Cornelison: Budget is a prudent allocation of resources
Interim Town Manager Chris Cornelison issued his recommended town budget for fiscal year 2023 (starts July 1). "This budget reflects the priorities of the current and upcoming Council Strategic Plans. Notable items in the budget include funding for roads, water and Town assets, land use design, and financial stability and sustainability for an inflationary economy. The budget process involves the prudent allocation of resources across Town operations to continue and improve the high service levels Oro Valley residents expect in order to live, work, play and prosper in our community." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)
"The budget is structurally balanced, according to Finance Director David Gephart. Gephart addressed his remarks to the town's Budget and Finance Commission this past Tuesday. The budget uses ongoing revenues to finance ongoing operations; and one-time revenues to finance one-time expenditures. "That's really critical. That's a policy of the town."
Budget includes $47.7 million in capital spending
Three funds are 70% of spending
Capital spending is 32% of total spending. "During this budget year, the Town will be completing significant additional recreational amenities that expand the offerings provided to both residents and visitors." Most of the spending is on Naranja Park, two of the town's golf courses, and the community center. The source of much of this funding is the Parks Bonds Funds the town borrowed in September of 2021 for "Implementing a continued, robust capital investment strategy utilizing the remaining Parks and
Recreation $25 million bond proceeds and other one-time revenues." (Source: 2023 TMRB Page i)
A few new staff positions
"The Town continues to maintain a conservative approach to adding new personnel, but workload increases have necessitated the addition of five new full-time and two part-time positions." The budget recommends positions in the following areas: Technology, public safety,
parks and recreation, public works, and magistrate court.
Spending on town operations (the General Fund0, on capital investments, and on water department operations are 70% of total recommended spending. LOVE will discuss these and other areas in future postings.
"Conservative budget"
Gephart noted that the TMRB is conservative in its estimates. The TMRB anticipates a mild recession, higher interest rates, and a "malaise in the development of single family housing."
Next Steps
Residents will have several opportunities to get involved. "The public is invited to stay informed and participate in the process:
- May 10 at 5 p.m. – Council Budget Study Session #1
- May 11 at 5 p.m. – Council Budget Study Session #2
- June 7 at 6 p.m. – Public Hearing and tentative budget adoption
- June 21 at 6 p.m. – Public Hearing and final budget adoption
This can be done in person or via Zoom.
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