Bits and Pieces

Council unanimously approves 71.6% cumulative compensation increase covering 14 years

As LOVE reported Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council and mayor have received the same annual compensation since fiscal year 2012-13. On Wednesday evening, Council made a one-time adjustment, voting unanimously to increase annual compensation for the mayor from $12,740 to $21,863.70 and for each councilmember from $10,058 to $17,260.81. 

Vice Mayor/Mayor Elect Melanie Barrett proposed the revised amounts based on calculations prepared by Town Finance Director David Gephart, intending to reflect compensation adjustments granted to Town employees since 2013. The increases represent approximately 71.6%, equivalent to 4.24% compounded annually over 13 years. Council also approved future across-the-board compensation adjustments consistent with those granted to Town employees. LOVE has requested the details underlying the Town's calculations to better understand how the amounts were determined. We have not yet received a response. (26-10-21 Oro Valley Town Council Meeting 2:27:12 to 3:06:25)

Tonight: National Night Out brings police and residents together

The Oro Valley Police Department will host its annual National Night Out tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N. Oracle Road. The event brings residents, police officers, firefighters, and other public safety agencies together for an evening of community activities. Held in conjunction with Halloween Safe Treats, the celebration traditionally includes candy, games, giveaways, and opportunities for families to meet local first responders and see emergency equipment up close. Last year's event attracted more than 7,000 attendees. National Night Out is designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. For more information, visit the Oro Valley Police Department's National Night Out page.

Sun City Oro Valley to celebrate 40 years with six weeks of festivities
Sun City Oro Valley will celebrate its 40th anniversary with six weeks of activities beginning January 2 and continuing through February 13, 2027. The celebration will open with a community parade through Sun City's main streets, followed by a free barbecue picnic and other activities. Throughout the six weeks, community clubs will offer games, entertainment, and special events. The celebration will conclude February 13 with a gala reception and the conclusion of an online auction. Sun City Oro Valley is home to more than 4,000 residents in 2,488 homes and offers nearly 200 clubs and a variety of recreational facilities. For additional information and event updates, visit the 40th anniversary celebration website. (Sun City Media Release)

Rancho Vistoso residents invited to fall festival Tomorrow
The Vistoso Community Association will host its annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 24, from 8 to 11 a.m. at Moore Loop Park, 13060 N. Moore Loop Road. The event, open to VCA members and their families, will feature refreshments, snacks, prizes, and activities for children. The Golder Ranch Fire Department will participate from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and the Oro Valley Police Department is also scheduled to attend. A Halloween costume parade and contest will begin at 10 a.m. Winners of the association's annual photo contest will also be announced. The event provides an opportunity for Rancho Vistoso neighbors to gather and enjoy a morning of family activities. For more information, visit the Vistoso Community Association website. (Vistoso Community Association Newsletter)
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Rockin’ 4 Heroes Live and Online Auction Offers Exclusive Experiences

From heartfelt tribute to major community event
What began as a heartfelt tribute to the first responders who cared for one Oro Valley couple’s son during his final battle with cancer has now grown into Southern Arizona’s largest free outdoor rock concert.

Thousands are expected to gather Sunday, November 8, at James D. Kriegh Park for the 6th Annual Rockin’ 4 Heroes Concert. The event’s mission is resonating well beyond Southern Arizona, with pre-registrations already coming in from 15 states. It’s more than a concert—it’s a community-wide “Thank You” to the first responders, active-duty military, veterans, and Gold Star families.

Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of classic rock featuring YouTube sensation Lexington Lab Band, along with a delicious lineup of food trucks, beer and wine tents, and fun for the whole family. Click here for a preview of the energy and excitement of a Rockin’ 4 Heroes Concert!

Dinner with heroes
Ever want to know what really goes on behind the scenes at a fire station? A live auction during the concert gives you the opportunity to find out.

The Private Firehouse Experience auction package features dinner for six guests with the first responders of Golder Ranch Fire District, who will prepare and host a hero-worthy meal, followed by an exclusive firehouse and equipment tour. It’s a rare opportunity to share a meal and hear the stories and experiences directly from those who answer the call.

Can’t attend? You can still make a difference.
Even if you can’t join the crowd in person, you can show your support by bidding on an exciting collection of prize packages through the new Rockin’ 4 Heroes Online Auction. Among the standout offerings are exclusive experiences you won’t find just anywhere:

• FLIGHT INSTRUCTION IN A PIPER WARRIOR. A once-in-a-lifetime flight through history and Arizona’s Canyon Country. Join the ranks of those who have experienced the thrill of flight, courtesy of Falcon Warbirds of Mesa, Arizona. Enjoy a one-hour session of dual flight instruction with accomplished aviator Scott Andrews, certified flight instructor. Soar over the dramatic landscapes of the Superstition Mountains region, including a scenic canyon pass through Apache Lake and surrounding areas.
• ONE OF A KIND GUITAR, HANDCRAFTED FENDER STRATOCASTER. Custom made exclusively for Rockin’ 4 Heroes by master guitarsmith and accomplished musician Jack Radavich. Own a true piece of Rockin’ 4 Heroes! Every detail reflects Jack’s passion for music, craftsmanship and the art of the guitar. A collector’s piece. A musician’s dream, a one-of-a-kind original.

Explore these exceptional offerings and more and place your bids on the Rockin’ 4 Heroes website online auction link. Every bid is another opportunity to support the heroes who serve our communities and our nation.

Free admission and event details
Free admission. Pre-registration is not required but is encouraged for a chance to win a $500 gift certificate!

Gates open at 3:30 p.m.; the event starts at 4:00 p.m. Plenty of free parking. No coolers or pets, please. Open lawn seating. Bring a chair and we’ll see you there! Click here to pre-register. 

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Tonight...Council To Consider Increasing Its Stipend

Proposed resolution would nearly triple current compensation
Tonight, the Oro Valley Town Council will consider increasing the annual compensation it receives for serving on Council. The mayor currently receives $12,740 annually, while each of the six councilmembers receives $10,058. These amounts have remained unchanged since fiscal year 2012-13. The Town officially refers to these payments as salaries, although they compensate elected officials for part-time public service.

Council stipend has remained unchanged for 14 years because no COLAs were granted

The Town established Council salaries in 1999 and subsequently approved several cost-of-living adjustments. The last occurred in fiscal year 2012-13. Resolution (R)06-30, adopted in 2006, authorized future Council COLAs to match those approved for Town employees. Town Clerk Mike Standish confirmed to LOVE that the resolution remains in effect. He also clarified that while Town employees have received merit increases since FY2012-13, they have received no COLAs. As a result, Council compensation has remained unchanged.

Resolution sets stipend at Marana levels
The proposed compensation matches that adopted by Marana in 2025.  That proposal would increase the mayor's annual stipend to $37,000, a 190% increase, and each councilmember's stipend to $31,000, a 208% increase. Both amounts would approximately triple current compensation. The impact would add $150,000 to this year's expenses.

But there are comparable towns where mayor and council stipends are far less

At one time, Marana and Oro Valley were comparable communities. However, Oro Valley and Marana are very different communities. Marana is rapidly growing, while Oro Valley is largely developed. Using Marana's compensation levels to establish Oro Valley Council stipends makes little sense without further justification, especially when other established Arizona communities, more comparable to Oro Valley, pay considerably less, as shown in the panel at right.

A reasonable alternative: Increase stipend using 43% cost of living increase since 2013

In 2006, the Town Council adopted Resolution (R)06-30, providing that future cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for the mayor and councilmembers would match those approved for Town employees. Town Clerk Mike Standish confirmed that the resolution remains in effect. However, no COLAs have been granted to Town employees since fiscal year 2012-13, although merit increases have been awarded. Meanwhile, the Consumer Price Index has risen approximately 43% from June 2013 through June 2026. The alternative is to adjust Council stipends to reflect that inflatoin. The mayor's annual stipend would increase to approximately $18,220 and councilmembers' to $14,385. The total additional annual cost to the Town would be approximately $31,400, compared with nearly $150,000 under the proposed increases.

Another option: Conduct comparative compensation study to determine the fair stipend amount
The Town routinely conducts comparative compensation studies when considering salary adjustments for employees. Yet, Wednesday's agenda contains no comparable analysis of elected-official compensation, Council workload, or the financial impact. The outgoing Council would also be approving the increases just two weeks before newly elected officials take office. Council could postpone its decision until a comprehensive review is available.

Fair compensation deserves a fair, transparent review
Councilmembers deserve a stipend for their time and effort. Perhaps, after 14 years, an adjustment is warranted. However, proposing to nearly triple their compensation simply to match what Marana pays is difficult to justify without further analysis. Council needs to give this matter considerably more thought rather than make a hasty decision without adequate supporting rationale.

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FollowUp on approval of 71.6% pay increase

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Winfield Bids Adieu

Uses "State of the Town" event to review his accomplishments
Mayor Joe Winfield is leaving office after eight years with a clear message. Oro Valley is in substantially better shape today than it was when he became mayor in 2018. That was the central theme of Winfield’s eighth and final State of the Town address, delivered October 16 at the El Conquistador Resort. Winfield pointed to accomplishments in financial management, public safety, parks and recreation, water infrastructure, and economic development as evidence of the Town's progress. He credited the combined efforts of Town Council, staff, businesses, and residents for these achievements.

Eight years of accomplishments that required difficult decisions
Winfield contrasted conditions in 2018 with those today, highlighting a number of accomplishments (see panel right). He emphasized that these accomplishments often required difficult or controversial decisions.

He described the Council's responsibility as stewardship, protecting what makes Oro Valley special while preparing for its future. He also made clear that the accomplishments were not his alone, repeatedly recognizing the contributions of his fellow Council members, Town employees, residents, volunteers, and local businesses.

LOVE's reflection on Winfield's strategic accomplishments
Winfield accomplished some things that had eluded his predecessors. He demonstrated an ability to find practical solutions to long-standing problems. He found a way to finance the transformation of Naranja Park without a public vote on a bond issue, something that had stalled the project under two previous mayors. He led the turnaround of a municipal golf operation that was losing millions annually by investing in its infrastructure and changing contracted golf managers. Yes, this happened at a time when there was a local and nationwide resurgence in golf. But Winfield recognized the opportunity and took advantage of it. He also played a key role in preserving the former Vistoso Golf Course as a 202-acre nature preserve, working with residents and conservation organizations to protect the land from development.

Challenges remain for the next Council
Winfield acknowledged that Oro Valley's next eight years will present different challenges. As the Town approaches buildout, future growth will increasingly depend on redevelopment of existing commercial areas rather than development of vacant land. Maintaining public services, managing finances, protecting water resources, and balancing housing needs with community character will require careful decisions. He pointed to the proposed OV's Path Forward General Plan, on the November 3 ballot, as a potential guide for future Councils.

Winfield: Oro Valley in good hands
Winfield concluded his remarks with confidence in Oro Valley's future. He believes the Town has a strong financial foundation, capable employees, engaged residents, and a business community committed to its success. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and emphasized that the Town's progress resulted from the collective efforts of many people over many years. His final message was that the responsibility of leadership now passes to others, but the work of preserving and strengthening Oro Valley continues.

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Bits and Pieces

Winfield to present "State of the Town" today
Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield will deliver his eighth and final "State of the Town Address" today at El Conquistador. Winfield is expected to reflect on the Town’s accomplishments during his eight years as mayor (2018–2026) and discuss the importance of community planning and stewardship for the future. Hosted by the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce, the event begins at 9 a.m. with a business expo, followed by a luncheon and the mayor’s address at 11 a.m. More than 700 business and civic leaders are expected to attend. Tickets are available through the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce. For residents unable to attend, the Town plans to post a video recording and transcript of the speech on its website in late October. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

A reminder to vote on Proposition 431, Oro Valley’s next General Plan
Early voting is underway for the November 3 general election, when Oro Valley voters will decide Proposition 431, the Town's proposed 10-year General Plan, known as OV’s Path Forward. The plan, developed with more than 10,700 community contributions, addresses future growth, land use, water resources, public safety, transportation, parks, housing, and other community priorities. Voters can review the proposed plan at OVPathForward.com and read the Town's election publicity pamphlet at OVAZ.gov by searching for "Election Guide." Early ballots were mailed beginning October 7. The last day to request a mailed ballot is October 23, the recommended deadline to return ballots by mail is October 27, and in-person early voting ends October 30. Election Day is November 3. Residents can find voting information through Pima Votes or by calling 520-724-4330. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Upcoming community events in Oro Valley
This month's Oro Valley Vista newsletter reminds residents of several upcoming community events:

• National Night Out, October 23: From 6 to 9 p.m. at the Walmart Supercenter, 2150 E. Tangerine Road. Activities include K9 demonstrations, helicopters, music, food trucks, prizes, and candy for children. Costumes are encouraged.
• Rockin' 4 Heroes, November 8: A free concert honoring first responders, active military personnel, veterans, and Gold Star families at James D. Kriegh Park, 23 W. Calle Concordia. Gates open at 3:30 p.m., with the concert beginning at 4 p.m.

Both events are free. Additional information about these and other community activities is available on the Town's event calendar. (Source: October/November 2026 Oro Valley Vista)

Heads up, Picklr members!
If you frequent The Picklr at Oro Valley Marketplace or are a member, keep an eye out for changes. Although the local facility is independently owned, the company that franchises The Picklr filed for bankruptcy on October 9. According to Fox Business, the company guaranteed leases for approximately 40 franchise locations, leaving it financially responsible when some franchisees couldn't pay. The company reportedly lost $4.4 million last year on revenues of $10.3 million. The local Picklr relies on the parent company for services such as marketing, technology, training, and operating support. Whether the bankruptcy will affect those services or operations at Oro Valley Marketplace is unknown. The local facility remains open, and no changes have been announced. 

Construction begins on new senior living community in Oro Valley

Construction is underway on Vineyard Park Senior Living, a new senior living community at 12380 N. Vistoso Park Road, just east of the existing All Seasons Oro Valley senior living facility. A groundbreaking ceremony was held October 13 for the approximately eight-acre development, which will include a three-story building with 137 assisted living and memory care units, along with 18 independent living casitas. The project, previously known as Oro Valley Assisted Living Community, received Town approval in 2024. The facility is expected to open in March 2028, adding another senior living option in Oro Valley. (Source: Business Wire)

State audit finds millions in uncollected revenue at Oro Valley's new ASDB campus

The Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB), which recently relocated its Tucson operations to Oro Valley's Copper Creek Campus, is facing serious questions following a state audit. According to a KGUN 9 news report, auditors reviewing operations from 2022 through 2024 found more than $2 million in uncollected revenue and another $2.5 million in potentially recoverable Medicaid claims. The audit also found that as many as 25 students graduated without meeting all requirements and criticized the school's decision to relocate to Oro Valley without adequately assessing the impact on students or obtaining proper approval. Although auditors found no evidence of fraud or criminal wrongdoing, they issued 75 recommendations to improve financial management, educational oversight, and transparency. ASDB says it will address the findings, and the Auditor General plans to review its progress within six months. (KGUN 9 Tucson News)

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Oro Valley Council Moves Quickly To Close Data Center Zoning Loopholes

Council votes to expedite changes to the Town Code
The Oro Valley Town Council voted 6-0, with one abstention, on October 7 to begin an expedited process to amend the Town's zoning code to prevent data centers from being permitted automatically in any zoning district. The action follows concerns that existing zoning provisions might allow data centers without specific regulations governing their development. As LOVE reported earlier this week, Oro Valley currently lacks development regulations written specifically for large-scale data centers.

Barrett seeks immediate action to close potential loopholes
Vice Mayor and Mayor-elect Melanie Barrett, who requested the agenda item with Mayor Joe Winfield, said she had become aware of possible loopholes in the Town Code that could allow data centers in several zoning districts. She compared the situation to the recent Board of Adjustment proceedings involving the interpretation of existing zoning provisions. Barrett also indicated that there might already be parties interested in pursuing data center development under the current code. She urged Council to act quickly, preferably before the current Council leaves office, to prevent developers from taking advantage of potential ambiguities.

A two-stage approach to regulating data centers
Barrett proposed addressing the issue in two stages. The first would clarify that data centers are not permitted by right in any Oro Valley zoning district. This means a developer could not rely solely on existing zoning permissions to establish a data center. The second stage, which Barrett suggested leaving to the incoming Council, would involve a more comprehensive review of potential regulations addressing noise, water consumption, electricity demands, and other impacts. She also suggested following similar regulatory efforts underway in Tucson and Pima County.

Council establishes an aggressive timetable
Barrett's motion directs that the Planning and Zoning Commission hold a special meeting on or before October 27, followed by a special Town Council meeting on October 28 to consider the proposed amendment. The motion also calls for a temporary moratorium on data center development to the extent legally possible while the review proceeds. Councilmember Murphy seconded the motion, which passed with six votes in favor and one abstention. Following the vote, staff raised concerns about meeting the required public notification deadlines, including notifying property owners in the C-1, C-2, and Technological Park zoning districts. The Council did not change the schedule.

The decision does not permanently prohibit data centers
The Council's action begins the process of changing the Town Code. It does not immediately establish new zoning restrictions or permanently prohibit data centers in Oro Valley. Rather, the proposed amendment would prevent data centers from being permitted automatically under existing zoning classifications. Whether the Town should eventually allow such facilities, where they might be located, and what development standards should apply remain questions for future consideration.

Oro Valley moves to establish the rules before development proposals arrive
The October 7 decision moves Oro Valley beyond simply considering whether its code needs revision. Council has now directed that a specific amendment be prepared and reviewed within three weeks. If the proposed timetable is met, the current Council will have an opportunity to act before the newly elected Council takes office. The broader discussion of whether data centers are appropriate for Oro Valley, and under what conditions, would then become a matter for the new Council to address.
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See our preview report on this.

Council Adds Funding To Vistoso Pond To Get The Job Done Right

Council resolves questions raised at September meeting
The Oro Valley Town Council voted unanimously at its October 7 meeting to allocate an additional $500,000 to complete improvements surrounding the 2.5-acre pond at Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. The decision follows the September 16 meeting, when confusion over project funding, construction responsibilities, and the proposed grant prompted Council to request a comprehensive update before proceeding. At that meeting, Council learned that although funding had previously been directed toward irrigation and pathways, the necessary grading and other improvements were not fully funded or included in the existing construction contract. The October 7 decision addresses that gap and allows the Town to complete the pond and its surrounding improvements as a coordinated project.

Residents urge Council to finish the job
Eleven residents and community representatives addressed Council, urging members to complete the improvements without further delays. Speakers expressed concern that postponing landscaping and pathways could leave portions of the pond area unfinished for another year or longer. Several warned that stopping and restarting construction would increase costs and expose unfinished grading to erosion. Joe Bell, speaking on behalf of residents who helped establish the preserve, urged Council to complete the essential improvements while the contractor was already on site. Preserve Vistoso board member Sue Maurer expressed similar concerns. Councilmember-elect Rosa Dailey encouraged Council to fund the remaining construction and offered to help organize donations of plantings for the area.

Pond construction is ahead of schedule
Town Public Works Director and Town Engineer Paul Kiesler reported that construction began in July and remains ahead of schedule. The original contract calls for completion by May 11, 2027. Before recent storm damage, staff anticipated completing the pond by the end of January. Kiesler now expects pond construction could be completed around mid-February. Work already completed includes removal of the old concrete bulkhead, abandoned equipment, and portions of the old pond liner. Grading and preparation for installation of the new liner are underway.

Additional $500,000 will complete the surrounding improvements
Kiesler explained that the original pond project, including the memorial and parking lot, had a budget of approximately $2.5 million and is currently about $17,000 over budget. The additional pathways, grading, irrigation, and turf needed to complete the restoration were not fully funded. He estimated that completing these improvements would require approximately $425,000 and recommended allocating $500,000 to provide a contingency for unforeseen expenses. Doing so while the contractor is already on site will reduce overall project costs and avoid potential damage to newly completed work.

Council agrees to fund the work now rather than wait
Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett moved to allocate the additional $500,000, with Councilmember Mary Murphy seconding the motion. Barrett explained that completing the work while the contractor was already on site would help ensure the project's success. Murphy agreed, noting that delaying the work would only increase costs. Councilmember Joyce Jones-Ivey urged Council to finish the improvements as quickly as possible. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. The funding will come from the Capital Fund contingency. Kiesler said the additional work could still be completed by May 2027, depending on weather conditions for installing the turf.

Council pursues additional funding for preserve restoration
The pond restoration is only one part of the effort to restore the 202-acre Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. Since acquiring the property, the Town has spent or allocated more than $4.7 million for improvements. The adopted budget provides $366,056 for additional improvements this fiscal year, $200,000 annually for the following two years, and $100,000 annually for the next seven years. The Town has also secured $191,000 in restoration grants. 

IIn a related action on October 7, Council unanimously directed staff to revise the proposed Land and Water Conservation Fund grant application, removing the now-funded pond improvements. The revised application will consider additional recreational improvements, including restroom renovations, trail improvements, and benches. The grant could reimburse the Town for up to half the cost of eligible projects. Work on projects included in the application cannot begin before grant approval, a process that could take more than a year. Staff will return to Council with a revised proposal and updated cost estimates before submitting the application.
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