Bits and Pieces

Town partially funds purchase of police facility through release of some general fund reserves

Wednesday, The Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved the release of some of Oro Valley's General Fund Reserves to pay for the purchase of the new Oracle Road police facility.  The resolution returns brings the reserve from 30% to 25%. Both of these levels are above the historical 20% reserve level under prior administrations. This release amounts to about $2.4 million this year. That amount, by resolution, will be applied to the $3.8 million cost of the building being purchases.

Grants fuel town projects

Grants continue to play a major role in funding projects across Oro Valley. According to the September Town Manager’s report, the Town has recently secured or is awaiting decisions on more than two dozen grants. Awards include $144,500 from Arizona State Parks for accessibility improvements at the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve, $25,988 from Arizona Game and Fish for the Naranja Park Archery Range, and over $3 million for the Northwest Recharge, Recovery and Delivery System. Other applications are pending, such as $86,490 from the U.S. Department of Justice for police programs and $80,300 from the Tohono O’odham Nation for interpretive signage at Vistoso. In total, more than $4 million in requests remain under review, highlighting the importance of pending grants in supporting future projects. (Source Town Manager Executive Report To Council, September 2025)

Group formed to advocate for Oro Valley Performing Arts Center

At Wednesday night’s council meeting, Oro Valley resident Tony D’Angelo updated the council on efforts to bring a performing arts center to Oro Valley. He noted that community surveys for the OVPathForward general plan show strong interest, and a recent tourism stakeholder session ranked a performing arts center as its top “big idea.” D’Angelo announced the formation of the Oro Valley Performing Arts Center (OVPAC) exploratory board, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit with nine local leaders. One board member has already funded a full market and feasibility study by a nationally recognized consultant, which will take 14 weeks to complete. The study will examine financial viability, economic impact, and community benefits, with findings to be shared publicly as the effort advances. (Source: The Oro Valley Town Council Meeting, Call To Audience, September 17, 2025)

Pusch Ridge Tennis event space opens

The Town of Oro Valley celebrated the completion of a new event space at the Pusch Ridge Tennis Facility with a ribbon-cutting this month. The project, finished in just three months, added two large shade structures, concrete pads, bleachers, picnic benches, and artificial turf. Councilmember Elizabeth Robb called the improvements “an investment in Oro Valley’s strong tennis culture,” while Tennis Director Jennifer Fuchs noted the facility has long been central to community life. The space will serve both players and spectators and provide a venue for tournaments, gatherings, and special events (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Council will study new fees and taxes at October 1 study session... State of Town Addess on October 30

At Wednesday's council meeting, Town Manager Jeff Wilkins highlighted several upcoming activities and initiatives. The Community Academy begins October 2 with a nine-class series offering residents a look inside town operations. Council will review proposed new fees and taxes at an October 1 study session, followed by a public forum on October 15.  Wilkins also noted the State of the Town address on October 30, with a free business expo hosted by the Chamber of Commerce from 9–11 a.m. and a ticketed luncheon to follow. (Source Town Manager Report To Council, September 17, 2025)

Bits and Pieces

Messina GoFundMe campaign reaching goal… You can help put it over the top

Last Friday we reported that groundskeeper Rick Messina succumbed to injuries sustained from a bee atttack at the Pusch Ridge Golf Course; and that Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf started a GoFundMe campaign to help pay related expenses for Rick’s parents. The fund has $9,678 raised from 116 donations. The goal is $10,000. You can help put it over the top by contributing here.

Shocking but True: Budget and Finance Commission played no role in the 2025 budget yet it was supposed to do so 

The town’s Budget and Finance Commission played no role in the fiscal 2025 budgeting process. Although they received documents periodically, they did not discuss, analyze or comment on them. According to Finance Director David Gephart, speaking to the commission at the end of June: “I feel like we really haven’t provided you with an opportunity to go through a formal presentation on the budget and allowed you the opportunity to ask questions or provide comment.” This, despite the fact that one of the missions are the commission is to do just that.

“The Budget and Finance Commission is responsible for providing assessment and recommendations in regards to the town manager’s recommended budget and 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan.” (source) . The commission did review three policy changes, but we wonder: What is the purpose of this commission if it doesn’t get involved in the most important aspect of the town’s finances? 

Bohen: The “fat” is in the capital project budget
We noted Tuesday that the town council passed a $151.2 million budget for fiscal 2025. We also noted at that time that Vice Mayor Barrett attempted to demonstrate that the council was at least trying to control spending when she introduced a measure to reduce the across-the-board staff pay increases from 4% to 3%. Later in that same discussion, Council Member Bohen gave his opinion on where the fat is in the budget. According to Bohen, it's in the capital projects. He observed that it's very hard to get straight answers from Town staff on what projects are actually going to cost. We included a quote in the panel at right. 

Oro Valley Residents Advocate for Performing Arts Center to Boost Culture and Economy 
At the last town council meeting, Oro Valley residents and other community members advocated for the establishment of a performing arts center in the town. They emphasized that such a center would not only expand the town’s amenities but also support local arts organizations, provide a venue for youth theater programs, and serve as a vibrant community gathering place. The speakers highlighted the cultural and economic benefits, including increased tourism, enhanced local business revenue, and greater opportunities for residents to engage in the arts. They urged the council to consider this project as a valuable addition to Oro Valley’s growth and development, reflecting the community’s strong support for the arts and desire for enriched cultural experiences.

Oro Valley’s Tourism Transformation: A New Focus on Business and Sports Events 

In a strategic shift, Oro Valley is redefining its tourism approach by prioritizing business and sports event travel, significantly impacting the local economy. Led by the Community and Economic Development (CED) Department, the town is enhancing its group bookings strategy for major resorts like El Conquistador Tucson and Westward Look. Now functioning as the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), Oro Valley has already identified over 600 potential event prospects and developed comprehensive plans to support extended stays and return visits. These efforts include collaboration with local stakeholders and leveraging grant funding opportunities, marking a new era of tourism for the town. Read more about what is behind this transformation here! (Source) 

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