bliss of thinking we have more money for discretionary spending than we actually do.” This comment highlights the concern that a lack of clear planning and discussion around stormwater needs in the past has lead to an false picture of the Town’s financial flexibility, further emphasizing the importance of addressing overdue infrastructure projects.

Community engagement is underway—get involved
As with other proposed changes, the stormwater fee increase is still under review, and the Town is holding a community engagement process to gather input before any decisions are made. Residents and business owners are encouraged to participate and share their views at upcoming meetings, as these proposals could directly affect them. The council wants to hear from the public before moving forward. So now is the time to get involved if you have an opinion on these potential changes. Here's how. 

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About the Stormwater Utility
Oro Valley’s Stormwater Utility was established in July 2001 as an enterprise fund. This means that it operates independently from the Town’s general fund and is supported entirely by user fees. The utility was created to comply with federal and state stormwater regulations, including water quality and floodplain management standards, and to ensure the Town could fund the planning, construction, maintenance, and monitoring of local stormwater infrastructure. By keeping the utility self-supporting, Oro Valley is able to provide dedicated resources for critical drainage and flood control projects, without relying on general tax revenues.

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Bits and Pieces

Water Utility Commission Studying Water Rate Change For 2015

The Oro Valley Water Department is reviewing water rates for 2015.  The water utility commission will review a rate study in October. There will be a public hearing in November. Any proposed change will be presented to the town council in December.  If approved, rates will change in February.

Oro Valley Public Art Tours Are Back

Oro Valley's Economic Development department has announced that Oro Valley's public art tours are back.

The next tour is this Tuesday from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. The tour begins and ends at Oro Valley Town Hall.  You must reserve a seat if you want to go.  Seats are limited to 10 individuals. Register here.

Oro Valley Super Bowl Tonight

Like football? Tonight, Ironwood Ridge hosts CDO. "The Nighthawks (2-1) have won the last three meetings, including a 42-14 drubbing [of CDO] in 2013." (Source)  Game time is 7 PM.  Want to read more?

Caton Authorizes Funds For Cleanup

One Of Many Wash Downs Caused By Storm

Monday's monsoon "Storm of the Century" was a doozy.   Oro Valley received at least 3" of rain.  It was pounding down.

"Town staff have been out in the field every day since the storm, assessing damage, addressing safety concerns and clearing debris. Due to the large volume of storm damage, additional resources are being allocated to expedite the recovery process.

'The Storm we had on Monday hit our community very hard, and we have been in clean-up mode ever since,' commented Town Manager Greg Caton. 'Recognizing that we need to make quicker progress to clean up our streets, I have reallocated all appropriate staff resources to work on this effort, as well as funding to contract with outside resources to clear and haul debris. We ask for the patience of the community as clearing the debris will take weeks.'

In the next few days, the Town will provide additional information to the public via press releases, the Town's website and social media about specific work being performed in their neighborhoods as well as links to information on storm recovery and preparing for future events." (Town of Oro Valley Press Release)

The town has a massive cleanup challenge.  Let's hope they can get to it soon.
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Oro Valley Library Power

The Oro Valley branch of the Pima County Library has 3 upcoming events.

• September 27: Landscape Plants for Arizona: Increase Curb Appeal with Proper Planting
• October 11: Making Masks - Fantasy and Reality!
• October 14: Memory Power

Learn more here.
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Prevent Auto Breakins Now

There have been 30 auto breakins in the past 2 weeks. Thieves go into cars that are unlocked during the night and steal whatever they can.  It is happening in communities where homes are relatively close together and where cars are easily accessible from the street.  Watch a KGUN 9 report of this.

These are crimes of opportunity.  If you don't want to have a problem:

1. Lock your car or put it in your garage
2. Do not leave anything in your car
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"Save Our Kids Golf Scramble"

Mentoring Tucson's Kids is sponsoring a golf event at "The Golf Club At Vistoso."  It is on November 7.   The event is called the "Save our Kids Golf Scramble."

"The event will be a 4-person scramble with a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. Check-in starts at 7:30 a.m. A tasty Mexican buffet lunch will follow golf in the clubhouse. As always, there will be great prizes to be won and a lot of fun to be had by all."

Visit the links to learn more and to sign up for the scramble.
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"Oro Valley Receives National Award For CitizenParticipation

Oro Valley, Arizona (September 11, 2014) - On September 4, the Town of Oro Valley received the 2014 Silver Circle Award in Citizen Participation from the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA), for the Your Voice, Our Future Public Participation Plan." (Town of Oro Valley Press Release)

Bits and Pieces

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This week's Planning and Zoning Commission meeting was cancelled. The agenda for the meeting is set by the Oro Valley Development and Infrastructure Department.  Guess there was nothing to discuss.
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Next week's Stormwater Utility Commission meeting is a study session They will discuss the origin of the stormwater fee,  current status and alternatives for the future. The meeting is March 13 at 4 PM at the Calle Concordia conference room  at the public works building on Concordia. (Agenda)
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Drivers Beware: The Oro Valley motorcycle force will be enforcing the the high  visibility enforcement area on Oracle Road between Magee and Suffolk.  Here are the dates and time:

• March 11, 2013 7 - 10 a.m. 
• March 15, 2013 4 - 7 p.m. 
• March 26, 2013 7 - 10 a.m. 
• March 28, 2013 4 - 7 p.m. 
• March 29, 2013 4 - 7 p.m.

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This months' Oro Valley Economic Develop Status Report is available here.
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 The construction crew  working on the 288- unit HSL Apartment complex on Oracle at Steam Pump Village punctured a gas line. This caused the evacuation of Baseline School. (Source)
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Oro Valley's Cafe Torino is expanding with a second unit in the Foothills in May. (Source)
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MTCVB has a new marketing director,Tim Vimmerstedt. (Source) MTCVB is a major provider of resources to Oro Valley's marketing team.
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