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. 

- - -

Bits and Pieces

Meet the "cops" tonight... Bring the kids!

"The Oro Valley Police Department, in partnership with Walmart, will be hosting the annual National Night Out at Walmart Shopping Center located at 2150 E. Tangerine Rd, Oro Valley, Arizona. Costumes are encouraged! Join us for a fun night with lots of activities for children including Motor Demos, prizes for kids, displays from local fire and law enforcement agencies and of course.... CANDY!" The event is from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

New Online Water portal starting this January

"The Town of Oro Valley Water Utility is excited to announce the implementation of a new and improved online customer portal that will make account payments and management easier than ever before! The self-service portal will allow customers to set up convenient payment methods, update contact information and access historical billing statements. The new system also means your bill will have a new look. The Water Utility is planning to launch the new customer portal in January, so keep an eye on your upcoming Water Utility bills and on the Town’s website for complete details, including helpful information on how to set up your new account." (Source: Oro Valley Vista Newsletter, November 2021)

Town has fourteen job openings

The Town has fourteen open position. These include a lifeguard position, fitness instructors, parks and recreation event volunteers and an entry level police officer position. Click here or visit www.orovalleyaz.gov and click on the blue “Apply for Jobs” button." (Source: Oro Valley Vista Newsletter, November 2021) 

Big Wash trail head under construction

Big Wash Trailhead users will start seeing construction equipment and activity as crews begin to clear vegetation adjacent to the trailhead for future bank protection. But rest assured, the trail and parking lot will remain open, with no detours or closures.

The Big Wash Trailhead is located along East Rancho Vistoso Boulevard at North Del Webb Boulevard, and the clearing, immediately to the south and west of the trailhead, is associated with the new Tranquilo at Rancho Vistoso subdivision. The subdivision, which is in the early stages of grading, will eventually have 227 homes.

 
Throughout the project, the trailhead parking lot will remain open, and trail users should continue to access the trailhead using the current entrance on East Rancho Vistoso Boulevard.

 
The Tranquilo development will include future improvements to the trailhead. New bank protection will safeguard the trailhead from future flooding and erosion. Eventually, once bank protection is finished, the Big Wash Trail will be extended south to Tangerine Road.

 
There is no set date as to when construction will be finished. On-site signage will indicate any changes that may impact trail users. The Town of Oro Valley’s intent is to keep the trailhead and trail open for the duration of this project by coordinating with Pima County and the developer. In the meantime, users should be mindful of traffic control, signage and construction equipment. Be safe and have fun, Oro Valley! (Source: Town of Oro Valley, Parks and Recreation Weekly Guide)

Pusch Ridge Golf Course Pre-Opening Event Saturday

The Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf, the Town of Oro Valley, and Indigo Golf are hosting a pre opening event at the Pusch Ridge Course this Saturday. The event is sold out. A majority of the Oro Valley Town Council may attend a Grand Pre-Opening.

$245,000 in two added funding "sources" enrich the town's Town's Community Center Fund 

This is from one of our readers: 

"Any wonder why the CCF balance is improving? It's because the CCF now takes in $125,000 from HOA's and now also forgoes the $120,000 annual pay back for a net gain of $245,000 per year. The Town has now muddied the waters regarding the Community Center Fund (CCF). It was noticed that the CCF did not transfer its yearly obligation of $120,000 to the General Fund (GF). This was a promise made by the Hiremath council in 2015 when they transferred $1.2 million from the General Fund into the Community Center Fund to "kick start" the CCF. The obligation was to pay back the GF $120,000/year for 10 years. 

I asked why the $120,000 payment was not made this year. 

According to the Town Manager, Mary Jacobs, "The Town Council’s action to broaden the use of the Community Center Fund to include the capital financing of Parks and Recreation projects results in the use of Community Center Fund dollars toward projects that have otherwise been planned for expenditure out of the General Fund. The $120,000 was used toward the calculation of the maximum amount the Town could safely bond from the fund."