In 2021, the town council approved reopening and operating the Pusch Ridge Golf Course for a duration of three years. The conclusion of this three-year period will coincide with the end of spring, marking the point at which the town council will determine its ongoing commitment to operating the course. Earlier this month, town staff conducted a site visit earlier this month. Council members are scheduled to visit the course later this month, and town staff is diligently preparing a comprehensive analysis of the course, slated to be presented to the council in January.
The group Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf (FOPRG) is working with the town, focusing on the future: “The answer should not be whether or not to keep it open but instead what actions need to be taken to make it more environmentally sustainable. It is popular, it serves the community and it is costing the town less to operate than most other recreational assets.” (Sources: Email from Tony D’Angelo, representing FOPRG and Newsletter)
Getting a complete look at what it costs to operate the community center
The group Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf (FOPRG) is working with the town, focusing on the future: “The answer should not be whether or not to keep it open but instead what actions need to be taken to make it more environmentally sustainable. It is popular, it serves the community and it is costing the town less to operate than most other recreational assets.” (Sources: Email from Tony D’Angelo, representing FOPRG and Newsletter)
During last week's town council meeting, Council Member Tim Bohen noted aa discrepancy in accounting related to the operational expenses of running the community center. Bohen highlighted the issue concerning the community center saunas, which have been non-functional for a considerable period. They require new heaters and some electrical repairs. Town is requesting that these replacements be included in the capital budget so that they can be paid from the capital fund, and not from the community center fund.
Bohen is right. As replacing a heater constitutes the substitution of an existing item, it does not qualify as a capital expenditure. The repair costs should be covered by the ongoing revenues of the community center fund and not the town’s capital fund.
Town Council should require that community center financial reports include all expenses, regardless of the fund from which they are paid. This approach would provide a more accurate representation of the true cost of operating the community center.
Barrett Reappointed Vice Mayor
Bohen is right. As replacing a heater constitutes the substitution of an existing item, it does not qualify as a capital expenditure. The repair costs should be covered by the ongoing revenues of the community center fund and not the town’s capital fund.
Town Council should require that community center financial reports include all expenses, regardless of the fund from which they are paid. This approach would provide a more accurate representation of the true cost of operating the community center.
Congratulations to Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett. Last week, the Town Council unanimously appointed her as Vice Mayor. This is Barretts fifth year of service in that role.
Liaison assignments unchanged for 2024
Each town council member is assigned a liaison assignment to one of the town volunteer boards and/or to an outside agency. The council approved the following assignments for 2024. These are unchanged from 2023.
Garcia case being prosecuted by the City of Tucson
Garcia case being prosecuted by the City of Tucson
In October, the town "transferred" the prosecution of the case of the Town of Oro Valley v Sabrina Garcia to the City of Tucson. The town believes that this transfer prevented a potential conflict of interest with three claims that against the town that total $89.6 million.
The court case and the lawsuit stem from the March 17 vehicular homicide of Olivia Villalobos and the severe injury to her sister near the entrance of Naranja Park. Garcia is charged with two counts under section 28-672A (M1): Accident that results in a death and accident that results in serious injury. The case is scheduled for a pretrial hearing in Tucson City Court on January 12 at 9am in Judge Verenna's courtroom 9 (case: M1041TR23040476 ).
Candidate Handbooks available for August council election
Curious about joining the town council? Three seats are up for grabs in this August's election. To secure a spot on the ballot, you must obtain a candidate handbook and gather a minimum of 430 signatures from residents. Schedule an appointment to collect the candidate handbook by reaching out to the Town Clerk at mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov or calling 520-229-4700. Nomination papers can be submitted by candidates starting from 8 a.m. on March 9, 2024, until 5 p.m. on April 8, 2024. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)
Town to recertify 100 year DAWS designation
Last week, the town council, authorized Oro Valley Water Director Peter Abraham to seek a recertification of the town's state 100-year designated assured water supply (DAWS). "...the designation needs to be reviewed and an application submitted to the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) to modify the designation every 10-years. During this process the demands on the aquifer over the past 10-years is quantified and a report submitted to ADWR demonstrating that the designation of assured water supply can be modified to provide another 100-years of assured water supply. This only applies to groundwater use." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Council Meeting, 12-6-23, Consent Agenda Item 3). The town currently has this DAWS designation.
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