Council approves new police agreement
Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council unanimously (5-0 Vote) approved a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Oro Valley Police Officers Association. The Council’s vote followed several weeks of behind-the-scenes discussions after negotiations had reached an impasse in early May. While speakers praised the agreement as fair and competitive, the final version of the MOU and its supporting documents were not made available to the public prior to the vote, so no further details can be reported at this time. We reported regarding the various options being consider and will report the final agreement once we receive the materials.
Water rate increase approved—effective July 5
Also Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved increases to the town’s potable water base and commodity rates, effective July 5. The average residential customer using 7,000 gallons per month will see a monthly increase of $1.81, or about 3.6%. The primary driver is a sharp increase in the cost of Central Arizona Project (CAP) water. The Town continues to cash-fund its capital improvement program without issuing new debt, which also contributes to the rate hike. Reclaimed water rates remain unchanged, and the town notes that Oro Valley still offers some of the lowest water rates in southern Arizona for typical residential customers.
Council targets chronic building and litter violations with stronger enforcement tools
And Also Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council adopted Ordinance No. (O)25-03, changing how the Town enforces certain code violations. The ordinance reclassifies issues such as illegal construction, unpermitted electrical or plumbing work, and failure to remove accumulated litter from criminal to civil offenses for initial violations. This change allows Town code enforcement officers—not just police or legal staff—to issue citations directly, making enforcement faster and more efficient. To address ongoing noncompliance, the ordinance also introduces a mechanism to escalate repeat violations to criminal charges after three offenses within 24 months. A new maximum civil fine of $1,000 per day was also established.
Town stays on track to fully fund police pensions
And, once again, Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved fulling funding the town's Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) obligation. The policy is a continuation of prior year policies under Winfield's leadership. The contribuion reflects the most recent actuarial data, showing that the town’s police pension fund improved from 95% funded in FY 2023 to 98.6% in FY 2024. With this year’s additional budgeted contributions, staff expects to reach full funding—potentially exceeding 100%—by the end of FY 2025–26, assuming stable investment returns. The new policy maintains the town’s commitment to responsible, long-term pension funding.
The Town of Oro Valley’s economic development website lists over 50 sites available for commercial activity, including both land parcels and existing buildings. Specifically, there are 19 sites designated for high-tech and bioscience development, some located within Innovation Park’s expedited development zone. Additionally, there are over 30 commercially zoned sites ranging in size from under an acre to nearly 15 acres. These figures encompass both vacant land suitable for new construction and existing buildings available for adaptive reuse. Most of the existing buildings are along Oracle Road. Most f the vacant land is west of La Canada. [See Panel right]. (Source: ChooseOroValley.com )
No congressional funds for Oro Valley in 2026...Overreached in FY25?
Congressman Juan Ciscomani has no community project funding requests for Oro Valley in the FY2026 federal appropriations cycle. That’s a sharp contrast from last year, when he sought $17 million for Oro Valley bridge repairs—a figure that now appears far higher than necessary. According to the Town’s own FY26 Capital Improvement Program, total bridge-related spending over the next ten years is budgeted at just $7.2 million. That includes specific repairs to La Cañada, Rancho Vistoso, and First Avenue bridges, as well as ongoing annual maintenance. (Source)
Red light therapy, juice bars, and high-tech optics highlight May's business openings
Oro Valley welcomed several new businesses this month, with a notable focus on wellness and innovation. Two red light therapy studios—Diviti Adora and Red Light Method—have opened on Tangerine and Oracle, offering treatments that blend fitness with infrared light technology. On the tech side, Transformative Optics brings cutting-edge imaging system development to town, while Talon Analytics offers engineering solutions to Fortune 500 firms. Also new: Oranju, a fresh juice bar, and a branch of Tucson Federal Credit Union inside Walmart. (Source: The OV Edge)
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