Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary With Oro Valley Historical Society

Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary in Oro Valley

Hi, Oro Valley! Are you enjoying the Semiquincentennial festivities taking place across Arizona? There is much happening to mark the 250th anniversary of our nation’s birth, and you can begin celebrating right here in Oro Valley.

February highlights in OVHS’s 20th anniversary year
Last month, we shared a snapshot of our 20th anniversary year. This month, the Oro Valley Historical Society highlights what is planned for the community in February.

Semiquincentennial exhibit at Steam Pump Ranch
Activities begin at historic Steam Pump Ranch, where the Pusch House Museum features an exhibit explaining why the nation is celebrating the Semiquincentennial. Visitors will learn who was involved, the ideas that shaped the movement, the challenges faced, and the journey toward independence from the United Kingdom. This exhibit will be available each Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon through February 21. After that date, the focus will shift to how the Semiquincentennial relates to the state of Arizona, with the new exhibit available for the remainder of the month. Volunteers will be on site each Saturday to provide information and answer questions. Self-guided tours are complimentary, with donations gratefully accepted.

Valentine’s Day walking tours and Heritage Garden visit
On Valentine’s Day—and Arizona’s birthday—February 14, the Society’s naturalist will lead two gentle, hour-long walking tours of the Ranch at 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The tours explore the geology, flora, and fauna of the Sonoran Desert while also sharing stories of the people who lived on the Ranch beginning in the late 1800s. Tours conclude in the Society-maintained Heritage Garden, where visitors can see winter crops and walk through a replica of a Hohokam pithouse.

Community donations supporting local non-profits
Also on February 14, GAP Ministries will return to the Ranch seeking donations of resealable bags (such as Ziploc), canned vegetables, and dish soap for its kitchen. GAP Ministries will return again on February 21 to collect the same items and will be joined by Habitat for Humanity, which will accept donations of household items ranging from furniture to floor coverings. Visit www.ovhistory.org for details on how to support these non-profits through the Society’s “Be Our Ranch Guest” program.

Historical presentation at Oro Valley Public Library
Away from the Ranch but nearby, the Oro Valley Public Library will host a presentation on Friday, February 27, at 3:00 p.m. Royal John Medley, a board member of the Oracle Historical Society, will speak about Earl Francis Linwood, an Oracle resident until 1966. Known for marching to his own beat, Linwood’s story is one attendees will not want to miss. As with all Oro Valley Historical Society events, the presentation is complimentary, with donations gratefully accepted.

Join the celebration locally
Whether at Steam Pump Ranch or the Oro Valley Public Library, the Oro Valley Historical Society invites the community to join in celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday.
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Independent Auditor Says Oro Valley Faces No Immediate Financial Difficulties

Audit report looked T town's financial condition
Assertions by some that the Town is operating in a fiscally irresponsible manner or facing financial trouble are not supported by the audit record. Over the past eight years, including the most recent audit, the town's independent auditors has consistently issued clean "going concern" opinions. They have not identified any condition suggesting financial distress. 

Foresees no immediate cause for concern

The Town’s independent auditor, Brian Hemmerle of the audit firm of Baker Tilly LLP, presented the results of Oro Valley’s fiscal year 2024–25 audit to the Town Council and earlier to the Budget and Finance Commission.  The audit addressed whether there are conditions that could impair the Town’s ability to continue operating and meeting its obligations. Hemmerle found no such conditions. 

While the audit does not predict long-term policy outcomes, the auditor identified no financial difficulties or financial problems facing the Town in the immediate future.

Rumors of future financial problems are based on a long-term forecast and not on audit findings
The only forward-looking concern that has been raised comes from a five financial forecast prepared by the Town’s finance staff, which showed a potential revenue shortfall of four years from now. That forecast formed the basis for a staff request that the Town Council consider new taxes, proposals that the Council ultimately rejected.  Financial forecasts are inherently sensitive to assumptions and are not audit findings. In addition, the further out the projection, the less likely it is to occur. To date, nothing in the Town’s audited financial results or the opinion of the town outside auditor indicates current or near-term financial trouble.

The audit affirmed that the town is on solid financial footing, spending well below its expenditure limit and...
As part of the audit, the auditor also reviewed the Town’s compliance with Arizona’s voter-approved expenditure limitation. He reported that Oro Valley remained well below its authorized spending limit for the fiscal year, meaning the Town did not approach or exceed the legal cap on expenditures. In addition, the auditor stated that he identified no conditions or events that would raise substantial doubt about the Town’s ability to meet its obligations and continue operating as required over the applicable look-ahead period. Together, these findings indicate that the Town not only complied with its legal spending limits but also demonstrated the financial capacity to meet its ongoing commitments.

...with strong reserves

The audited financial report also shows that the Town ended the fiscal year with a General Fund balance of $20.7 million, equal to about 39 percent of annual General Fund expenditures. This reserve level is well above the Town Council’s adopted policy threshold of 25 percent. While auditors do not set or evaluate reserve policy, they do verify that reported balances are accurate and available. The absence of any audit findings or concerns related to reserves indicates that the Town’s General Fund balance is correctly reported and provides a substantial financial cushion to manage revenue fluctuations, unexpected costs, or economic uncertainty.

A "Clean Opinion: " The financial results as reported can be relied upon

Hemmerle reported that the Town received an unmodified, or “clean,” audit opinion. This opinion confirms that the Town’s financial results are accurately reported, free of material misstatement, and prepared in accordance with required accounting standards. The audit does not evaluate policy choices or future decisions, but it does confirm that the numbers relied upon by residents, council, and outside parties are reliable.
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Mayoral Candidate Mark Napier Shares His Vision for Oro Valley

Napier announced mayoral candidacy in August
Last week, we published Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett’s announcement that she is a candidate for mayor. Mark Napier, who announced his own candidacy last August, is also in the race. Our report on is announcement was a brief Bits and Pieces note.  So, we asked Napier to share more about himself, why he decided to run, and what he hopes for Oro Valley’s future so that our LOVE readers can learn more about him.

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Brings four decades of public service and leadership and education
Many residents know Mark Napier from his four-year tenure as Pima County Sheriff, but his public service and leadership experience extend well beyond that role. 

Napier’s background includes formal training in public administration and public safety. He holds a bachelor’s degree in social psychology from Park University and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Boston University. He has completed graduate-level public policy and executive training through the University of Arizona and Arizona State University, and is a graduate of the FBI National Executive Institute. 

Over a career spanning more than four decades, he has held senior leadership positions in law enforcement, county administration, and higher education. In addition to serving as sheriff, Napier later worked as an assistant county administrator, overseeing multiple departments and multi-million dollar operational and capital budgets. His background also includes service on local boards and commissions in Oro Valley, participation in long-range planning efforts, and years of teaching and leadership training focused on public administration and public safety.

Napier's personal ties to Oro Valley shaped decision to run
Napier has lived in Oro Valley for more than 30 years, where he and his wife Marlene raised their four children; and where several of their grandchildren now attend local schools. He said his decision to run for mayor reflects both his personal connection to the community and concern about the town’s long-term direction and fiscal sustainability.

His focus will be on fiscal discipline, public safety, and deliberate, well-planned growth
Napier said his approach to leadership emphasizes fiscal discipline, public safety, and strategic, well-planned growth. He believes that growth must be sensible and consistent with community values. Napier added that decisions should be guided by data, long-range planning, and community input, rather than short-term pressures. “Decisions made today should strengthen the town not just for the next few years, but for the next few decades,” he said.

Campaigns focus on signature gathering to get on ballet for primary election
The mayoral race is expected to draw increased attention as the primary election move on. Voters are being asked to sign nomination petitions to place mayoral and council candidates. You can sign petitions online. 

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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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Council Sees Annexation As One Solution to Future Revenue Challenges

Focus on revenue-generating areas
During last week’s strategy session, the Oro Valley Town Council discussed annexation, framing it as one of the town’s tools to address long-term revenue challenges. Council members repeatedly described annexation as a way to expand the sales tax base without adding new taxes or increasing existing taxes on existing residents.

Balancing revenue with service costs
Council members emphasized that annexation decisions must account for the costs of providing municipal services. Public safety, road maintenance, and infrastructure responsibilities would expand with annexation and must be evaluated alongside potential revenues. Staff noted that departments such as police, public works, and water would need to assess service demands to ensure annexations do not create na situation in which the one-time and continuing cost of the annexation exceed the revenue benefit.

Define specific targets... Clear strategies
Several council members expressed concern that Oro Valley’s annexation strategy has lacked clarity and follow-through. While annexation areas have been discussed for years, council members said they have not consistently been provided with detailed maps, defined boundaries, cost estimates, or clear action steps. The council signaled interest in narrowing its focus to specific high-impact areas and pursuing those annexations more deliberately. [See panel right for areas mentioned at the meeting]

Overcome hurdles: Property owner consent remains a major hurdle
The discussion highlighted two limitations of annexation, On is that property owners must agree to it. Council members noted that many properties under consideration are owned by out-of-state investors who evaluate annexation strictly based on financial return. Several questioned how Oro Valley can make annexation attractive when those owners already receive basic services and may see little financial advantage in changing jurisdictions.

Overcome hurdles: Legal limits on annexation incentives
Council and staff identified a second limitation. The Arizona’s constitutional “gift clause”.  Under state law, the town cannot offer financial incentives, tax relief, or other benefits to private property owners unless Oro Valley receives clear and measurable value in return. Future tax revenue alone does not meet this legal standard. As a result, annexation incentives are largely limited to infrastructure-related investments, such as improvements to roads.  The barrier: In already developed commercial areas where little new infrastructure is needed, the town has few lawful tools to encourage annexation, even when potential revenue benefits are clear.

More discussion to come on this at the March strategy session
Council directed staff to return with more detailed information at the council’s second strategy session on March 2, including defined annexation boundaries, estimated revenues, service costs, and legal constraints. The discussion made clear that the council views annexation as a potential response to future fiscal challenges, but one that will require sharper focus, clearer strategy, and realistic expectations to move forward.

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Melanie Barrett Announces Candidacy for Mayor of Oro Valley

The following is the media release announcing Vice Mayor Barrett's intent to seek the Mayor's office in Oro Valley's 2026 election. Former Pima County Sherriff Mark Napier is the only other announced candidate:
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Oro Valley, AZ - Melanie Barrett today announced her candidacy for Mayor of the Town of Oro Valley, building on 8 years of service as Vice Mayor and a commitment to serving Oro Valley residents, fiscal responsibility, and community leadership.

Barrett holds a law degree from Brigham Young University, where she graduated magna cum laude in 2007 and served on the Law Review. Prior to her over 7 years of service as Vice Mayor, she served nearly 4 years on the Planning and Zoning Commission. She is a married mother of four children and raises her family in Oro Valley.

Barrett has built a record of protecting residents from new taxes while investing wisely in community priorities. Among her major accomplishments, Barrett played a key role in helping to eliminate nearly $2 Million per year in golf operating losses, and reallocating revenues from the golf half percent sales tax towards community priorities. Through this, Barrett led the expansion of Parks and Recreation opportunities – including the buildout of Naranja Park, Community Center amenities, and expanded trail systems – with no new taxes. The funding can now also be utilized for roads and public safety. While there is still work to be done, Barrett is committed to maintaining both the high quality of life and fiscal health she has helped to build in Oro Valley over the last 8 years.

Barrett has been a consistent champion for public safety, helping to rectify a deficit in the police pension, supporting competitive compensation for our officers, and the appointment of Police Chief Kara Riley. She is especially proud that during her time on Council, Oro Valley has been ranked the safest city in Arizona, as well as the #1 safest and wealthiest city in America to retire.

A fiscal conservative, Barrett does not accept special interest funding, and has worked to preserve Oro Valley’s small-town feel, scenic viewsheds, and open space. She has turned down requests for 5 and 6 story apartments, instead limiting developers to 2 and 3 stories, which reflects the desires of Oro Valley residents in the Path Forward Surveys. She advocates for protecting viewsheds and open space while preserving commercially zoned land for quality commercial development that benefits residents by adding retail stores and restaurants.

“I am running for Mayor because I love this community and serving it has been an honor. I would like to continue protecting the things that make Oro Valley special – the beauty, public safety, fiscal responsibility and high quality of life we enjoy. Together, we can keep Oro Valley the special place it is while strengthening it for the future,” Barrett said.

Melanie Barrett, JD

for Oro Valley Mayor

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(Source: Barrett Media Release)

Results vs. Activity: Council And Staff Talk Past Each Other

Different expectations surface early
During the first of two strategic planning study sessions this year, early discussion revealed a disconnect between the Town Council and staff over how the strategic plan is framed and reported. Council members emphasized a desire for planning focused on clearly defined outcomes, while staff updates emphasize activities completed or in progress. 

Activity reporting vs. outcome reporting
Council cited economic development, referred to in the plan as economic vitality, as a clear example. Council members said their intent is to attract major employers, expand commercial development, and increase revenue in a meaningful way. Council wants to know what progress is being made toward specific, identifiable targets tied to those goals.  Staff updates, however, focus on activities such as supporting startup programs, hosting networking events, and developing collaboration spaces. While these efforts may support broader economic development, council members questioned whether they are directly connected to achieving the stated goals.

Council wants "measurable outcome reporting"
Council members said strategic plan items should be built around specific goals and measurable outcomes, with reporting that clearly shows whether progress is being made toward those outcomes or whether current efforts are realistically on track to achieve them. They said success should be judged by results, not by the volume of activity.

Staff wants to do activity reporting because that is what they track
In response to council thoughts, Town Manager Wilkins directed council members to existing documents, including the strategic plan and internal project charters, for additional detail. He emphasized that staff is taking actions, tracking work through multiple tools, and providing quarterly updates, while noting the challenge of consolidating that information into a single, easily digestible report.  

Wilkins’ missed Council’s central concern: Members were not asking for more detail about activities, but for clearer, bottom-line assurance that those activities are designed to produce the specific results Council expects.

Looking ahead to the next strategy session
Several council members summarized the issue succinctly: sSaff is focused on doing things, while Council wants confidence that the things being done are the right ones and will deliver the intended results. As the Town prepares for its second study session, members indicated that clearer outcome definitions up front would help align expectations and keep strategic planning results-driven rather than activity-driven.

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