Bits and Pieces

Grant will fund ADA trail and pathway repairs at Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve

The Town of Oro Valley has secured a $144,500 grant from Arizona State Parks to enhance accessibility at the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. The funding will support repairs to sections of the former golf cart path, new safety signage, and the construction of an ADA-compliant trail around the planned pond. The Town’s share of the project cost is $8,734—just 5.7% of the total $153,234 investment. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Town publishes easy-to-read 2026 budget summary

The Town of Oro Valley has released its Know Your Town’s Budget summary for Fiscal Year 2025/26. The two-page document gives residents a clear overview of the $151.5 million budget adopted in June, showing where the money comes from and how it is spent. The summary highlights priorities such as capital improvements, public safety, recreation, economic vitality, and financial responsibility. Town Manager Jeff Wilkins said the summary helps residents see “where their money goes, what they pay, and how the budget keeps our community thriving” (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Rockin' 4 Heroes establishes endowment for veterans at UofA

On Wednesday, Rockin’ 4 Heroes held a press conference at the University of Arizona to present a $50,000 endowment for a new Rockin’ 4 Heroes Veteran Student Endowment, aimed at helping UofA students who are military veterans and Gold Star family members with expenses beyond what the GI Bill covers.  The endowment provides support for both academic and non-academic needs. Previously, the nonprofit had created the Jacob Dindinger Memorial EMT Scholarship at Pima Community College, awarded twice yearly in honor of a young EMT who lost his life on duty. 

Reminder to mark your calendar as Historical Society marks 20 years on October 18

The Oro Valley Historical Society will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Saturday, October 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Steam Pump Ranch. Guests can tour the Pusch House Museum and Heritage Garden, enjoy refreshments, and join a ribbon cutting at 3 p.m. to recognize a Chamber Foundation grant that funded eight new interpretive signs across the property. Founders, past presidents, volunteers, donors, and town officials will be present to mark this milestone  (Source: Oro Valley Historical Society email)

Pusch Ridge Golf aims for Audubon certification with community support...Volunteers needed

Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf, working with the Town of Oro Valley and the El Conquistador Golf team, have launched efforts to achieve Audubon Certification for the Pusch Ridge course. The certification process, already underway with 16 identified projects, focuses on water conservation, wildlife habitat, and environmental education. Volunteers are needed to help with projects such as building birdhouses, cataloging plants and wildlife, and creating signage. A fundraiser tournament on November 7 will support these efforts, with registration fees and sponsorships helping cover costs. Organizers emphasize that certification would add environmental value and prestige to this Town asset   (Source: Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf Newsletter)

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It's Budget Time: Council Questions Whether Proposed Capital Spending Is Balanced and Justified

Council digs into details of capital spending
At the April 30 budget study session, Council members questioned several aspects of the Town Manager’s recommended capital budget for fiscal 2026. The discussion focused on major areas of spending: water, public safety, streets, parks, and town facilities. Mayor Winfield presided over the session but did not ask questions. Staff answered each question and said that the current proposal reflects priorities identified in the Council's strategic plan.

Water spending and NWRRDS funding
Several questions focused on the largest area of capital spending: the Water Utility, which accounts for 62% of the $45.6 million recommended CIP. Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett asked for clarification on how much of the Northwest Recharge, Recovery, and Delivery System (NWRRDS) project is new spending versus carryover from the current year. Staff responded that approximately $8 million is carryover and $16.7 million is new funding.

Barrett also requested that future reports distinguish between groundwater preservation fees, which are paid by all water users, and water impact fees, which are paid by developers. “It would be helpful to have those separated out, since they are different sources of funding,” she said.

Community center project costs and equity
Multiple councilmembers commented on the large share of parks funding being spent at the Community Center. Vice Mayor Barrett raised concerns about over-concentrating capital spending in one part of town, saying: “It kind of feels like we just keep putting more and more and more money onto this one area… I hope that [residents in that area] will also support funding other areas of our town.”

Councilmember Mary Murphy and Councilmember Mo Green supported the proposed $950,000 to resurface the Community Center parking lot, citing safety concerns and visible deterioration. Staff explained that the pavement is crumbling and poses trip hazards. Councilmember Joyce Robb added that the older part of the lot “definitely seems like there are trip hazards,” noting that she observed them during a recent site visit.

Traffic, streets, and intersections
Vice Mayor Barrett asked whether a traffic warrant study had been completed for the $750,000 traffic signal proposed at Tangerine Road and Musette Drive. Staff responded that traffic counts had been collected and a warrant analysis was underway. She also questioned the long-term deferral of the Moore Road and La Cholla Boulevard intersection improvements, a project she said residents continue to raise concerns about.

Councilmember Robb asked about the sidewalk program and whether $100,000 annually is enough. Staff responded that the program began two years ago and that the request for next year is intended to “catch up” on backlogged repairs before scaling down to $25,000 in future years.

Parks projects and equity concerns
There was strong support among councilmembers for moving a proposed $250,000 Naranja Park shade structure from the contingent project list into the funded budget. Councilmember Nicolson said he hears frequent complaints about the lack of shade, and Councilmember Jones-Ivey asked whether drainage issues might interfere with construction. Staff said drainage is being monitored but is no longer a barrier to building shade structures.

Barrett also questioned the proposed $350,000 multi-use path near Lambert Lane, asking whether it serves the highest-priority need in the town’s trail system. Councilmember Robb suggested earmarking the funds generally for multi-use paths, to be directed to the top priority identified in the updated trails plan.

Police facility planning and project timing
Vice Mayor Barrett urged caution on the $36 million police facility project currently listed in future years of the CIP. She supported the $400,000 in the FY 2026 budget for continued planning but said, “It seems a little optimistic to me to say that in next year’s budget we’ll have something ready for $18 million.” Staff responded that the project is still in the contingent list and that scope and funding are yet to be defined.

Operations yard and long-term use
Councilmembers discussed whether to remove a $50,000 project for decommissioning the Municipal Operations Center (MOC), given that the Town also proposes spending $450,000 on fencing and other upgrades at the same location. “If you’re going to go in one direction, you wouldn’t do one of the other,” said Barrett. Councilmembers agreed to remove the decommissioning project from the long-range plan, since there are no plans to relocate Transit or Water Utility operations.

Next steps
This was the first of five public meetings on the FY 2026 budget. A follow-up session on the operating budget is scheduled for tonight. Public hearings are set for June 4 (tentative adoption) and June 18 (final adoption). Councilmembers may continue to refine budget priorities as those dates approach.

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Council Defers Police Pay MOU Decision

Council defers police pay decision after heated public comment

Last night, the Oro Valley Town Council voted 6-0 to defer a decision on approving a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the police union. The Council asked staff to return in two weeks with substantiating data on two wage proposals. Because Town staff and the union could not reach agreement, it is now up to the Town Council to decide the terms. 

Four hours of discussion

The decision followed four hours of deliberation, including more than an hour of public comment. Some of the speakers were former Oro Valley officials who urged the Council to support the police. The meeting followed days of heated social media activity, which LOVE chose not to report due to its sensational and highly political tone. Several speakers accused the Council of not supporting public safety—a "third rail" of Oro Valley politics. However, the Council was not involved in negotiating the MOU. That responsibility rests solely with town staff.

Goal: Match Tucson police pay

The MOU defines how much police officers are paid, including base salary and wages. The goal seems to be to match City of Tucson police pay. To do this, some police officers—particularly those at entry-level steps—would receive pay increases of about 13% in the first year under either proposal. However, average increases across all ranks would be around 11.65% under the union plan and 4.96% under the Town’s offer. 

Slow going negotiations that stalled

The Town and the police unions have been in negotiations since September 2024, seeking competitive pay to retain and attract officers. The union claimed that an impasse was reached when the Town withdrew an offer made a few weeks earlier—an offer the union said it was prepared to seriously consider. According to a union representative speaking at the meeting: "The unions were told that the offer that was at last on the table would bankrupt the town so had to be withdrawn." A new MOU must be in place by July 1. 

2026 TMRB budget impact anticipated

No funding for the proposed salary increases is currently included in the Town Manager’s Recommended Budget for FY 2026, a budget that is currently under consideration.

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Other reports on this:

KOLD

KGUN

KVOA

Statement from the Oro Valley Police Officer Association

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It's Budget Time: Where Oro Valley Gets Its Money

Overview of total projected revenue
The Town of Oro Valley projects approximately $146.3 million in total revenue across all funds for FY 2025/26, according to the Town Manager’s Recommended Budget. That amount includes $21.1 million in transfers from one town fund to another. So, the net “true” revenue—excluding internal transfers—is about $125.1 million.

General fund is largest revenue source
The General Fund, which supports most town operations, is expected to receive over $57 million, primarily from local sales taxes, state-shared revenues, and fees [see panel below right]. The Water Utility Fund follows with projected revenues of about $22 million. Other key revenue sources include the Capital Project Funds ($23.2 million) and Special Revenue Funds ($15.5 million), which include seven separate funds. The largest of these is the Community Center Fund, which relies heavily on golf and recreation fees. This broad distribution of revenue supports a range of essential services, infrastructure projects, and debt obligations.

Transfers support capital and debt
The FY 2025/26 budget includes $21.2 million in interfund transfers [see panel below left], which are used to move money between funds to support specific obligations and projects. For example, the General Fund will transfer $7.3 million to other funds, including $5 million to support capital improvements and $2.2 million to cover debt service. The Community Center Fund will transfer $1.7 million to pay for bond debt tied to Parks and Recreation improvements. The Water Utility Fund is transferring $9.9 million to its capital-related fund to help finance the NWRRDS project. These transfers are fully balanced, as required by law, and ensure that each fund can meet its intended purpose without relying solely on its own revenues.

Hard to see?
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Grants and smaller sources play limited role
Despite the attention grants often receive, Oro Valley remains minimally dependent on outside grant funding. In FY 2025/26, federal and state grants combined account for less than 2% of General Fund revenues—roughly $467,000 out of more than $57 million. Most of the town’s budget is powered by reliable, recurring sources like sales tax and state-shared income. And while residents may assume that fines, permits, and interest income play a larger role, they’re actually minor contributors: fines bring in just $68,680, and permits just over $2 million. These facts remind us that Oro Valley’s financial engine runs on broad-based economic activity—not one-time handouts or punitive fees.

Town manager offers cautious outlook
In his FY 2025/26 budget message, Town Manager Jeff Wilkins takes a cautious view of Oro Valley’s revenue outlook. He notes that total revenues are projected to decline by $24 million, or 18.3%, from the prior year—largely because of the absence of $20 million in one-time water loan proceeds and a reduction in grant funding. Wilkins cites a combination of slowing residential development, flat local sales tax growth, and a decrease in state-shared income tax—due to Arizona’s new 2.5% flat tax—as contributing to this drop. He explains the town’s cautious stance, stating: “Our revenue projections reflect a slowing economy and more conservative assumptions regarding grants and development activity.” Despite this, the town maintains a stable financial foundation with diversified revenue sources and long-term planning in place.
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It's Budget Time: Town Manager Recommends $147.2 Million Spending Limit For 2026

Council considers setting 2026 spending limit at $147.2 million
The Town Manager has recommended a spending limit of $147.2 million for fiscal year 2026. The Town Council met with staff last night to discuss this recommendation. We will report on the details of that discussion in a future article.

The limit matters

This spending limit is significant because it represents the legal maximum amount the Council can authorize for the fiscal year. Approximately $142 million is associated with detailed, line-item budgets for departments, programs, and capital projects. The $5.1 million difference between the $147.2 million total spending limit and the $142.1 million in detailed budget line items reflects reconciliation adjustments, including internal service fund allocations and the exclusion of non-cash accounting items such as depreciation and amortization.

Capital and operational breakdown
Recommended capital improvement projects, which we’ve covered in earlier articles, total approximately $46 million. Excluding those, the remaining $96.4 million in proposed spending goes toward operating the Town’s core services. Of that amount, $20.5 million is for operating the water utility, leaving about $75.9 million for all other Town services.

The general fund’s essential role
The Town’s General Fund, which supports most day-to-day services, is budgeted at nearly $53.9 million for the year. This fund covers critical functions like police protection, road maintenance, legal services, parks and recreation, and administrative support. The Police Department accounts for the largest share—$20.5 million—while Public Works and Parks and Recreation are budgeted at $6.6 million and $5 million, respectively. Every department, from Finance to the Town Clerk’s Office, receives a share.

Hard to read?
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Mostly people, mostly service

More than two-thirds of General Fund spending goes toward salaries and benefits for Town employees—the people who maintain roads, respond to emergencies, run programs, and support residents in countless ways. Town leadership describes this budget as measured and cautious, balancing service continuity with the reality of slower revenue growth.

Where golf and community center are tracked
The Community Center Fund is budgeted at $11 million and covers the operating costs of Oro Valley’s golf courses and recreation facilities. These costs—staffing, utilities, course maintenance—are partially supported by golf memberships and user fees. Major Capital improvements are budgeted separately and paid from another fund. d Residents who use the courses, fitness areas, and pools help support this part of the budget through the fees they pay.

The rest of the budget
About $10.5 million in spending falls outside the General Fund, Community Center Fund, and water utilities. These dollars support stormwater management, street maintenance, grant programs, and debt service. Though smaller in scale, these funds are vital to maintaining infrastructure and fulfilling legal and contractual obligations. Most are supported by dedicated revenue sources such as highway user taxes, grants, and impact fees.

Contingency across the board
Every major fund in the Town’s budget includes a contingency line item to cover unforeseen expenses. These contingency amounts total approximately $7.3 million and are fully appropriated within the fund-level budgets. They are not tied to specific departments or uses and cannot be spent without Council authorization. This gives the Town flexibility to respond to emergencies or economic shifts without breaching its legal spending limit.
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Bits and Pieces

Council meeting action on OVCN new sanctuary height likely violated the Open Meeting Law

The April 16, 2025 Council agenda improperly combined a motion to reconsider with a public hearing, discussion, and possible action on the underlying item—the appeal of the Church of the Nazarene’s requested building height. Under Robert’s Rules of Order, which the Council follows, a motion to reconsider is a procedural vote that must occur separately from any debate or action on the substance of the item. While Robert’s Rules does not require that the subsequent hearing be held at a future meeting, it does require that the procedural vote and the item discussion be clearly distinct. This did not happen at the meeting.

In public bodies like Oro Valley, Arizona’s Open Meeting Law adds an additional requirement: agendas must clearly and specifically notify the public of what will be discussed and acted upon. By listing all steps—reconsideration, public hearing, and action—within a single agenda item and moving forward with a final vote that same night, the Council failed to follow proper procedure and denied residents fair notice and opportunity to participate.

Town Manager’s Recommended Budget for fiscal year 2025/26 released

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (April 30, 2025) – The Town of Oro Valley Town Manager’s Recommended Budget for fiscal year (FY) 2025/26 is now available online. Click here to view the full budget document.

 

The General Fund, the Town’s main operating fund, totals $53.9 million, reflecting a 1.5% increase from the prior fiscal year. The total budget across all funds—including highway, water, stormwater, parks and recreation, grants, debt service, and capital—is $147.1 million, a 2.5% decrease from FY 2024/25." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Register for the spring tour of historic homes
On May 10, the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation will use the patio at the Pusch House Museum to register participants for their annual spring tour of historic homes, this time in Oracle. There are iconic homes on the self-guided tour, and the Pusch House is where everyone will start. Registration is from 9 a.m. to noon, and participants will be given wristbands, maps, and shoe covers. Learn more about this tour.

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Guest View-Tim Bohen: Oro Valley Residents Should Prioritize Core Services Over New Projects

Tim Bohen served a four-year term on the Oro Valley Town Council, completing his service last fall. During that time, he distinguished himself by digging deeply into all matters before the Council — especially those involving financial details. Tim approached budgets, forecasts, and capital plans with a level of scrutiny and understanding that no current Council member has been willing to match. His absence is especially noticeable during discussions like the current one, where critical financial decisions are being made without the benefit of rigorous, numbers-based analysis.

Here are his thoughts on the Town Manager’s Recommended Capital Budget for FY 2026. We hope he will continue to share his perspective as the rest of the budget is unveiled.

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Staff outlines $48 million in contingent capital projects
Town staff recently shared a list of $48 million in contingent capital improvement projects (CIP), including major core functions of local government: 

•  Police station upgrade

•  Bridge repair

•  Maintenance of public facilities

Despite Oro Valley having a per capita income 50% higher than the Pima County average, there is currently no clear plan for funding these essential needs.

Community Center Fund proposes new discretionary projects
At the same time, new discretionary projects are being recommended for approval in the Community Center Fund — a fund often cited by staff as a success story. Six new projects are proposed for the coming year, none of which are carryovers from FY 2024-25. Among them are:

• A $510,000 repair to the South Pump Station
• Accelerated construction of the Community Center parking lot, moved up by a year from the previously adopted plan

The need for a major pump station repair — not listed as a planned project just last year — raises questions about the long-term planning for these investments.

Core services remain unfunded
Meanwhile, essential services like police facilities and bridge maintenance remain unfunded. Mother Nature will not wait — bridges must be repaired when needed, not when convenient. A long-term funding plan is necessary to protect the community’s infrastructure and safety.

Police salaries are not part of CIP
As the Town enters executive session negotiations with the Police Union, residents should remember that public safety salaries are not part of the CIP — they are a regular, annual expense, and one that Town residents consistently prioritize. A modest investment in officer salaries — even $1 million spread across approximately 100 non-management officers — would have a significant impact on retaining and attracting quality personnel.

A question of priorities
Oro Valley’s strong income levels suggest that basic needs should be easily met. Yet today, we risk falling short in delivering on the essentials of local government. Planning new recreational investments while core services remain unfunded sends the wrong message to residents — and to the people who protect us every day.

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It’s Budget Time — Council Considers $46 Million In Capital Spending For 2026

Over 60% of the spending is Water related
Tonight, the Town Council will discuss the Town Manager's recommended capital budget for fiscal year 2026, which starts July 1, 2025. The total recommended capital budget is $45.6 million. Of this amount, 62% is for Water Utility projects. Within that, 88% is allocated to the Northwest Recharge, Recovery and Delivery System (NWRRDS) project. As previously reported, the Town has borrowed $18 million to fund a large portion of the NWRRDS project. The Water Utility operates as a separate enterprise from the rest of the Town.

Focus on $17.5 million of town projects
Our focus is on the $17.5 million of proposed capital spending outside of the Water Utility. Most of this spending is allocated to streets, public facilities (including vehicles and equipment), and parks. Together, these areas account for over 90% of the Town’s recommended non-Water Utility capital expenditures.

Hard to read?
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Street projects total $5.8 million
The largest portion of street spending supports the Town’s pavement preservation program, which seals and resurfaces roads to extend their lifespan. If residents have not seen work recently in their neighborhood, it is likely to occur soon because pavement preservation is an ongoing process. The recommended street budget also includes $750,000 for a new traffic light at the Tangerine Road entrance to Naranja Park. The primary funding source for these projects is the Highway Fund, which receives revenue primarily from state-shared highway user taxes and impact fees.

Public facilities, vehicles, and equipment projects total $5.1 million
The Town Manager is recommending $5.1 million for public facilities, vehicles, and equipment. More than 60% of this is for the Town’s vehicle replacement program. This program funds the annual replacement of aging fleet vehicles to help control repair and maintenance costs. Funds for the vehicle replacement program come primarily from the Capital Fund, which is supported by transfers from the Town’s General Fund and anticipated grants from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). This category also includes $800,000 to complete the court expansion project, including the construction of a secured sally port.

Parks projects total $5 million
The parks budget is dominated by spending on the Town’s golf and community center facilities. Approximately $2.8 million is allocated from the Community Center Fund for projects such as a 36-hole pump station, an exterior restroom at the Community Center, and resurfacing of the Community Center parking lot. The Community Center Fund is supported by dedicated revenues, including sales tax.

The parks budget also proposes $2 million for the reconstruction of the pond at the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. The funding source for the pond project is the Capital Fund, which in this case is supported by the Town’s General Fund.

New police facility planning project proposed
Public safety vehicle maintenance is included in the public facilities category. However, there is a separate public safety project proposed for fiscal 2026: $400,000 for police facility programming. This project would fund consulting services to design solutions for future police facility needs, based on a prior space needs assessment. Construction of a new police facility is not included in the fiscal 2026 capital budget. Instead, it appears in a contingent projects list for future years, with an estimated construction cost of $36 million starting in fiscal year 2027.

Summary
The Town Council will discuss the recommended capital improvement projects for fiscal year 2026 at tonight’s meeting. We will report on any major discussions or changes of interest in a future LOVE article.

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It's Budget Time

Town launches fiscal 2026 budget discussions

The town will be shaping and approving its fiscal 2026 budget over the next two months. The public discussion of the budget starts with the Town Manager's Recommended Budget. This will be introduced at tonight's first council budget discussion.

How the town organizes its finances
The Town organizes its finances into a variety of separate funds, each with a specific purpose. This structure allows the town to manage different types of spending and revenues independently. While all funds are important in their own way, a few are especially critical because of the large dollar amounts involved or their direct connection to essential public services. Understanding these key funds gives residents better insight into how their tax dollars are spent.

General Fund
The town’s primary operating budget
The General Fund is the town’s main operating budget. It supports vital day-to-day services, including police, parks and recreation, planning, and administration. Most salaries, contracts, and basic expenses are paid from this fund. Its revenues come from local sales taxes, construction taxes, and state-shared income and sales taxes. Because it funds core town operations, the General Fund is closely watched during every budget cycle.

Hard to read?
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Water Utility Fund
Managing Oro Valley’s water supply
The Water Utility Fund is an enterprise fund and is used to manage the town’s water services. An enterprise fund is a separate town account used for services, like water or stormwater, that are funded entirely by user fees instead of taxes. Residents pay monthly charges that go directly into this fund to support the delivery of clean drinking water, maintenance of infrastructure, and long-term water projects. The fund also helps finance capital projects like the Northwest Recharge, Recovery, and Delivery System (NWRRDS). The town must carefully plan water rate changes to ensure this fund remains financially stable.

Community Center Fund
Supporting recreation
The Community Center Fund pays for the operations of the town’s community center, golf courses, and other recreational facilities. It is funded through a dedicated half-percent sales tax, as well as membership, golf fees, and homeowner contributions. This fund has been the focus of public debate in the past, particularly due to deficits caused by golf course operations. In recent years, the town has worked to reduce subsidies, but it still requires ongoing attention.

Capital Fund

Funding the town’s major infrastructure improvements
The Capital Fund supports the town’s non-recurring investments in buildings, equipment, vehicles, and other infrastructure. This includes everything from vehicle replacements to building renovations. Because capital projects tend to be large and infrequent, they are separated from regular operating expenses. The fund is supported by transfers from the General Fund, grants, and in some cases, debt. Decisions made in this fund shape the long-term development and maintenance of town facilities.

Highway Fund
Maintaining Oro Valley’s roadways
The Highway Fund is dedicated to maintaining and improving Oro Valley’s road system. Funded primarily through the state’s Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF), it pays for road repair, resurfacing, street sweeping, and traffic engineering. It does not cover new road construction—that falls under the Capital Fund—but it plays a crucial role in keeping existing roads in good condition. This fund ensures safe and reliable travel for residents and visitors alike.

PAG/RTA Fund
Funding major roadway improvements
The PAG/RTA Fund manages money the town receives from the Pima Association of Governments (PAG) and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). These funds are restricted for transportation projects, with authorized spending focused on major roadway improvements and related infrastructure. This is an important fund because it provides a significant source of outside funding for road widening, intersection upgrades, and traffic flow improvements—projects that would otherwise place a heavy burden on the town’s budget.

Other funds: Serving specialized roles
Beyond these major funds, the town manages others that serve more specific purposes. These include the Stormwater Utility Fund for drainage and flood control, the Grants and Contributions Fund for grant-funded activities, and the Impact Fee Funds used to support growth-related infrastructure. Each fund has its place, but the General Fund, Water Utility Fund, Community Center Fund, Capital Fund, the Highway Fund, and the PAG/RTA Fund are the ones with the greatest impact on residents and the town’s financial direction.

Stay tuned for updates
Stay tuned for the latest as the budget unfolds. We will continue to provide updates and insights as the Town of Oro Valley moves through its budget process.
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Bits and Pieces

Oro Water Director Abraham: Water future remains strong despite regional cuts
Arizona continues to operate under a Tier 1 Colorado River water shortage in 2025, but Oro Valley’s supply remains stable for now. The Town’s long-term planning and community support have helped keep water use flat since 2000, even with a 45% population increase. Reclaimed water deliveries began in 2006, and Colorado River water was added in 2012, cutting groundwater use by more than half. With the Northwest Recharge Recovery and Delivery System set to launch in 2026, Oro Valley is positioned to further reduce reliance on groundwater and maintain a resilient water system for years to come. (Group email from Town of Oro Valley Water Department). Learn more.

Potable water use at Pusch Ridge Golf Course continues to climb

"In the first three months of 2025, the Pusch Ridge golf course used 4.7 million gallons more potable water than during the same period in 2024. This additional use cost $44,932.54—an amount that would require nearly 900 rounds of golf at $50 each to offset. January saw an increase of 1.4 million gallons, February 2 million, and March 1.3 million. The Town attributed the January increase to dry and windy conditions, but February and March data suggest other contributing factors may exist, such as possible irrigation system inefficiencies. The course pays the same potable water rate as residential customers and currently has no water conservation measures in place. About 300 members of Friends of Pusch Ridge continue to support the course’s operations. Based on this year’s added water costs, the expense amounts to approximately $150 per supporter. Some residents have asked whether the Town Council will schedule a discussion on long-term water use at the course." (Source: message from LOVE reader)

OV Town Council to hold budget study sessions and public hearings

"ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (April 23, 2025) – The Town of Oro Valley invites residents to engage and learn more about the Town’s financial priorities. The Town Council will hold Budget Study Sessions on Wednesday, April 30, and Monday, May 5, both at 6 p.m. The Budget and Finance Commission will review the budget on Tuesday, May 20, at 4 p.m. All meetings will be in Council Chambers at the Oro Valley Town Hall complex, 11000 N. La Cañada Drive. These sessions are open to the public and help shape the financial framework for the upcoming fiscal year. Public input helps guide decisions that impact Town services, infrastructure, and long-term investments." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

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Bits and Pieces

Council reaffirms OVCN 36-foot height approval

At this past Wednesday’s Town Council meeting, the Council voted to affirm its earlier decision to approve a 36-foot height for the future sanctuary planned by the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene. The reconsideration was brought forward by Councilmembers Robb and Nicholson. After public comment and discussion, the Council ultimately chose not to change course. A full LOVE article analyzing the discussion and vote will follow soon.

HB 2447 limits public hearings in cases where applications meet codified, measurable standards

At this same meeting, former Council Member Solomon, speaking against reconsideration, said that a “new state law just passed which places limits on local elected officials’ reviews and approvals of development plans.” We believe the bill to which he is referring is Arizona House Bill 2447.  The bill was signed by the Governor on March 31, 2025. The bill requires that cities and towns adopt procedures for administrative (staff-level) review and approval of development and design applications using objective, measurable standards. This means that if a proposal meets those predefined standards, it can be approved without requiring a public hearing or discretionary vote by a board or commission. While the bill doesn’t explicitly prohibit public hearings, it shifts more decision-making authority to staff, thereby reducing opportunities for public input in cases that are deemed compliant with objective criteria. (Article on April 21, 2025).

LOVE reporting on the 2026 fiscal budget starts soon

The Town’s fiscal year 2026 budget process is in full swing. We expect the Town Manager to issue his recommended budget later this month. The Town Council will then hold a budget study session on April 30 at 6 p.m. in Town Council Chambers, followed by another session on May 5 at 6 p.m. These meetings are especially informative, as each department manager presents their budget along with an explanation of why their requests are justified. As we’ve done for many years, LOVE will provide detailed analysis as the budget process unfolds.

Highlights from the April town manager report

Each month, the town manager issues a report to Council. This month the report notes that the town continues to move forward on key infrastructure and community projects. The Magee Road improvement project is underway with nighttime work scheduled through mid-May. The Oro Valley Town Court renovation is nearing completion, with a secure prisoner transfer area up next. Pedestrian safety upgrades are also beginning this month in the Marketplace area as part of a prior rezoning condition. The town also saw a sharp increase in traffic enforcement. Officers made 7,144 more traffic stops in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This was described in the report as a “significant increase” and part of a department-wide effort to reduce injuries and property damage from collisions.

Recreation fee increases in process…possible implementation in the fall

Parks and Recreation staff presented proposed fee increases for various facilities to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board this past Tuesday. Most community center membership and facility rental fees—some unchanged since 2013—would rise under the plan. Resident and non-profit users would pay lower rates than non-residents and for-profits. Staff will hold a Zoom community meeting on July 9 to gather public feedback. No action can be taken until the Town Council approves the changes.

The Senate bill referenced during the reconsideration discussion was SB 1162. It was mentioned by Councilmember Nicholson as one of the reasons for bringing the item back for discussion. Nicholson explained that the bill could have implications for how height-related zoning decisions are reviewed or challenged in the future.

Parks and Recreation receives two grants

According to Town Manager Wilkins in his report to the council Wednesday the town's Parks and Recreation staff secured a $30,000 grant to assess the Proctor-Lieber House at Steam Pump Ranch and another grant from Arizona Game and Fish to support a new shade structure for the archery area at Naranja Park. 

10th annual ‘Roundup at the Ranch’ adds 10K distance and afterparty May 17

"Lace up your shoes and get ready to round up some fun! The Town of Oro Valley invites community members of all ages to participate in the 10th Annual Roundup at the Ranch 5K/10K Run/Walk on Saturday evening, May 17, 2025." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

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