Oro Valley Town Finance Director Gephart reported to the Town Council on Wednesday that just about every source of income to the General Fund are well ahead of budget as of April.
Things look great.
Lane Restrictions on Naranja: June 21 to July 1 In fact, General Fund revenues are estimated by year end to be $6.3 million ahead of budget. That’s 13% better than budget. At the same time, General Fund expenditures are estimated to be $2.7 million less than budget. That’s 4% less than budgeted spending. Major factors in play are that inflation is driving the sales tax revenue increase of 23% over budget. The spending underage is the result of the town’s accounting for debt service on pension obligations.
Given the town’s strong financial position, a reduction in fees residents pay for most of the town’s recreation facilities would be in order; given the impact that current historic inflation is having on reducing the buying power of the many senior residents… most of whom are on fixed income. This council has failed to even consider reducing taxes and fees residents pay!
Scrooge July 4… No fireworks! Laser Show at Kreigh Park instead
The Town of Oro Valley will celebrate July 4 at Kreigh Park with a Laser Show. There will be not be fireworks because of “supply chain issues,” according to Town Manager Mary Jacobs. The event will start at 6pm. There will be a “Tom Petty Cover Band”, plenty of food trucks and lots of things to do. “Bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy a 4th of July in person.” (Source: Town Manager Oral “Report To Council’, 6/15/22)
Council declares Community Center Fund “Fully Paid”
In 2015, the Oro Valley Town Council, led by then Mayor Hiremath, voted to borrow $1.2 million from the General Fund to start the Community Center Fund. That money was to be repaid in annual installments of $120,000 per year for ten years. The present town council, led by now Mayor Winfield, set a precedent at Wednesday's council meeting meeting. On a 6-1 vote (Councilmember Bohen dissenting), the council voted to rescind that annual repayment by declaring the debt “fully paid”. This is precedent setting. In essence, the Council has reneged on a commitment to pay back a debt that has been incurred by the town.
Monsoon ready? (Fill you own) Free sandbags available for Oro Valley residents
“ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (June 15, 2022) – June 15 marks the official start of monsoon season in Southern Arizona, and the Town of Oro Valley wants to make sure you are monsoon ready! Beginning today, June 15, the Town will provide free sandbags to residents who may need to protect areas of their homes from storm runoff during monsoons.
Sandbags can be picked up now through the duration of the 2022 monsoon (or while supplies last). Due to a limited number of supplies, only Town of Oro Valley residents are eligible. Sandbags are self-service; the Town will provide the bags and sand, but you will need to bring your own shovel and load your own sand. There is a limit of 10 sandbags per vehicle.
Pickup Location
*Naranja Park (810 W. Naranja Drive) Follow the signs to the area known as the “Christmas tree recycling lot,” just north of the archery range (see Pickup Location Map below). “ (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
Given the town’s strong financial position, a reduction in fees residents pay for most of the town’s recreation facilities would be in order; given the impact that current historic inflation is having on reducing the buying power of the many senior residents… most of whom are on fixed income. This council has failed to even consider reducing taxes and fees residents pay!
The Town of Oro Valley will celebrate July 4 at Kreigh Park with a Laser Show. There will be not be fireworks because of “supply chain issues,” according to Town Manager Mary Jacobs. The event will start at 6pm. There will be a “Tom Petty Cover Band”, plenty of food trucks and lots of things to do. “Bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy a 4th of July in person.” (Source: Town Manager Oral “Report To Council’, 6/15/22)
We understand that other communities will have fireworks. Guess they did not have any “supply chain” issues!
OVCN residents continue to speak out
Those who will be most impacted by the major sports facilities proposal of the Church of the Nazarene (“OVCN”) continue to address the town council. Speaking at this past Wednesday’s Meeting, they unanimously oppose this proposal for a variety of reasons. Follow LOVE’s exclusive coverage of this, “Do Unto Others”.
OVCN residents continue to speak out
Those who will be most impacted by the major sports facilities proposal of the Church of the Nazarene (“OVCN”) continue to address the town council. Speaking at this past Wednesday’s Meeting, they unanimously oppose this proposal for a variety of reasons. Follow LOVE’s exclusive coverage of this, “Do Unto Others”.
Council declares Community Center Fund “Fully Paid”
In 2015, the Oro Valley Town Council, led by then Mayor Hiremath, voted to borrow $1.2 million from the General Fund to start the Community Center Fund. That money was to be repaid in annual installments of $120,000 per year for ten years. The present town council, led by now Mayor Winfield, set a precedent at Wednesday's council meeting meeting. On a 6-1 vote (Councilmember Bohen dissenting), the council voted to rescind that annual repayment by declaring the debt “fully paid”. This is precedent setting. In essence, the Council has reneged on a commitment to pay back a debt that has been incurred by the town.
Monsoon ready? (Fill you own) Free sandbags available for Oro Valley residents
“ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (June 15, 2022) – June 15 marks the official start of monsoon season in Southern Arizona, and the Town of Oro Valley wants to make sure you are monsoon ready! Beginning today, June 15, the Town will provide free sandbags to residents who may need to protect areas of their homes from storm runoff during monsoons.
Sandbags can be picked up now through the duration of the 2022 monsoon (or while supplies last). Due to a limited number of supplies, only Town of Oro Valley residents are eligible. Sandbags are self-service; the Town will provide the bags and sand, but you will need to bring your own shovel and load your own sand. There is a limit of 10 sandbags per vehicle.
Pickup Location
*Naranja Park (810 W. Naranja Drive) Follow the signs to the area known as the “Christmas tree recycling lot,” just north of the archery range (see Pickup Location Map below). “ (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
“ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (June 16, 2022) – The Oro Valley Water Utility will be replacing a water main underneath Naranja Drive starting Tuesday, June 21, causing lane restrictions that will impact both lanes of travel and potential traffic delays until Friday, July 1.
The water main replacement is underneath the eastbound lanes of Naranja Drive, between Monterra Vista Drive and Desert Whisper Way. Traffic will be shifted to the westbound lanes on Naranja Drive, with one lane of traffic each way. Speed will be reduced to 25 mph in the construction zone. For the safety of workers and other drivers, please obey construction message boards, traffic signage and signals. Drivers are encouraged to find alternative routes of travel to avoid delays. “(Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
