This January, it will cost more to shop in Oro Valley than to shop in Marana. This is because Marana is reducing it's sales tax from 2.5% to 2.0% (source). The reduction is part of an agreement with the community to rescind a tax that was put into effect to fund the Marana Police Facility. The facility is done. The tax rescinded.
Shopping in Oro Valley will be more expensive, relatively. Oro Valley's sales tax rate is 2.5%. The town council increased the tax rate in 2015 to fund golf operations of the acquired El Conquistador Country Club. One of the justifications for the increase is that the increase would put in on a competitive par with Marana.
We expect that the economic impact of this will be seen most closely on Oro Valley's western edge. It abuts Marana. Residents in this area have easy access via La Cholla to the many shopping opportunities along Ina Road.
This new tax rate disadvantage presents yet another challenge to Oro Valley's new leadership.
You can view how Oro Valley's tax rate compares to other Pima County communities here.
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