Bits and Pieces

It's official... Council adopts 2026 Election Result

On August 5, 2026, the Oro Valley Town Council adopted the official results of the July 21 primary election. Melanie Barrett was elected mayor with 8,471 votes, while Rosa Dailey (8,661 votes), Rhonda Pina (7,866 votes), and Matt Wood (7,436 votes) secured the three council seats. Each will serve a four-year term beginning November 4, 2026.

Town seeks individual for Budget and Finance Commission

The Town of Oro Valley is seeking a resident to fill one vacancy on its Budget and Finance Commission. The commission advises the Town Council by reviewing the proposed budget, annual financial audit, and other financial matters. The member will serve a two-year term and meet at 4 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at Town Hall. Applicants should have experience in accounting, finance, banking, investments, or a related business field; be available for meetings; and complete the Town’s Community Academy during their term. To apply, contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 520-229-4700 or visit the Town Clerk’s webpage at orovalleyaz.gov. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Oro Valley’s history digitization project moving along

The Oro Valley Historical Society is bringing local history into the digital age, having already created catalog-ready images of more than 600 artifacts, publications, maps, and photographs. Using its new CatalogIt museum software and a donated professional photography light box, volunteers are organizing and photographing the collection for future museum displays and a new online photo gallery, making Oro Valley’s historical treasures easier for the public to discover and enjoy. (Source: Oro Valley Historical Society August Newsletter).

Federal funding in queue for new police department.    

The Oro Valley Police Department is slated to receive $4.2 million in preliminary federal funding to upgrade technology and modernize critical public-safety equipment, helping equip the department’s new headquarters for future operations. Secured through the fiscal year 2027 Community Project Funding process, the proposed investment has advanced through committee but must still receive final approval from Congress and the President before the money becomes available. Read the funding announcement.

State Orders ASDB to Correct Student Placement Process

Since LOVE first reported the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind’s (ASDB) move to the Oro Valley Copper Creek Elementary School, the Arizona Department of Education has found that ASDB violated federal special-education law by predetermining placements for blind, visually impaired, and residential students rather than allowing their individualized education program teams to consider the full range of options. The finding does not mean the new Oro Valley campus or the relocation itself is illegal. Rather, it concerns how affected students were assigned to other schools. ASDB must now work with a state-approved monitor, review each affected student’s placement, reconvene education teams when necessary, and document corrective action by August 28, 2026. The complaint was filed by the University of Arizona Education Advocacy Clinic. Read their report here.

Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Pond restoration begins Monday

We are excited to share that construction is about to begin on the Vistoso Pond Restoration Project on Monday, August 10. To prepare for construction, trail detour and closure signs will be put in place on Tuesday, August 4 and the contractor will be mobilizing equipment and materials to the site throughout the week. (Source: This Week In Parks and Recreation Newsletter, 8-7-26)

- - -

Bits and Pieces

BFC review of 2026 Town Manager’s Budget checks a box for town manager, but adds little value to the budget process
Oro Valley’s Budget and Finance Commission (BFC), established in 2019, has not consistently participated in the review of the Town Manager’s Recommended Budget (TMRB). While it was not involved in last year’s FY 2025 budget process, it has occasionally received presentations in prior years without playing a formal advisory role. This year was much the same as that, as staff presented the TMRB to the Commission on May 20.

The BFC did not make a substantive contribution to the development of the TMRB at the meeting. This is because the budget had already been developed and finalized for presentation by the time the BFC reviewed it. The Commission’s role was limited to reviewing and asking clarifying questions. While their discussion helped reinforce certain priorities, like fiscal sustainability and transparency, their comments led to no changes in the budget. Thus, their involvement seemed more like checking a box in the process of completing the TMRB, rather than seeking meaningful input during its development.

Town exploring new taxes to fund future capital needs
At the May 20 meeting of the Budget and Finance Commission, Town Manager Jeff Wilkins introduced a discussion about three potential new revenue sources that are not currently part of the Town Manager’s Recommended Budget. These include a use tax, a telecommunications tax, and a commercial rental tax—all of which are common in nearby municipalities like Tucson, Marana, and Sahuarita but are not currently levied in Oro Valley. Wilkins described these taxes as a way to diversify the town’s revenue base, enhance financial stability, and create a dedicated funding stream for capital needs such as roads and public safety infrastructure.

Although these proposed taxes are not included in the fiscal year 2025–26 town manager recommended budget, Wilkins used the budget presentation to make the case for exploring them. He emphasized that the town’s five-year forecast shows a capital funding shortfall by year five, and that relying solely on existing revenue sources may not be sustainable. According to Wilkins, the proposed taxes could generate between $900,000 and $1.8 million annually, and Wilkins suggested dedicating all proceeds to capital—possibly even restricting it further to public safety. Commissioners responded with questions about operational costs associated with capital projects and whether future councils would be overly constrained by strict earmarking of these new revenues. 

Budget and finance commission recommends approval of $2.84 million contribution to fully fund PSPRS for FY 2026
At its May 20 meeting, the Oro Valley Budget and Finance Commission voted unanimously to recommend Council approval of the FY 2026 PSPRS pension funding policy. The policy includes a total contribution of $2.84 million to the police retirement plan—$738,817 as required by actuarial valuation and an additional $2.1 million in excess of that requirement. This extra payment is intended to eliminate the plan’s remaining unfunded liability and bring the plan to 100% funded status by June 30, 2026. Commission members supported the action after confirming the plan was financially feasible and aligned with the Council’s long-standing goal to fully fund the police pension plan.

New signs, tours, and research projects featured in OVHS May update
The Oro Valley Historical Society’s (OVHS) May newsletter highlights several new initiatives. Eight interpretive signs for Steam Pump Ranch are now in production and expected to be installed by early June, offering year-round self-guided tours.  The Society also launched a redesigned website in April and is seeking volunteers to help with content and outreach. Additional efforts include digitizing historical audiovisual materials, creating an educational display about George Pusch, and continuing research on the families who shaped Oro Valley’s early history.

Disc golf returns with summer vibes and mountain views
Oro Valley’s Pusch Ridge Disc Golf Course is reopening for summer play starting  this Saturday, Nestled at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, the 18-hole course offers daily play from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through September 21. New this year: weekend golf carts, short tees for novice players, and PDGA-sanctioned league play every Friday at 4:30 p.m. Tee times are required on weekends (7–11 a.m.) via PlayOV.com, while weekday play is first-come, first-served. At $10 per round, it’s a fun, affordable way to enjoy the outdoors—and the scenery can’t be beat. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Press release)
- - -

Oro Valley Budget and Finance Commission Is Anything But That and Winfield Thinks That's OK

Commission's  did not participate in the 2025 budget process

Last week, we reported that the Budget and Finance Commission did not participate in the 2025 budget process. This is concerning given their stated mission, which is clearly outlined on the Oro Valley government website:

“The Budget and Finance Commission is responsible for providing assessment and recommendations regarding the town manager’s recommended budget and 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan, the annual Five-Year Financial Forecast, the annual financial audit, and assisting in the selection of the Town’s independent audit firm.”

Met for nine hours...

The commission spent approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes on these key items, out of roughly 9 hours of total meeting time across ten separate meetings in fiscal 2024. Let's examine their activities in fiscal 2024 against their mission:

• In late June, they received a 30-minute update on the budget from David Gephart, but this was after the budget was completed and awaiting council approval.
• In April, they received a 30-minute update on the Town's five-year financial forecast, during which they asked only five questions and offered minimal input.
• In January, they spent 15 minutes discussing the Town’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, which is a public statement rather than the auditor’s certified report.
• They spent about 20 minutes discussing the result of the “special procedures audit” of golf operations without being involved in scoping the work.

. ..  and didn't accomplish much

So, what were the primary activities overseen by Gephart, with Mayor Winfield’s oversight, during the year? The commission:

• Reviewed budget policy changes.
• Listened to seven updates on the town's financial results.
• Took three meetings to elect a chair of the commission.
• Devoted time to:
  • A 15-minute review of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
  • A 20-minute discussion of the special procedures golf audit.
  • A "Path Forward" update.

Winfield thinks that's OK

One would think that the lack of substantial engagement in the budget process together with a whopping total of nine meeting hours for a year would raise some concern about whether the town should even have this commission.

Mayor Winfield has no such concern. 

Sets a low bar for performance

In fact, he has set the bar for performance of this commission so low that just showing up is good enough. “The Town’s Boards and Commissions serve in an independent advisory capacity to the Town Council free of political interference. Each councilmember is assigned to serve as a liaison to one or more board or commission. The primary responsibility of councilmember liaisons is to attend board and commission meetings and recommend to Council new board or commission appointments as vacancies arise. I value the input our boards and commissions provide to Council.”

- - -

Bits and Pieces

Messina GoFundMe campaign reaching goal… You can help put it over the top

Last Friday we reported that groundskeeper Rick Messina succumbed to injuries sustained from a bee atttack at the Pusch Ridge Golf Course; and that Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf started a GoFundMe campaign to help pay related expenses for Rick’s parents. The fund has $9,678 raised from 116 donations. The goal is $10,000. You can help put it over the top by contributing here.

Shocking but True: Budget and Finance Commission played no role in the 2025 budget yet it was supposed to do so 

The town’s Budget and Finance Commission played no role in the fiscal 2025 budgeting process. Although they received documents periodically, they did not discuss, analyze or comment on them. According to Finance Director David Gephart, speaking to the commission at the end of June: “I feel like we really haven’t provided you with an opportunity to go through a formal presentation on the budget and allowed you the opportunity to ask questions or provide comment.” This, despite the fact that one of the missions are the commission is to do just that.

“The Budget and Finance Commission is responsible for providing assessment and recommendations in regards to the town manager’s recommended budget and 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan.” (source) . The commission did review three policy changes, but we wonder: What is the purpose of this commission if it doesn’t get involved in the most important aspect of the town’s finances? 

Bohen: The “fat” is in the capital project budget
We noted Tuesday that the town council passed a $151.2 million budget for fiscal 2025. We also noted at that time that Vice Mayor Barrett attempted to demonstrate that the council was at least trying to control spending when she introduced a measure to reduce the across-the-board staff pay increases from 4% to 3%. Later in that same discussion, Council Member Bohen gave his opinion on where the fat is in the budget. According to Bohen, it's in the capital projects. He observed that it's very hard to get straight answers from Town staff on what projects are actually going to cost. We included a quote in the panel at right. 

Oro Valley Residents Advocate for Performing Arts Center to Boost Culture and Economy 
At the last town council meeting, Oro Valley residents and other community members advocated for the establishment of a performing arts center in the town. They emphasized that such a center would not only expand the town’s amenities but also support local arts organizations, provide a venue for youth theater programs, and serve as a vibrant community gathering place. The speakers highlighted the cultural and economic benefits, including increased tourism, enhanced local business revenue, and greater opportunities for residents to engage in the arts. They urged the council to consider this project as a valuable addition to Oro Valley’s growth and development, reflecting the community’s strong support for the arts and desire for enriched cultural experiences.

Oro Valley’s Tourism Transformation: A New Focus on Business and Sports Events 

In a strategic shift, Oro Valley is redefining its tourism approach by prioritizing business and sports event travel, significantly impacting the local economy. Led by the Community and Economic Development (CED) Department, the town is enhancing its group bookings strategy for major resorts like El Conquistador Tucson and Westward Look. Now functioning as the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), Oro Valley has already identified over 600 potential event prospects and developed comprehensive plans to support extended stays and return visits. These efforts include collaboration with local stakeholders and leveraging grant funding opportunities, marking a new era of tourism for the town. Read more about what is behind this transformation here! (Source) 

- - -

How Council Member Steve Solomon Lied During the January 9th Council Meeting

Item 3 on the agenda of the January 9th council meeting was “Establishing a Budget and Finance Commission and establishing the tasking and operations of said commission.”

The original Finance and Bond Commission was dissolved in 2010 during the Hiremath reign. Mayor Winfield wanted to bring it back to allow for more community involvement. He explained, “I have a strong belief in our boards and commissions and the important function they have in our community.”

Council Member Solomon paints himself into a corner
Council Member Steve Solomon tried to paint himself in a positive light, but ended up painting himself into a corner during the July 9th meeting. During the discussions, he claimed that he had nothing to do with abolishing the original Finance and Bond Commission in 2010.

Solomon claimed at the meeting: "…in the past, there was kind of a failure of this prior committee because when I first came on council in 2010, we discovered that the budget that was approved by the prior council, through whatever this bond or finance committee was, had a $3M deficit which they never bothered to point out or emphasize and we had to deal with it. After that committee was dissolved, and I wasn’t involved in the dissolution, what happened was that for the last 7 years, the town has run a surplus in the budget so I just want to make it clear that we do not have a budget problem."

Does he think that LOVE doesn’t have fact-checkers?

There are multiple problems with Solomon’s claims

• Solomon claims that a previous deficit was the fault of the prior Finance and Bond Commission. That’s nonsense. Staff has the final call on what is presented to the council. How many times did we hear from the Hiremath council that they didn’t need to get into the weeds because “we have staff and staff are the experts.” We found it curious that Finance Director, Stacey Lemos, said nothing when Solomon blamed the supposed “deficit” on the former commission members.
  
  
• There was never a deficit. The Hiremath Council did not inherit a $3 million deficit as Solomon claimed. First of all, it is against State law to have a deficient budget. The Council was told by the Town Manager (Jerene Watson at that time) that they needed to increase revenues or the staff was going to suffer layoffs and/or 4 day weeks. The Hiremath Council responded by doubling the Utility Tax from 2% to 4%.

The 2011-2012 tentative, proposed budget showed a $3.1 million difference between requested spending and forecasted revenues. That’s not a deficit. A deficit only occurs when actual spending exceeds actual revenues. That never happened. This is the $3 million to which Councilmember Solomon refers. This was the Majority-4's budget. They did not inherit it from any previous council.

• Solomon maintains that he wasn't involved in the Board’s dissolution, yet he was one of seven council members who voted unanimously to dissolve that commission.

Here’s the timeline:

June 2, 2010
Mayor Hiremath and his Majority-4 council took the oath of office. 

June 16, 2010
Steve Solomon was appointed to fill a vacancy left when Salette Latas resigned two months earlier. Solomon’s term was effective until June 6, 2012. (The Finance and Bond Commission was still active when Solomon took office.) 

December 1, 2010
The vote to dissolve the former Finance and Bond Commission took place during this council meeting. Solomon was on council and was present that night. 

Item 7A on the agenda was a “Discussion and possible action regarding the Finance and Bond Commission.” The vote was 7-0 to dissolve the commission. There was no discussion prior to the vote. Solomon did not argue against dissolving this commission and he voted to dissolve it. 

Or in Solomon’s words, “I wasn’t involved in the dissolution.”

These are more examples of why you should not trust anything that Councilmember Steve Solomon asserts. He appears to just make it up as he goes along, saying whatever paints him (or the prior Majority-4) in a positive light.

Devils, rakes, and shovels…oh my!
But wait, there’s more! During his arguments, Solomon also made the following comments:

"Now more citizen input is always nice but the devil’s in the details. So my question is…what is this group of people going to do? Are they going to go through the budget and say, ‘We’re spending too much money on parks and not enough money on planning and zoning.’ Or are they going to say, ‘Wait a minute, Parks and Rec…there’s a line item, we need 10 shovels…we want 5 rakes. Is the committee going to say, ‘No, I think rakes are better than shovels. We should buy 10 rakes and 5 shovels.'"(Well, if anyone knows about shoveling stuff, it’s Steve Solomon.)

He continued: "This is not unreasonable because this is what happens when you put a group together. So we need to be clear on what do we expect from them. Do we expect them to tell us that Parks and Rec has the wrong number of rakes and shovels? Do we expect them to tell us that the Police are getting too much money and Parks and Rec is getting too little money? Do we expect them to tell us that…we should cut out golf?...Are they going to slow the process up?...What role are these citizens going to have and are they going to have the background to contribute positively to it, which would be wonderful. We can’t just grab a group of five people and throw them into this and say, ‘Here’s the budget. Give us recommendations.’"

If Solomon had read the Council packet including the attachments, he would have known exactly what the responsibilities of the Finance Commission would be. The functions of the Commission were spelled out clearly. One needs to read the Resolution you are voting on before you vote. It appears that Solomon was too lazy to do his job and instead relied on the verbal summary from staff.

For the record, the Town Council isn’t going to just “grab a group of five people and throw them into this” and it was insulting to Mayor Winfield for Councilmember Solomon to even suggest this absurd possibility.

Supporting town documents showing that Councilmember Solomon voted to dissolve the former Finance and Bond Commission

Roll Call for 12/1/10 meeting showing that Solomon was present

Motion Carried 7-0