Bits and Pieces

Town overstates the case when it comes to Golf and the Community Center

The Town of Oro Valley recently issued a press release celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its acquisition of the El Conquistador Country Club—now the Community and Recreation Center. While the release praises growth in memberships, expanded amenities, and the development of golf and recreation programming, not all residents share in the enthusiasm. From the start, the purchase sparked division. Critics questioned the cost, especially the use of a half-percent sales tax to support what some view as a facility serving a limited segment of residents.

Over the past decade, the Center has required millions in improvements—from parking expansions to bridge replacements, irrigation system upgrades, and the recent installation of an elevator. And while golf rounds are reportedly up, and operations have reached a break-even point, capital expenses still rely on public subsidy. The facility disproportionately benefits residents living nearby and active users of golf, tennis, and fitness programming, leaving others to wonder if the investment truly reflects town-wide priorities. Celebrating 10 years is fair. But calling it one of the “Town’s most beloved amenities” may be overstating the case—especially for those who continue to question its cost, limited accessibility, and opportunity cost.

Animal control agreement with Pima County extended another year

Last night, the Oro Valley Town Council approved a one-year extension of its intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Pima County for animal control services. The current agreement expires June 30, 2025, and the extension would carry it through June 30, 2026. Under the IGA, Pima County enforces Oro Valley’s Animal Control Code, covering issues such as rabies control, licensing, leash laws, and sheltering of stray animals. Since FY 2022, the agreement has been funded primarily through licensing fees collected in Oro Valley, with Pima County covering the balance through its general fund. Staff estimate the arrangement saves the Town about $50,000 annually compared to providing the service independently.

Wilkins says budget holds the line while addressing key priorities

Town Manager Jeff Wilkins told the Mayor and Council at Wednesday night's council meeting that town revenues are flattening while costs continue to rise, requiring “a lot of strategic choices” over the next two years. He emphasized that his team worked line by line with departments to keep the 2026 Town Manager’s Recommended Budget flat, while preserving essential services, supporting public safety, and making targeted investments in the workforce and community priorities. Wilkins acknowledged the difficulty of these decisions and noted the inclusion of a new police officer position, a modest reduction in staffing elsewhere, and a continued focus on critical infrastructure. He reminded the public that the budget process remains open, with three more meetings—including two public hearings—still ahead.

Lawsuit over Rancho Valley Vista sewer damage continues... questions linger

The legal case (C20242358) between Pima County and Pulte Homes over sewer damage near the Rancho Valley Vista lift station is still ongoing. The dispute focuses on whether the damage was caused by poor soil preparation during construction or by an alleged 84,000-gallon water discharge in December 2021. Pulte has countered the County’s claims and is seeking reimbursement for repair work it says became necessary as a result of the leak. 

While the Town of Oro Valley is not a party to the lawsuit, the town is the water provider.  Town Water Director Abraham presented findings at a February 2024 Council meeting suggesting that an 84,000-gallon water discharge in December 2021 may have caused sewer damage near the lift station at Rancho Valley Vista. However, questions have since been raised about the accuracy and completeness of that presentation. Specifically, the water bill shown to Council at that time was from September 2022—not December 2021—and showed minimal usage. Some observers are now questioning whether the key water bill from the time of the alleged leak even exists or was ever issued, raising doubts about the basis for the discharge claim.

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Bits and Pieces

Oro Valley Historical Society town 50th Anniversary celebration program series starts next Wednesday

"To reflect on and remember our history, the Oro Valley Historical Society will present a series of programs on the town from the 1960s to the present. They will take place starting at 2:00 pm at the Oro Valley Public Library. The programs are free of charge and open to the public. They will include:

• On January 17, Local historian Jim Williams will discuss his new book, “Oro Valley: The First Fifty Years.” He will focus on the fight to incorporate the town in 1970-1974. 
• On February 5 – a panel will discuss “How has Oro Valley Grown and Changed?” Panelists will include arts advocate Dick Eggerding, community activist Spencer Elliott, former town clerk Kathi Cuvelier, and Dave Perry, journalist and former CEO of the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce. 
• On March 11, “Three Mayors Discuss Oro Valley’s History.” Panelists will include former mayors Paul Loomis and Satish Hiremath, and [current] Mayor Joe Winfield. 
• On April 8, several panelists will discuss “The Birth of Oro Valley 50 Years Ago.” Panelists will include early police chief Fred Roof, Lauren Rhude, one of the first councilmembers, and attorney Sidney Felker.

For more information, contact Jim Williams, Chair of the Speaker Program for OVHS at jaswilliams128@msn.com or 520-818-2226." (Source: Oro Valley Historical Society Press Release)

LOVE to feature “Oro Valley’s Path Forward” starting next week

“Oro Valley’s Path Forward” is the 2026 General Plan. The process of creating the plan will focus on many things including the types of housing you envision in in our community and the use of remaining land zoned for development be used. The inputs input need to come from the entire community. Get involved.(www.OVPathForward.com) This is our town!

Construction of Community Center elevator started yesterday
"The Town of Oro Valley is thrilled to announce that the new entry way and elevator construction project at the Community and Recreation Center (CRC) is scheduled to begin the week of January 8, 2024.  This project creates for a new entrance to the Overlook Restaurant, Golf Pro Shop and other community rooms. The new entry way will be lowered several feet for enhanced accessibility and the elevator will be installed nearby. The project is anticipated to be completed by October 2024.” (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Map of Short Term Rentals available from town

Look at this map if you are interested in knowing if there is a registered short term rental in your neighborhood. If you know of an STR that is not on the map let the town know (contact Sarah Cox at 520-229-4831 or scox@orovalleyaz.gov).

Rancho Vistoso residents: Tomorrow is last day to register to run for VCA board seat

If you live in Rancho Vistoso, you “…should have received a yellow postcard in your mailbox encouraging you to participate in serving on the 2024 VCA Board of Directors. There are four open seats … to fill. Three Single Family seats and one Commercial seat. If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors, visit the Forms Page of our website and complete the editable Board Application Form. Board applications must be returned to Barbara Daoust, General Manager, no later than 5PM…” tomorrow. (Source: VCA December email). 

Four days left to recycle trees
“The Town of Oro Valley is once again partnering with the Kiwanis Club to host the annual Christmas tree recycling program. Residents can recycle real Christmas trees during daylight hours, seven days a week…through January 15, 2024.”

Stephen Schitroma died in Motorcycle Accident
A University colleague of ours died in a motorcycle accident in November. Oro Valley resident Stephen Schitroma was one “of the good guys”. He was always willing to help with just about anything….from organizing an event to participating in it. There simply are not enough good people on the planet like Stephen. (If the were… the world would not be the mess it is today.) “The collision scene was reported by a citizen out for a walk. It appears the collision occurred sometime the previous night but was not discovered until daylight. The rider failed to negotiate a curve, and left the roadway, and then crashed through a cement wall.” (Quote source: Town Manager Report, December, Page 17).
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Gomez Paints Rosy Picture of Town of Oro Valley Financial Condition

Staff: Town finished year in strong financial condition

Town Finance Budget Director Gomez painted a rosy picture of Oro Valley financial results through June at last Wednesday's town council meeting. “We ended the fiscal year in strong financial condition.”  According to Town Manager Wilkins: "...financial performance across all funds has exceeded expectations."

Financial condition means fund balances

The town has sixteen separate funds.  These funds totaled $99.7 million at the beginning of the year. The end of year total was $90.3 million. All Funds were budgeted at a year end total of $68.6 million (per the town's published 2023 approved budget)

“Strong” means fund balances in relation to budget

Gomez based her assessment by contrasting the actual cash holdings in the Town's funds with the predetermined figures. These fund balances are determined by the income received (revenues) and the money expended (expenditures). While the Town has limited sway over its incoming revenue, it exercises full authority over its expenditure decisions. Importantly, the expenditures do not encompass outstanding debts.

Local sales tax revenues “flat” overall

The sole "negative" observation made by Gomez pertained to local sales tax revenues. The primary fund responsible for covering town operations is the General Fund, which derives nearly half of its revenue from local sales taxes. Although local sales tax revenue appeared to remain relatively stable when compared to the previous year, it actually decreased by 10% when adjusted for inflation. 

Gomez noted that all segments of local sales tax revenues exhibited growth, with the exception of construction-related sales taxes, which experienced a substantial 20% decline compared to the prior year. In 2023, construction sales taxes accounted for 20% of total local sales tax revenues, down from 24% in 2022.

The decrease in construction revenue aligns with a nationwide trend of declining housing starts. Economists have attributed this phenomenon to the rise in interest rates and the unprecedented levels of inflation. In simpler terms, potential buyers are finding it increasingly challenging to afford housing. On a more positive note, the higher interest rates have significantly boosted the interest income earned by the town in 2023.

Two major projects not completed..deferred to this fiscal year

One contributing factor to the "strong performance" is the allocation of budgeted funds that were not used. Two specific instances of this allocation can be found in this year's budget: 

Westward Look Roadway Improvement

First, there were funds designated for the revitalization of the Westward Look roadway, in accordance with the town's annexation agreement. The Town agreed to make these improvements when it annexed Westwood look. Once again, it has taken forever to get these done. Maybe this will be the year!

Elevator at the Community Center
Second, there are funds earmarked for the installation of an elevator and necessary structural modifications to render the Community Center compliant with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. According to Oro Valley's Public Works Director, Paul Keesler, the ADA improvement project is expected to commence by November. This improvement is long overdue.

 
For years, the Town asserted that the service entrance on the right side of the community center, accessible from the parking lot, was ADA-compliant because it provided direct access to the second floor. However, this path involved struggling up a hill. Town activist Jim Horn raised this issue with the Town Council, prompting them to take action. They would never have done so otherwise. It has taken some time for Mr. Keesler to reach this point, but it appears that significant progress will be made by the end of this year. One day, there will be an elevator.

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Bits and Pieces

Oro Valley to host informational sessions on short term rental ordinance

"ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (March 1, 2023) –The Town of Oro Valley will offer two online informational sessions for short term rental owners regarding the recent short term rental licensing ordinance approved by Town Council on Jan. 4. The sessions, which will be held in a question-and-answer style format, will be held online via Zoom on March 8 at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m." This is the zoom link for session 1. This is the zoom link for session 2. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Planning and Zoning Commission holds public hearings next week on "Mercardo Del Rio"

The Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Commission is holding two public hearing next week on the Mercardo Del Rio. That is the location of Oro Valley Automotive and Caliber Collision. One hearing is a request to build yet another self storage facility on the vacant parcel. That would also include RV storage. The other hearing is to allow Caliber Collision to add space for vehicles awaiting work. The meeting is March 7 at 6pm in Oro Valley town council chambers.

The Oro Valley Town Council selects design for Community Center Elevator

Wednesday, The Oro Valley Town Council selected an option to add an elevator to the Community Center. The option selected will cost about $1.75 million and is estimated to be completed in about nine months. The elevator will be at the front entry, ground level. The town budgeted $1.5 million for this effort in this year's budget. $100,000 of this has been used to improve the back access ramp. The added amount of $375,000 will be funded from the community center fund. According to town Public Works Director Paul Keesler, installation of this elevator will improve ADA compliance to the Community Center.

Did you like the snow?

We bet that you took a bunch of pictures Thursday to memorialize our 3" snow fall. We did. This year has been an unusually cold and long winter. But.. the weather ahead looks pretty nice... just the way it is supposed to be here.

Guest View: Mike Zinkin – Finance the “Needs” instead of the “Wants”

I hope you have been reading recent LOVE postings regarding the spending of the $25 million parks bond. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

Why weren’t the Naranja Park plans value-engineered prior to bonding for them?
A motion was passed during the October 5, 2022 Council meeting to have staff “bring back a plan with value engineering ideas that are reflected in the comments that have been made this evening and update Council through regular Council reports of those ideas.”

This sounds like a great idea but why wasn’t this done prior to the demand for the bond? Why borrow money before you value engineer your plan? Why have the staff report via “Council Reports” which are not public (unless one does a records request) rather than delivering the staff report in a public meeting?

The town council needs to amend their park plans
The four council members who were just re-elected campaigned on items that were not yet vetted or value-engineered by the Town staff – and the Town cannot afford those promises. Is this why they rushed it through without any design or cost estimates and had a ribbon cutting ceremony in May to celebrate the expansion of Naranja Park? If these council members are responsible, they will amend their “wants” and work within the Town’s pocketbook.

Originally, the $25 million was to be split between the Community Center and Naranja Park. However, due to unexpected cost increases, there is now not enough money and the Community Center is still not ADA compliant.

Where is the requested staff report on ADA compliance at the Community Center?
As I’ve previously reported, a motion passed 7-0 on April 6th for staff to advise the most effective way to make the Community Center ADA compliant and to make it a priority. It is now more than six months later. Where is the report? Now we are $25 million in debt, with no real plan except to ensure that the pet projects of the splash pad and the pump track are funded.

Community Center is forecast to lose $4 million this fiscal year
Looking at the financials for August 2022, the Community Center Fund (CCF) is forecasted to end FY 2022/23 with a loss of $4,663,936. The Council that has bonded for $25 million with no real engineered plan, decided to ignore community input (the Parks and Rec survey), and instead establish their pet projects and live with a CCF forecast of over a $4.6 million deficit.

The council needs to follow the original plan
The council needs to follow the original plan and split the $25 million between the Community Center and Naranja Park. This town needs a new police station, an ADA compliant Community Center, and re-piping reclaimed water to eliminate the use of potable/drinking water on Town properties (parks and golf courses). But the majority on council want a pump track and a splash pad. I consider this to be an irresponsible use of taxpayer dollars.

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Mike Zinkin and his wife have lived in Oro Valley since 1998. He served on the Oro Valley Development Review Board from 2005-2009, the Board of Adjustment from 2011-2012, and the Town Council from 2012-2016. He was named a Fellow for the National League of Cities. He was a member of the NLC Steering Committee for Community and Economic Development and a member of the Arizona League of Cities Budget and Economic Development Committee. He was an Air Traffic Controller for 30 years. Mike has a Bachelor’s degree in history and government from the University of Arizona and a Master’s degree in Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education from California State University, Northridge.

Bits and Pieces

Time To Register For Halloween Golf at Pusch Ridge

The Pusch Ridge 9-hole course will be open for Halloween Golf on October 31 (of course!).. Learn more about and register for the event  here. The course opens November 1.

Some progress made on making the Community Center more mobility accessible

Wednesday, Town Public Works Director Paul Keesler updated the Town Council on what is happening regarding improving mobility access at the Community Center.  Keesler is getting a quote for a two person elevator. That elevator will be permanent but will be able to be disassembled and used elsewhere if the day comes that the town upgrades the old clubhouse. He will update Council later this month. 

The funds for an elevator have been in the budget for several years. It was "back burnered" by former Town Manager Mary Jacobs. Jacobs wanted to include improving mobility access as part of a "grand remodeling" of the Community Center. That remodeling was never discussed by Council and never approved. This is just another example of how the former Town Manager failed to implement a council directive.

Monster Mash at Steam Pump Ranch Tonight

"Don’t miss the Town of Oro Valley’s fun for the whole family, Halloween-themed event, at the fun and spooky 1870’s Steam Pump Ranch! Your ticket will include: Pumpkin Decorating (while supplies last) | Jumping Castles | Face Painting | Halloween crafts There will also be: A DJ playing the best haunted tunes of all time and food trucks" The event is from 5-8pm. Learn more

Guest View: Mike Zinkin – Questioning Unauthorized Spending by the Town

Mike Zinkin presented a similar version of this article in a speech he gave during the Call to Audience at the September 7th Town Council meeting. LOVE added the subheadings.
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Town Council Chambers Renovations
I inquired where the authority came from to spend over $620,000 to redo the Council chambers. In a recent communication from the Town, I was told that it came from the $5.3 million supplied by the Cares Act funding. I was also told that it was approved by Council and was in the FY 2020/21 adopted budget.

This appears to be a fabrication, as the FY 2020/21 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) allowed only for $105,000 for Council Chamber AV improvements and $55,000 for new furniture for a total of $160,000. There was no authorization to spend the Cares Act money for anything beyond that, yet Town Manager Mary Jacobs spent $620,000.

Wi-Fi installation at Naranja Park

The Council minutes of 7/7/21 denote approved projects for Naranja Park as a result of the $25 million bond. Wi-Fi was never mentioned. Where did Jacobs get the authority to spend our tax dollars for Wi-Fi? Who approved this project? The Wi-Fi cost about $123,000. Did that money come from the yearly $125,000 HOA contributions that are supposed to be used to support the golf courses?

The Council minutes of 5/18/22 show that there were three attempts to get staff to bring in a list of Naranja projects along with their associated costs but none of these motions were passed. Doesn’t the public deserve to know how their money is being spent?

I’ll say it again. The Town Council needs to take control of this Town back from Jacobs and the staff and stop the unauthorized spending, which is a direct violation of Town Policy 6.

Community Center Elevator
The Council minutes of 4/6/22 note a motion that passed 7-0 to “Ask town staff to bring us a proposal to add an elevator or appropriate technology to the existing building in the most cost effective way, while keeping the existing entrances, restaurant location and building functions, and make it a priority from existing Community Center funds and the $750,000 set aside for this purpose.”

This motion is 5 months old. What happened to the priority to add an elevator?  It appears that unauthorized spending has taken precedence over authorized spending!

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Mike Zinkin and his wife have lived in Oro Valley since 1998. He served on the Oro Valley Development Review Board from 2005-2009, the Board of Adjustment from 2011-2012, and the Town Council from 2012-2016. He was named a Fellow for the National League of Cities. He was a member of the NLC Steering Committee for Community and Economic Development and a member of the Arizona League of Cities Budget and Economic Development Committee. He was an Air Traffic Controller for 30 years. Mike has a Bachelor’s degree in history and government from the University of Arizona and a Master’s degree in Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education from California State University, Northridge.