Bits and Pieces

Ciscomani says federal grants for Oro Valley bridge repairs is back on track
During his remarks introducing Mayor Joe Winfield at Oro Valley’s State of the Town Address, Congressman Juan Ciscomani indicated that federal funding for Oro Valley bridge repairs remains active, despite earlier setbacks in the congressional appropriations process. LOVE reported in June that these funds were not included in the latest spending bills, but Ciscomani told the audience that the project has again passed committee review and that he remains committed to securing the funds. He praised Mayor Winfield and town staff for submitting high-quality applications and said he looks forward to “getting that funding down here for those bridges very soon.”

Coming Tuesday: Our Report on Winfield's “State of the Town” Address

Mayor Winfield’s delivered his 2025 State of the Town address to a packed El Conquistador resort ballroom yesterday. His remarks covered everything from new businesses and tourism growth to future annexations and water security.  His message was clear: Oro Valley’s success depends on resilience and forward-looking governance.  We’ll share highlights, insights, and key takeaways from his remarks—don’t miss our full report Tuesday on LOVE.

Today is the last day to share your voice on the latest draft of OVPathForward

Today is the final day to give your feedback on the 60% draft of Oro Valley’s Path Forward 2026 General Plan — the document that will shape how our community grows, invests, and protects what we value most for the next decade. This plan influences everything from how we use our land and water to the types of housing, parks, and businesses that define our town’s future. Your input ensures the plan reflects what matters to you — not just today’s priorities but those of future residents as well. Visit OVPathForward.com and make your voice count before midnight.

Deputy Town Manager Cornelison earns international professional credential 

Oro Valley Deputy Town Manager Chris Cornelison has received the prestigious Credentialed Manager designation from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). The ICMA program recognizes local government leaders who demonstrate high standards of integrity, professional competence, and a commitment to continuous learning. Cornelison, who began his career with the Town in 2010 and has since served in several key management roles—including Interim Town Manager from 2022 to 2023—becomes one of more than 1,300 credentialed local government managers worldwide. A University of Arizona graduate with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public administration, Cornelison continues to mentor students as an adjunct instructor and professional advisor to the university’s ICMA student chapter. (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Town earns national recognition for financial excellence

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has named the Town of Oro Valley a Triple Crown winner for fiscal year 2024, recognizing outstanding achievement in financial transparency and reporting. The Triple Crown honors municipalities that earn all three of GFOA’s top awards in the same year—the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, the Popular Annual Financial Report Award, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. Oro Valley has achieved this distinction for 13 consecutive years. Finance Director David Gephart credited the town’s finance team for their professionalism and dedication to maintaining accuracy and public trust through clear, comprehensive financial reporting. (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Camp under the stars tomorrow night right here in Oro Valley

Families can enjoy the fun of camping without leaving town this weekend at Family Camping at the Ranch, hosted at historic Steam Pump Ranch tomorrow night. The overnight event includes tent setup lessons, grilled hot dogs, and a movie on a giant inflatable screen, followed by s’mores around the campfire. In the morning, campers will be treated to an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast before packing up. It’s a simple way to experience the outdoors, meet other families, and create lasting memories—no long drive required. Families can sign up for Family Camping at the Ranch through the Oro Valley Parks & Recreation website, PlayOV.com. The event notice in the town’s newsletter includes a registration link labeled “Click here” that directs users to the online registration page. At least one participant must be 18 or older to register and attend. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Parks and Recreation email).

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"The December Event"

The “Devil Is In The Details” 

In December, Oro Valley Council Member Tim Bohen confronted Assistant Town Manager Chris Cornelison at the town's Pusch Ridge Golf Course. The confrontation was the culmination of months of fruitless effort by Bohen to get substantiation of the reported rounds and revenue at the facility. Bohen did not believe the numbers reported to town by facility operator Indigo Golf.

Bohen searched for answers regarding Pusch Ridge rounds and revenue accounting

From June 2023 through early September, Tim Bohen tried in vain to get answers from town staff on the manner in which Pusch Ridge Golf rounds are gathered. Then, while listening to a September 19 town Budget and Finance Commission meeting, he learned that the town was going to have a special procedures audit performed on Indigo Golf financial information. This was a month and a half after the audit firm of Baker Tilly had already been engaged and actively working on the project.

As it turns out, Indigo Golf is the only organization that could provide answers to Bohen’s questions. In an email to Baker Tilly, Deputy Finance Director Wendy Gomez noted: "We wouldn’t have any of the contractor’s transaction data in our financial software system. We receive their monthly financials and book the activity in our system. Actual transaction data would need to come from [Indigo Golf]." (Source: Email from Gomez to Barter [Baker Tilly Employee], 8-31-23). Thus, Bohen sent emails to the audit firm with questions because they were going to have the access to the information he needed.

Bohen either did not get answers to his questions or received answers that were generic in nature. Indeed, the town may have played a role in that. Town Finance Director David Gephart told Baker Tilly not to respond to Bohen's questions because “…his questions only serve to generate additional questions.” (Source: Email from Gephart to Barter, 1-4-24).

(All of this is documented in the correspondence between the Town, Bohen and Baker Tilly.)

Bohen's frustration got the best of him

It was now December 18. Bohen still had no answers. The town scheduled a tour of the Pusch Ridge Golf facility to look at possible capital improvements. Bohen saw this as his chance to get his questions answered. 

According to Chris Cornelison, Bohen said that "... he didn't need the tour because he had already seen it... he wanted to see the clubhouse...he brought a list of questions he wanted to ask." Cornelison told him "... there is a process and protocol for getting those types of items...Bohen then started yelling at him." (Source V23120927). 

Three days later, Cornelison reported the incident to the police. He said he felt threatened. That was around the same time that Town Manager Wilkins told Bohen that he would need an escort to enter town facilities.

Bohen understands that his expression of anger towards anyone is unacceptable.  He has issued a statement regarding this (See panel).

Bohen never did get his questions answered...

 …even when the Baker Tilly auditor reported the results of their special procedures audit to the town at the January 10 town council meeting, Bohen's inquiries were abruptly curtailed by the Mayor. The matter should have been discussed first in a study session to give Bohen ample opportunity to ask questions because he had many.

Questions that are still reasonable to ask

At that meeting, Town Manager Wilkins told the town council that the special procedures audit gave a 'thumbs up' to the Indigo Golf reported financial results. That is an overstatement, according to the remarks of Baker Tilly partner Hemmerle.  Hemmerle stated repeatedly to the council and in communications with town staff that his firm could not express an opinion as to the fairness of the Indigo Golf provided  numbers... nor could he guarantee that there was no fraud. They had not performed an audit of the reported results. Indeed, the numbers have never been audited.

So, we will never know about the veracity of the past or future golf financial results...

… as reported by Indigo Golf to the town. The numbers have gone unaudited in the past. And as reported in a previous article, the town does not provide oversight of the numbers. As Ms Gomez said in her August email, the Town accepts the numbers and inputs them into the town's ledger.

Instead, we have Council Member Solomon leading the charge to punish Bohen

The council never did focus on what Bohen was trying to accomplish. Led by Council Member Steve Solomon, who is no stranger to threatening controversy, the council instead focused on punishing Bohen for his behavior. He was censured by the council and ordered to attend the next two council meetings by zoom or phone. The council also ratified the town manager's decision that Bohen must now be accompanied on any visits to any town facility.

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Cornelison: Expect Much More Detail On All Capital Projects

We said that the study session was a joke...
Several weeks ago, LOVE reported that a late night study session on proposed capital improvement projects (CIP) was "laughable".  In our opinion, it was a joke for the many reasons noted in that posting. We ask Interim Town Manager Chris Cornelison about it. The following is his explanation of the session:

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Cornelison: Detailed project descriptions will be forthcoming

"Detailed descriptions of all the recommended CIP projects for the next fiscal year (FY 23/24) will be included in the Town Manager’s Recommended Budget [TMRB] once finalized, which will be available once it is published (tentatively April 14). Details will include project title, project budget for the fiscal year, funding sources, project description, justification of the project, and potential operating impact to the Town (if known and identifiable at the time).

 

Cornelison: Timing of the study session was simply out of sequence with the planning cycle

We are obviously still in the budget process to finalize the TM Recommended Budget, but I would like to just provide a reminder that typically we do not bring forward the CIP presentation in a Study Session to Town Council until May. As part of the Town Council’s Strategic Plan Workshop this year, however, I proposed to bring forward preliminary projects and associated prioritization to receive input sooner, which is why we had a Study Session item for CIP on March 15 prior to the TM’s Recommended Budget even being finalized. Staff was available from all of our departments that night to answer any detailed questions from Town Council, but unfortunately, other agenda items went longer than anticipated. However, we were able to receive some feedback from Town Council regarding the projects on the list.

 
Cornelison: Each proposed project will have detail

In regards to process and establishing priorities, it is certainly complex as developing the CIP requires a lot of follow-up questions and discussions with all of our departments. The Town utilizes a Budget Team to receive, review and evaluate CIP requests from all departments. Some aspects considered by the Budget Team when evaluating CIP project requests include its relationship to the Town Council’s adopted Strategic Leadership Plan as well as recent comments at the February Strategic Plan Workshop, impact to operations if the project is not funded and implemented, projected revenues to allow for projects within the CIP, return-on-investment potential of the project, operating budget impact, prior Town Council actions (for example, Parks Bond amenities, rollover projects, etc.), safety, etc." 

(Source: email communication)

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Bits and Pieces

Council retains executive search firm to find new town manager

Ralph Anderson & ‘Associates (RAA) has been selected to manage the search for the next Town Manager of Oro Valley. Ms. Heather Renschler,  President/CEO and will be the principal consultant for the search. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Council Special Session, 11-10-22) 

Ms. Renschler presented an overview of the proposed process for the Town Manager search at last nights Town Council Special session. The process will include individual discussions with each council member and community outreach.

Aquatic Center to close in December/January

“The Oro Valley Aquatic Center will be closed beginning December 5 through the end of January 2023, for improvements to the pump room circulation and filtration, along with general maintenance and cleaning...During the closure, all 6- and 12-month memberships paid in full will be extended for two months.” (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Sad situation: Celebrated retired 23-year Oro Valley police officer arrested in sex predators sting

Former Oro Valley police officer, Daniel Horetski was arrested this July 15 by Huron county Michigan police in a sex sting operation. According to a report, Horetski  engaged in online conversations with undercover police officers running a site for underage prostitution and went to a location to meet with one.(source). 

Horetski is charged with child sexual abusive activity, accosting a minor for immoral purposes, and using a computer to commit a crime. He faces up to 20 years in jail.  He was recently released on bail.

This is truly a sad situation. 

Horetski worked for the Department for 23 years. He retired on July 11, 2019 and was celebrated for his service (panel right). He served as a School Resource Officer (SRO) at CDO for several years. There is a Facebook page celebrating his retirement.

Oro Valley Police Department Sergeant resigns amid investigation   

Sgt. Jose Sanchez resigned from the Department last week. The Department was investigating an allegation regarding an event that happened in September.  “On Sept. 6, Pima County Sheriff’s deputies were sent to the scene of a hit-and-run collision involving a gray Honda Civic and a black pickup truck in the parking lot of Trident IV, in the 2900 block of West Ina Road at North Shannon Road” (Source)

Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf implementing two years marketing plan

Friends of Pusch View have developed and are implementing a two year marketing plan. "The plan includes connecting with local hotels and apartment complexes to encourage hotel guest play; providing training and material to their team members; social media outreach; helping encourage kids’ play and much more!" (Source: Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf email)

Cornelison receives "40 and Under 40" Award
“ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Nov. 8, 2022) – The Town of Oro Valley is pleased to announce that Interim Town Manager, Chris Cornelison, has recently been named one of the “40 Under 40” award recipients for 2022. Presented by the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Arizona Daily Star, the “40 under 40” award recognizes and celebrates young professionals for their leadership and community involvement. Cornelison will be recognized during the “40 under 40” Award breakfast on Tuesday, December 6. Cornelison has served the Town of Oro Valley for the past 10 years, with the past six in the capacity of Assistant/Deputy Town Manager. During the November 2, Town Council Meeting, he was appointed Interim Town Manager.” (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Meet Chris Cornelison... Oro Valley's Acting Town Manager

The Town of Oro Valley's Acting Town Manager is Chris Cornelison. Chris assumed this role after the resignation of Mary Jacobs. We asked him to share a bit about himself with the LOVE community.

Focus on moving the town forward as directed by Council

As you can imagine, Chris is busy, at the moment "ensuring that the organization and the community move forward, committed to the directives laid out by Town Council and community."

12th year serving the community

Chris began working with the Town of Oro Valley in 2010 as a part-time graduate intern. Two years later, he was hired full-time by the Town and served in various roles. He was named Assistant Town Manager in March 2017. More recently, his title changed to Deputy Town Manager "... and then—as you know—with Mary’s departure, I am now serving as Acting Town Manager." He will serve in this role until Council contracts a Town Manager.

UA Eller School Graduate... MPA from UA

Chris earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management, in 2010.  He graduated with a double major: Criminal Justice and Management & Public Policy. He earned a Master of Public Administration from the UA School of Government and Public Policy in 2012, with a dual focus in Finance and Local Government.

Active in the profession and the community

Chris is a current member of the International City/County Manager’s Association (ICMA). He plans to apply this year to become a Credentialed Manager Candidate. He also is a member of the Arizona City/County Manager’s Association (ACMA) and served as the Chair for the 2017 ACMA Winter Conference. Chris currently serves as a member of the Community Advisory Board for the University of Arizona School of Government and Public Policy. He is a Professional Advisor for the UA ICMA Student Chapter.

Focused on four key town departments as Deputy Town Manager

As Deputy Town Manager, Chris provided support to four very important departments: Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Community & Economic Development and Town Clerk. He led negotiation efforts with the Town’s Public Safety Negotiations Committee, and served on the Town’s Budget Committee for the bulk of his tenure with the Town. 

Led "OVSafeSteps COVID Business Assistance Program"

One of Chris' notable projects with the Town was his role as Project Manager for the award-winning OVSafeSteps COVID business assistance program launched 2020. "Helping people and providing support to more than 200 local businesses was a collaborative and rewarding experience. The success of this program was a result of the wonderful team at the Town and our community partners like the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce."

A collaborative work style

Chris describes his work stye as collaborative, honest, direct and fair—"Qualities that I believe will serve me well as I help guide our organization through the coming months."

LOVE thoughts:  Big challenges ahead

It is going to take a while for the town to identify Town Manager candidates. Then, add to that the time it will take for the Council to consider, select, and contract an individual. During this time, big things are happening. This includes possible General Plan Amendments, major public hearings on zoning and  PAD requested changes, and, as we posted this week, key decisions Council needs to make on Parks and Recreation Bond amenities. 

Fortunately, Chris has the direct experience of working with the key departments involved in these efforts. That experience should help him keep the town on a steady course.

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More about Chris Cornelison

"On a personal note, I have been with my wife, Bernadette, for more than 13 years (married for the past 8 years), and we are the proud parents of two wonderful and energetic children, ages 4 (daughter) and 11 months (son). Bernadette currently teaches at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy as an Assistant Clinical Professor, while spending half of her time as a practitioner at a Banner Clinic in Tucson. Between our busy jobs and two kiddos, we are an active household, which we love. It’s fair to say we enjoy the challenge of balancing demanding jobs while juggling home life and demanding little personalities.

When we are not visiting family or friends, we enjoy hiking, attending community events and just spending time helping our children grow."