Bits and Pieces

BFC review of 2026 Town Manager’s Budget checks a box for town manager, but adds little value to the budget process
Oro Valley’s Budget and Finance Commission (BFC), established in 2019, has not consistently participated in the review of the Town Manager’s Recommended Budget (TMRB). While it was not involved in last year’s FY 2025 budget process, it has occasionally received presentations in prior years without playing a formal advisory role. This year was much the same as that, as staff presented the TMRB to the Commission on May 20.

The BFC did not make a substantive contribution to the development of the TMRB at the meeting. This is because the budget had already been developed and finalized for presentation by the time the BFC reviewed it. The Commission’s role was limited to reviewing and asking clarifying questions. While their discussion helped reinforce certain priorities, like fiscal sustainability and transparency, their comments led to no changes in the budget. Thus, their involvement seemed more like checking a box in the process of completing the TMRB, rather than seeking meaningful input during its development.

Town exploring new taxes to fund future capital needs
At the May 20 meeting of the Budget and Finance Commission, Town Manager Jeff Wilkins introduced a discussion about three potential new revenue sources that are not currently part of the Town Manager’s Recommended Budget. These include a use tax, a telecommunications tax, and a commercial rental tax—all of which are common in nearby municipalities like Tucson, Marana, and Sahuarita but are not currently levied in Oro Valley. Wilkins described these taxes as a way to diversify the town’s revenue base, enhance financial stability, and create a dedicated funding stream for capital needs such as roads and public safety infrastructure.

Although these proposed taxes are not included in the fiscal year 2025–26 town manager recommended budget, Wilkins used the budget presentation to make the case for exploring them. He emphasized that the town’s five-year forecast shows a capital funding shortfall by year five, and that relying solely on existing revenue sources may not be sustainable. According to Wilkins, the proposed taxes could generate between $900,000 and $1.8 million annually, and Wilkins suggested dedicating all proceeds to capital—possibly even restricting it further to public safety. Commissioners responded with questions about operational costs associated with capital projects and whether future councils would be overly constrained by strict earmarking of these new revenues. 

Budget and finance commission recommends approval of $2.84 million contribution to fully fund PSPRS for FY 2026
At its May 20 meeting, the Oro Valley Budget and Finance Commission voted unanimously to recommend Council approval of the FY 2026 PSPRS pension funding policy. The policy includes a total contribution of $2.84 million to the police retirement plan—$738,817 as required by actuarial valuation and an additional $2.1 million in excess of that requirement. This extra payment is intended to eliminate the plan’s remaining unfunded liability and bring the plan to 100% funded status by June 30, 2026. Commission members supported the action after confirming the plan was financially feasible and aligned with the Council’s long-standing goal to fully fund the police pension plan.

New signs, tours, and research projects featured in OVHS May update
The Oro Valley Historical Society’s (OVHS) May newsletter highlights several new initiatives. Eight interpretive signs for Steam Pump Ranch are now in production and expected to be installed by early June, offering year-round self-guided tours.  The Society also launched a redesigned website in April and is seeking volunteers to help with content and outreach. Additional efforts include digitizing historical audiovisual materials, creating an educational display about George Pusch, and continuing research on the families who shaped Oro Valley’s early history.

Disc golf returns with summer vibes and mountain views
Oro Valley’s Pusch Ridge Disc Golf Course is reopening for summer play starting  this Saturday, Nestled at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, the 18-hole course offers daily play from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through September 21. New this year: weekend golf carts, short tees for novice players, and PDGA-sanctioned league play every Friday at 4:30 p.m. Tee times are required on weekends (7–11 a.m.) via PlayOV.com, while weekday play is first-come, first-served. At $10 per round, it’s a fun, affordable way to enjoy the outdoors—and the scenery can’t be beat. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Press release)
- - -

Kiplinger: Oro Valley No 6 In Highest Local Taxes In Arizona

High local taxes
Oro Valley local taxes are higher than those of most Arizona cities and towns, according to a study by Kiplinger, a personal finance advisory company. The study, published in September, ranked the 30 largest cities and towns based on the estimated local tax burden.

Marana tops list....but Oro Valley isn't far behind
Marana was the town with the most local taxes. It was followed by the City of Tucson.  Casa Grande, Apache Junction and Maricopa had more taxes than Oro Valley, but not by much.

Oro Valley's High sales tax
Oro Valley's high local taxes are driven by several factors. One is a high sales tax. We've documented this in a recent prior post.

Tucson and Oro Valley lead the Southern Arizona pack when it comes to sales tax. Oro Valley's half cent sales tax golf levy is indeed unique. It's the only one in Arizona.

Oro Valley's high utility tax 
The Oro Valley utility tax didn't exist until 2007, when a 2% tax was enacted. It was enacted during the recession to avoid cuts in town staffing.  It got doubled to 4% in 2011 to avoid having to reduce the police budget, a reduction that would have been in line with other town staff reductions at that time.

The original 2% utility tax was supposed to have been rescinded two years after its inception in 2007.  That never happened. The 2 percentage point increase imposed in 2011 was supposed to have "gone away" when the economy improved. The economy has improved substantially. Yet, the doubled utility tax remains today.

Want to learn more? Read our deceased colleague John Musolf's post:  "Perpetual Life Of The Utility Tax."

Oro Valley’s high water cost
LOVE has previously reported on the high cost of Oro Valley’s water in our posting: "Taxes, Add-On Fees, and an Inverted Rate Schedule Make Oro Valley Water Expensive.” Fees and tax levies add 41% to the cost of water. Water rates have gone up since that post; and with that increase in rates, so have the add on fees. Oro Valley's high water cost was not considered in the Kiplinger survey.

Oro Valley's higher than average county property values per square foot
Oro Valley also has a leadership role in property values. These values are the basis for the property taxes we pay. LOVE has also documented that Oro Valley's property values are higher per square foot than the rest of the county. Our 2015 analysis revealed that Oro Valley's population was 4% of Pima County but its assessed property values were 9% of total county property values. The result: Oro Valley residents pay more property taxes per square foot than other areas. Oro Valley's higher property taxes per square foot was not considered in the Kiplinger survey.

Up Next: Oro Valley Is Growing Too Expensive for Retirees
Arizona has always been a destination for retirees. Oro Valley has been the beneficiary. This fact accounts for why Oro Valley's median resident age is almost 50 years, while the national median age is 38.  Next monday, learn how things are changing.
- - -

A Message from Town Council Candidate, Melanie Barrett

It has been a pleasure over the course of this campaign to meet so many of you. Oro Valley has so many wonderful people. I look forward to continuing to build relationships with the citizens and to serve the people of our Town.

I am running with a team of wonderful people; Joe Winfield for Mayor, and Joyce Jones-Ivey and Josh Nicolson for Town Council. We are a diverse group of men and women of various ages, races, backgrounds, and even political ideologies, but we are like-minded when it comes to the moral obligation of government to serve the people.

We have a positive vision of Oro Valley as a place where citizens are respected and placed at the forefront of the government.

Special interests and Development
In the past few years the mayor and current council have accepted over $150,000 in campaign financing, all from 5 donors, all of whom are developers. They later vote on these developers’ projects (and buy and maintain money losing golf courses from them). This results in many 7-0 decisions in favor of developers, even when a large number of citizens object to these rezonings. Many people leave Town meetings feeling it was a "done-deal." Since the 2016 election, the council has approved all 14 rezonings that have come before them.

We would prefer moderate growth that is respectful of the community and the environment. Our beautiful natural desert and scarce water resources need to be carefully considered.

We are committed to putting the citizens back at the top of the Oro Valley Organizational Chart, and bringing back respect and transparency, as well as operating without ties to special interests. Our financing comes from ourselves, our families and friends, and the community.

My time on the Planning and Zoning Commission
I began my first year gaining my footing and trusting what I was told by town planners and other commission members who made strong arguments for the proposed developments. Over time, my perspective broadened and I began to realize that things were not as they appeared, and that residents’ voices were not being given enough consideration.

While on P&Z, I fought for parks, for view sheds, for the preservation of plants, and for lanes to be added for schools. I lobbied the planners and the council, fought to protect the “small town feeling” language in the General Plan, and added language about parks and recreation that met the needs of citizens of all ages.

I did vote in favor of many re-zonings that I knew would ultimately be approved by Council no matter what P&Z recommended. I did so in order to add conditions to improve the plan. One of the planners told me I had taken upon myself the role of “chief skeptic.”

In my last year as a P&Z Commissioner, I witnessed the following:

• Town Council ignoring the recommendations of the P&Z Commission if they recommended denial of a rezoning application

• Town Council eliminating the 4-year maximum term limit for P&Z commissioners in order to maintain pro-development votes

• Some of my concerns not being included in staff reports to Council

• Town Council removing conditions that I fought to have included in development proposals

This is when I realized that the only way to change the system was to change the Town Council itself.

Taxes and Fiscal responsibility
In the 8 years of Mayor Hiremath and council's tenure, the budget has grown 59%, though population growth has been around 8% and inflation around 12%. This growth rate is 5 times the rate of inflation.

Taxes have been raised significantly, with the sales tax being increased by 25% and the utility tax doubled. The current Town Council even supported a property tax which was voted down by the citizens. Too much taxpayer money is being funneled into the community center and golf, larger government, and the associated personnel.

The most recent FY 18/19 budget that the council passed in June included a $14M bond, paid over 20 years. The mayor and council claim to have a $1.3M budget surplus. I don’t know about you, but I don’t put $1,400 on my credit card, then look at my account with $130 left and say that I have a $130 surplus. This is akin to what is happening with the Town finances.

We would like to employ disciplined fiscal responsibility with our taxpayer dollars with an eye towards the long-term benefit of our community's future, keeping in mind what we are leaving for our children.

Parks and Recreation
Many of you know that the Town commissioned a statistically valid Parks and Recreation Survey in 2014 regarding amenities residents desired. Far at the top were Playgrounds, Ramadas, and Walking Paths. Out of 34 items, golf came in at 33 and with negative favorability (with 63% of respondents rating golf as “Not important.”)

Six months later, the Town Council voted to purchase a golf course in a deal with their biggest campaign donor, and since then have doubled down on that purchase, throwing good money after bad. We believe that parks and recreation should meet the needs of the greatest number of people and be truly designed for the citizens.

To me, the golf losses are about the opportunity lost. What could we have done with that money instead? To put the scale of losses into perspective, we have lost enough money on Golf to have constructed 57 new playgrounds, or 6 large splash pads (like the one in Marana), or any number of ball fields, but in 8 years the Town Council has not built any of these things.

The FY 2018/19 budget includes a 6 million dollar bond for golf and the community center improvements paid over 20 years, but no money or plans for Naranja Park or any playgrounds or ball fields. My children will be nearly my age before the Town is finished paying for this bond.

The Town Council now says it is “breaking even.” What they mean by this is that the Town has projected that the sales tax revenues will now be enough to cover the losses. This does not account for any capital improvement or the upcoming bond. This is not the definition that was given of breaking even when the purchase was proposed, and the courses are still costing $2.5M per year of your tax dollars, no matter how you manipulate the math.

We want to employ sensible, community driven strategies to stem the golf losses and direct the parks and recreation dollars where they can benefit all our residents.

I am running for Council because I love my Town and I want to make it a better place. It is a challenge – however, I feel deeply about doing what I can to make Oro Valley (and the world) a better place and about being the change I want to see in the world.

The Town Council election is held in the Primary on August 28th.

Read more about Melanie’s campaign issues HERE

Short Stuff: Last Week's Council Meeting

Here's some of the "stuff" that we have not reported that occurred at last week's Oro Valley council meeting:

• The town's general fund budget surplus of $1.7 million occurred because Oro Valley has yet to pay $2.1 million to Tucson Electric Power for burying wires on Oracle Road. 


• The new water company "automated meter reading program" is still in its implementation phase. The results for those locations installed:  More accurate readings have resulted in increased revenues.  In addition, savings have been achieved because to town does not use meter readers.


• Heirloom Farmers Market's lease of Steam Pump Ranch from Oro Valley includes the right to have liquor as approved on a case-by-case basis by the town manager and the chief of police.  Roxanne Garcia, representing Heirloom, said that the right to have liquor was needed because, from time-to-time, local wineries may want to display their product.

• Council approved by a 7-0 vote the public art for the Sun City Recreation Center.  The art had been approved by a  4-2 vote by the Conceptual Design Review Board.  Kelly Huber, who was put on the Conceptual Design Review Board to bring artistic talent to the board, voted against it because, as Planner Williams noted, she was concerned that this was a "...repeat artist with a repeat theme. She was looking for a more unique concept."


• The Council rejected, 4-3 a proposal to discuss new tax initiatives.  The reason that proposal was put forth was to enable a discussion of a renter's tax.  Read why Council Member Zinkin wanted this item discussed.

---

What's Going On Here? Oro Valley Council Considering Reducing Taxes & Fees?

Our blogger friend, Victorian Cowgirl blogged the following:

This is a separate topic but there isn't another place to post this.

I just read an article on the left side column of the blog about the June 29th Study Session.

"Council members discussed options that included temporarily reducing the town's 2 percent retail sales tax and the construction sales tax."

"Councilman Steve Solomon suggested the town cut its construction sales tax from 4 percent to 2 percent to spur building."

What??!! I thought that in order to balance the budget, we HAD to INCREASE the utility tax from 2% to 4%. Now all of a sudden, we can REDUCE the 2% sales tax? And we can REDUCE the construction tax from 4% to 2%?

OK. Someone help me understand this.
*************************************************************************************
My response:

This should not surprise anyone.

Joe Hornat recently said HE didn't know why he was against an issue, while Mary Snider commented that she looked into an issue AFTER she voted against it.

Now, "The Appointed One, Steve Solomon "The Home Builder," suggests we HALF the construction tax AFTER he voted to DOUBLE the Utility Tax.

The only explanation is that Solomon doesn't think businesses & schools use any gas, electric & water!

Anyone remember the movie, "One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest?"

The ONLY question is why ONLY Hornat & Snider are subject to a recall?

Here's the article "Cowgirl referenced from the Az Star.
http://azstarnet.com/news/local/northwest/article_f5af7fd9-9bd1-5a79-8e6d-d357cbaf1d4a.html

Two Letters To The Explorer Discuss "The Oro Valley Tax Issue"

John Musolf does much to contribute his financial knowledge to our blog readers.
Ken Kinard has served Oro Valley in the past.

Both of these gentlemen have written letters to the editor of The Explorer.

It would be good, if we heeded their advice, as it concerns new proposed taxes.

Please read their respective letters here.
http://explorernews.com/voices/article_854b6170-7051-11e0-b10e-001cc4c03286.html

Steve Solomon AKA "The Appointed One" Says Doubling The Utility Tax Is Like Buying A "Starbucks Coffee"

It probably won't do any good, because "The Appointed One" will have enough of the others on the Oro Valley Council vote "Yes" for doubling the tax on our gas, water & electric bills, but this item is scheduled for a vote at the May 4 council meeting.

PUBLIC HEARING - ORDINANCE NO. (O)11-14, AMENDING THE TAX CODE OF THE TOWN OF ORO VALLEY, ARTICLE IV, CHAPTER 8A, SECTION 480,
RELATING TO THE UTILITY SERVICES TAX RATE


NOTE:
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of Ordinance No. (O)11-14, increasing the utility sales tax rate to 4% (current rate is 2%) to enhance the diversity and stability of Town revenues and to provide needed resources to maintain Town service levels.

"Staff" does not note that by taxing the citizens, we can expect "staff" will be better positioned to get a raise.

PLEASE: Pay attention to which, if any on the council join with Bill Garner to vote "NO" on this tax.

Keep in mind two things:

1) This tax was passed in 2007 as a "one time" tax to subsidize the hiring of more Oro Valley cops----like we need more cops!

2) This tax is now going to be 4% on our already inflated bills for our necessities: water, gas & electricity.

Perhaps those that buy Starbucks will have to do with one less latte. For the majority of us, that don't buy lattes, you'll just have less money to squander away on food, gas & medicine!

Conny Culver Alerts All Oro Valley Residents About Potential Tax Increases

Ex-Council Member Conny Culver is doing her best to warn us all about the actions and potential actions of some on the Oro Valley Council. We have tried to do the same. Here is an important message from Conny Conny. Please consider her words.

Art
*************************************************************************************
Oro Valley Seeking THREE new TAXES

The POLITICIANS ACCOUNTABILITY COALITION, a Political Action Committee (PAC-PAC) is launching a campaign to inform Oro Valley residents of the current Town Councils apparent intent to reach even further into the pockets of Oro Valley residents. It is the intent of PAC-PAC* to inform the residents of proposed policy action as the next election for three (3) Town Council members grows closer.

*The PAC PAC (Politician Accountability Coalition Political Action Committee) is dedicated to improving the accountability of candidates to the people they serve or desire to serve.

The first step is to bring concerned citizens to a public hearing to share their views on the proposed increases in taxes and fees. While many residents are struggling financially in the midst of the national economic crisis, the elected officials of Oro Valley appear to be unable to curb their spending habits.

The next Oro Valley Town Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 20 at 6 PM. The first item on the regular agenda is the CALL TO THE AUDIENCE, each speaker has three minutes to present. Please attend and voice your opposition to the 'proposed new revenues' currently under consideration by members of the Town Council.

To continue current fiscal assumptions and "funding beyond our means" by the Town Council is simply bad policy. The proposed plan is to increase the local sales tax and double the the controversial Utility Tax.

Also proposed are fee increases for the use of OV public facilities.

All of these proposals can be passed by a simple vote of the Council.

Additionally there is a plan to "educate the public on the need for a Property Tax" this summer. This would require the approval of the registered voters of Oro Valley. If passed, the Town Council could raise the taxes at will. IF the voters approve a Real Estate Property Tax. The campaign to initiate a Property Tax would be funded at the expense of OV residents.

The budget has increased dramatically while the population of Oro Valley has grown by only 1,100 (per the 2010 US Census) based on the 2000 US Census. Why are these increases necessary? Why has our budget spiraled out of control?

Please visit the Town of Oro Valley website: www.orovalleyaz.gov
On the home page, right side you will find the NOTICE OF INTENT TO IMPOSE OR INCREASE FEES OR TAXES. (also pasted below this notice)

I'm asking residents of Oro Valley to please attend this meeting and voice your concerns regarding these additional 'revenue generating' policies prior to due diligence being demonstrated during the budgeting process.

Conny Culver
Chair, Politician Accountability Coalition, A Political Action Committee and Former Oro Valley Council Member


Notice of Intent to Impose or Increase Fees or Taxes
Pursuant to A.R.S. 9-499.15, the Town of Oro Valley is providing notice at least sixty days prior to the date the proposed new or increased fee or tax is scheduled to be approved or disapproved at a meeting of the Oro Valley Town Council. Agenda packets are generally available at least ten days prior to the Council meeting.

Date Posted
Proposed Fee/Tax to be Imposed/Increased
Date of Council Meeting


February 24, 2011
2% Increase to the Utility Tax

May 4, 2011
February 24, 2011 Increase to the following: Pool entrance fee; Pool lane rental fee; Ball field rental fee; Ramada rental fee; Permit fee for inflatables and piñatas; and Racquetball court fees May 4, 2011
February 25, 2011 Increase to the following liquor licensing fees: liquor license application fee; liquor license fee; and special event liquor license May 4, 2011
March 24, 2011 0.25% Increase to the Town's transaction privilege sales tax June 1, 2011

A Classic Response To Our "Hiremath Video"

Our friend & neighbor, and unwanted neighbor to the OV Marketplace, John Marinaro, sent us this wonderful email. With John's permission, we are pleased to share his comments.
Art
*************************************************************************************

In response to your “Lowermath” 2011 Tax Increase error driven message, I am providing the following corrections:

1. Tax Increase Don’t Hurt People, People Hurt People

You’re all wrong, the property tax is a great idea! That will enable us, the Oro Valley tax payers, less discretionary monies to spend, eliminating some confusing choices! More specifically, for me, do I buy milk this week or skip the purchase of eggs until the following week? Thus, by removing these excess dollars it will enhance my life style. Thank you Oral Valley Council…

2. Vestar (Derived From Vestal and/or Virgin)

Another flaw in your letter, just the other evening I was hallucinating Vestar spoke on my behalf requesting the U.S. Congress to increase my social security benefits… Obviously, Vestar had a hidden agenda… they want to get more money into my hands for consuming goods at their “High End” Shopping Mal… (I use one “L” in Mal just like Wal-Mart… it’s an economy of letters, it saves and lets you live better…

3. Oro Valley Marketplace & Taxes

None of this affects me, as I do not use gas or electricity, I have a tiny nuclear plant behind my home. And as far as the Oro Marketplace, I never use it either… They don’t have anything I need!"

John Musolf Substantiates Mike Zinkin's Comments On Oro Valley Budget

Regardless of any "gibberish" you may read elsewhere, John Musolf "sets the record straight" on Mike Zinkin's points concerning Oro Valley's budget issues.

Please read John's comments below.

Art
************************************************************************************

Let’s look at Mike Zinkin’s recent letter to the Explorer on Oro Valley's Budget:

“Mike stated that the budget deficit was projected at 3 million”. The deficit was reduced to 2.6 Million March 23 (shared tax revenue increased).

“Oro Valley is considering an employee raise/bonus”. Discussed March 23 OV budget study session.

“Oro Valley pays 100% of employee health benefits and 75% of dependent benefits.

“Oro Valley gives employees a holiday for Christmas Eve, New Years Eve, and their birthday.” Public facts.

“Oro Valley gives 68 policemen a take home vehicle”. Public Fact. Town pays for all gas, oil, and maintenance.

“Oro Valley has eight policemen assigned to a Task Force meaning that they don’t even work in Oro Valley”. Public Fact. R 02-55, 09-26, 09-62, 09-64.

“Oro Valley has eight motorcycle policemen, while all of Pima County has only six.” Public Fact.

“Oro Valley has budgeted over $160,000 for training and travel ($36,000 just for Mayor and Council training).” Mike used the FY2010/2011 Adopted Budget Figures.

“Oro Valley does the Amphi District job of providing security to the schools with seven School Resource Officers (SRO’s).” Public Fact.

Mike asked a number of questions in his letter to determine whether some reduction in those expenditures could be accomplished.

Watch the March 23 budget study video! Mayor Hiremath attacked the press/media (Explorer) and the individual (Mike Zinkin) who wrote “fallacies” about the budget process although the Mayor never identified any incorrect information. Our “Civility” Mayor cannot stand any public dissent! Golly!

John Musolf

Snider & Waters Want To Be Judged By What They Are Doing. Fair Enough!

Vice Mayor Mary Snider & Council Member Lou Waters saw fit to respond in this week's Explorer to the letter last week written by Mike Zinkin, and posted on our blog,

They end their letter by writing----and I quote: "--judge us by what we do, not by what others say we’re doing."

That sounds fair to us. So we'll judge them by the fact that they saw fit to do the following:

1) On the upcoming May 4 council agenda: Add an increase to the Utility Tax that was initially scheduled for ONLY one year, and now these two are pushing for it, only at a higher percentage rate. Keep in mind, it was initially imposed for one year so more cops (that we didn't need)could work for Oro Valley. (Let's see how they vote)

2) On the upcoming June 1 council agenda: Add a 1/4% sales tax to our 2% tax that Oro Valley imposes. Let's see if these two feel it is smart business sense to increase a sales tax when shoppers can easily travel to the Foothills Mall and avoid the OV tax.
Let's not forget that three of our shopping centers, including the "infamous" Oro Valley Marketplace keep approx 1/2 of OUR sales tax revenue.

3) They have been outspoken about giving the OV police raises to the tune of $200,000,
while at the same time, are seemingly happy to tax the "heck" out of the citizens. (Will they vote "yes" for this and other employee raises & bonuses?)

4) Let's not forget that Snider & Waters voted to "kill" the Police Management Study. Why? Not because they wanted to save money. They were afraid an outside consulting firm would tell us we have more police than we need and more police than we can afford. Safety is not the issue. The issue is their "love affair" with the police. (We "judged you" on that action, and you were "judged guilty."

There's plenty more, but we'll judge them on their own words---at least until we see different actions.

Don't hold your breath on that!

Here's their letter to the Explorer. Judge for yourself who & what to believe. (Below it is another letter by Chuck Davis on the budget)
http://explorernews.com/voices/article_62970dca-5a3d-11e0-9b87-001cc4c002e0.html

Council Starts Process Of Increasing Taxes

At the special council session of March 23rd, Hizzoner directed the town manager to "put the notice" of an increase of .25" in the sales tax on the town web site.

They're in a big rush to push this down our throats.

Oh yes, they also are eager to approve pay raises for town employees, especially those "poor souls" earning less than $60,000! Unbelievable. Unemployment at 10%. No increase in social security benefits for three consecutive years. But Oro Valley, why they can just spend and spend and spend. This tax and spend philosophy was strongly supported by the Appointed One, Steve Solomon, by Mary Snider and by Hizzoner.

TAX AND SPEND

That's the new by word of Oro Valley.

You guys simply gotta watch the last five minutes of this special session. Here's the link.

They are like "kids in a candy shop", spending Daddy's money!

That'd be funny. Except ITS YOUR MONEY!

----

BEWARE! Oro Valley Council Majority Has More Taxes On The Horizon

As I said, BEWARE!"

At the March 23 Study Session, lead by council APPOINTEE Steve Solomon, it was decided to put the additional 1/4% sales tax increase on the June 1 Council agenda..

Previously, the 2% Utility Tax was added to the May 4 agenda.

Especially for the almost 25% of Oro Valley senior citizens that will NOT see a social security benefit increase for the 3rd year, I'm sure this will be welcome news (sarcasm intended)

PLEASE! Pay attention to who votes for what as there will be an election in one year----and, if need be, a recall even before then! (Not a threat, just a fact!)
*************************************************************************************

FROM THE ORO VALLEY WEB SITE

Notice of Intent to Impose or Increase Fees or Taxes
Pursuant to A.R.S. 9-499.15, the Town of Oro Valley is providing notice at least sixty days prior to the date the proposed new or increased fee or tax is scheduled to be approved or disapproved at a meeting of the Oro Valley Town Council. Agenda packets are generally available at least ten days prior to the Council meeting.

Date Posted Proposed Fee/Tax to be Imposed/Increased Date of Council Meeting

February 24 2% Increase to the Utility Tax May 4, 2011


February 24 Increase to the following: May 4,2011
Pool entrance fee;
Pool lane rental fee;
Ball field rental fee;
Ramada rental fee;
Permit fee for inflatables and piñatas;
Racquetball court fees

February 25
Increase to the following liquor licensing fees: May 4,2011
liquor license application fee; liquor license fee;
and special event liquor license

March 24
0.25% Increase to the Town's transaction
privilege sales tax June 1, 2011

Oh No! Amphi School District Tax Increase Coming!

As reported in The Explorer, just what we don't need----An Amphi School District tax increase.

The article states:

At last week’s Amphitheater school board meeting, Chief Financial Officer Scott Little detailed the reasons for higher taxes, citing cost shifts from state government to the district, higher property values from two years ago that are now affecting tax bills, and a rise in delinquent taxes.


Read the article here:
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2010/08/18/news/doc4c6adf1caa863438440230.txt

Questions & Answers On Prop. 100

We have consciously avoided taking a position on Prop 100----not because it's not important----it certainly is, but we didn't want to be distracted from the critical Oro Valley election for mayor & council.

However, we thought it might be helpful for some of our readers to get a better understanding on this issue.

As such, here are some questions & answers on Prop 100---the temporary 1% sales tax increase as published in today's Az Republic.

We hope everyone will analyze the issue and vote.


http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/04/25/20100425sales-tax-questions-proposition-arizona.html

Prop. 101--- 1% Sales Tax Increase Debate On Sun. April 11 @ 6:30PM

As reported in Inside Tucson Business Magazine---

State sales tax election is subject of TV debate

“Arizona Sales Tax: Fix or Folly?” is the title of a public debate on the proposal that is being put to voters in a special election May 18. The debate, being organized by Arizona Public Media, will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 11 in the Stevie Eller Dance Theater, 1713 E. University Blvd. on the University of Arizona campus.

It will be televised live on KUAT-TV’s on PBS World, which is digital channel 27.3 and available on Cox cable channel 83 and Comcast channel 203.

The debate will feature representatives from the opposing campaigns, “Yes on 100” and “Ax the Tax.” Organizers are asking that questions for the panelists be submitted in advance via e-mail to questions@AZpublicmedia.org. For those wishing to attend the debate in person, doors will be open at 5:30 p.m. and seating will be on a first-come, first served basis.

The ballot proposition being put to voters would raise the state sales tax from 5.6 percent to 6.6 percent until May 31, 2013.
Copyright © 2010 Inside Tucson Business

Good Grief! Pima County Looking At 40% Hike In Our Sewer Bills

Need we say more.

Thanks to Loomis & Carter, our water bills were just increased for about the 6th time in the last 7 years. Thanks to Loomis, we're paying a tax on our gas, water & electric bills, and now the County wants a "gigantic" hike of 40% on our sewer bills.

That's it, no more showers, no more clean clothes or dishes, and let's all build outhouses.

Not practical, but it may be the only way to save money.

Read The Explorer article here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2010/02/10/news/doc4b71e7f71cfc9598425866.txt

Oro Valley Resident Letter To Explorer Re: Property Taxes

We don't know Mr. Lewandowski, but we hope we all read his letter to The Explorer.



Can't fight City Hall; can elect proper occupants


Yesterday I received my new property tax valuation, up more than 9 percent over the previous year. Yet, recent sales of my neighbors' properties show that property values continue to decline. Perhaps many of you are having the same experience.

There is something that we can do in order to protect ourselves. Coincidentally, last week, The Explorer published all of the candidates' views on starting a property tax here in Oro Valley. The results are in. Only Mark Finchem and Don Emmons came out categorically against initiating a property tax.

Likewise, among the three mayoral candidates, only Mike Zinkin has come out against starting such a tax here.

We can't fight City Hall, but we can still elect the right people to be in it.



Ray Lewandowski, Oro Valley

Uh! Oh! Look What Phoenix Town Council Voted To Tax

Well, the big town to our north just imposed a tax on, of all things, milk, bread, and all food products.

How soon will it be that Oro Valley will follow suit. OUR ONLY CHOICE--- ELECT MIKE ZINKIN MAYOR!

Read the Az Republic article here.
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/02/02/20100202phoenix-food-sales-tax-approved.html

Also read what other municipalities in the Phx area are looking at for new ways of taxing its citizens.
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/02/03/20100203taxes0203.html

Think Your Vote Doesn't Count? Think Again! Prop 403 Passes By 28 Votes

As reported in The Explorer,voters in the Amphitheater School District passed Proposition 403, the maintenance and operations property tax override by the slimest of margins---28 votes.

As Dave Perry noted in his editorial, Amphitheater has 71,029 registered voters, according to the recorder's office. Turnout was 19,888.That means more than 50,000 people didn't cast a ballot, thereby empowering the minority to make a $7.5 million annual taxation decision for the majority.


Regardless of where you stood on this issue, hopefully, it will be a good lessen in our upcoming election for mayor & 3 council seats. YOUR VOTE DOES COUNT!

Read The Explorer story & editorial here.

http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2009/11/11/news/doc4af9f311aba4c603675785.txt

http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2009/11/11/opinion/editorials/doc4af9fd0802963626983298.txt