Town Manager to present $130 million recommended budget for next year Town Manager Jeff Wilkins will present his recommended budget for fiscal year 2026/27 to the Town Council Monday. His request is for $130 million, about $21 million less than the current year. Of the total, about $22.7 million is for the Water Utility, which operates as a separate enterprise fund with its own revenue stream. The remaining spending is for all other Town operations, about $81 million, with capital and other expenditures making up the balance of about $26 million. The Town’s press release describes the budget as a “conservative” response to revenue and cost pressures, while maintaining core services. (Town of Oro Valley Media Release, April 30, 2026 and Town of Oro Valley, Town Manager’s Recommended Budget, April 24, 2026)
Stormwater fee increase begins July 1
The Town of Oro Valley will begin a phased increase to its stormwater utility fee on July 1, the first adjustment in ten years. The three-year plan raises the monthly rate from $4.50 to $6.50 per Equivalent Residential Unit, with residents expected to see an increase of about $0.67 per month in each of the next three years. Town materials state the increase is intended to support long-term maintenance and improvement of stormwater infrastructure and to maintain compliance with regional, state, and federal requirements. (Town of Oro Valley Vista Newsletter, April/May 2026)
On April 21, Town staff held the first of two neighborhood meetings regarding a proposed rezoning of a 15-acre site on the northwest corner of North Rancho Vistoso Boulevard and Vistoso Commerce Loop. The property is owned by Tom Warren, who purchased it in 2021. He is represented by Brian Underwood of The Planning Center, and the proposed builder is Meritage Homes. The applicant needs the town to rezone the property from campus park industrial to medium-density residential, consistent with its Town’s General Plan designation, so that he can develop up to 64 single-family homes. There will be a mix of one- and two-story units and access from both Vistoso Commerce Loop and Vistoso Village Drive. Neighbors attending the meeting voiced concerns including increased traffic and safety, loss of mountain views, building height and density, impacts to wildlife and neighborhood character, and whether the land should remain available for commercial use that could generate Town revenue. Next steps include submission of a formal application. Learn more about this project here.
Sun City Mayoral forum added local detail to mayoral race
Wednesday’s Sun City mayoral forum covered several topics not discussed at last week’s Chamber event. On improving paths and connectivity along Rancho Vistoso Boulevard, candidate and current Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett pointed to the Town’s adopted Trails Connect plan and identified funding sources. Candidate Mark Napier said he would gather resident input, evaluate needs, and then consider costs in deciding on any request in this area. Both candidates addressed a question on speeding in Sun City, citing enforcement as a key tool. Regarding Town staffing levels, Napier called for a staffing review, while Barrett noted that no new positions are planned in the current five-year forecast. Both candidates said they oppose data centers in Oro Valley.
Historical Society launches digitization project
The Oro Valley Historical Society is moving forward with a project to digitize its collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs. The effort is expected to take place over the coming months, with a new scanner recently purchased to support the work. The organization is seeking volunteers to assist with the project and plans to continue preparing new exhibits and programs for the fall season. If you are interested in helping, email info@ovhistory.org (Oro Valley Historical Society Board Meeting Minutes, April 23, 2026)
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