Bits and Pieces

Almost a year now and Gephart still does no know how huge construction sales tax forecasting error happened
LOVE has written for almost a year that the Town badly overestimated FY2025-26 construction sales tax revenue, budgeting about $5.1 million and ultimately collecting only about $2.7 million. At Wednesday’s Council meeting, we learned that staff made a large error in the opposite direction on building permits: residential building permit revenue reached $1.55 million, while total license and permit revenue exceeded budget by nearly $684,000. 

Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett asked the obvious question: How could the Town significantly overestimate construction tax revenue while simultaneously underestimating the permit revenue associated with development? Finance Director David Gephart responded, “I don’t have a good answer for you at this point,” adding that he would have to “go back and look at how the budget was formulated.” 

When Barrett asked for a report explaining the discrepancy, Gephart agreed. 

The construction sales tax problem had been apparent for months, making it reasonable to expect Gephart to already understand how the original assumptions had gone so wrong. The issue is no longer simply that two forecasts missed badly in opposite directions. It now raises a broader question: Is Gephart providing the level of financial oversight the Council should expect?

Council and residents appeal staff zoning decision; Board of Adjustment hearing October 5

The Oro Valley Town Council and nearby Rancho Vistoso residents have appealed a staff zoning interpretation involving the proposed senior-care development on the vacant commercial parcel north of Safeway Vistoso Plaza. The disputed interpretation, issued by the Planning and Zoning Administrator, determined that a “sanatorium” is a permitted use in the Rancho Vistoso PAD’s C-1 commercial zoning district. Under Town procedures, appeals of zoning interpretations are heard by the Board of Adjustment, which acts as a quasi-judicial body and makes the Town’s final decision on the matter. Oro Valley The appeal is scheduled for a Board of Adjustment hearing on October 5. (learn more here)

Town launches pre-approved home plans to cut time and cost

Oro Valley’s new Community Model Homes program is now live, giving residents access to Town pre-approved designs intended to make building a guest house, casita or home faster and less expensive. The initial library includes accessory dwelling units and single-family homes, with duplex and triplex plans expected beginning in 2027. The plans are created by local design professionals and builders and are available for use by interested residents. The Town says the program is intended to expand housing options while reducing permitting time and costs. Visit the town program home page to learn more.

Oro Valley expects 14% CAP reduction in 2027 — but says local supplies are secure

Oro Valley Water Utility says the federal government’s new Colorado River operating framework is expected to reduce the Town’s Central Arizona Project allocation by about 14% beginning in January 2027. Water Utility Director Peter Abraham says Oro Valley is positioned to absorb that reduction because its CAP allocation exceeds what it normally needs, allowing the Town to store excess water underground, and because it has accumulated long-term storage credits that can be used if future CAP deliveries decline further. The Utility also points to its diversified water portfolio — groundwater, CAP water and reclaimed water — and regional partnerships as additional protection against future shortages. (Town of Oro Valley Water, "Behind the meter," Fall 2026 issue)

Fall pavement preservation work underway across Oro Valley

Oro Valley has started its fall 2026 pavement preservation program, with work scheduled from September through November on streets and in neighborhoods throughout town. The Town says the work is intended to extend the life of existing pavement before more expensive reconstruction is required, with streets selected based on pavement condition and prior treatment history. Among the larger areas on this fall’s list are Naranja Drive from La Cañada to First Avenue, Vistoso Commerce Loop, Vistoso Estates and Tangerine Heights, along with numerous neighborhood streets. Work is generally scheduled between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., and residents in affected neighborhoods will receive notice before construction begins. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Bits and Pieces

Stay away from Kreigh Park Saturday morning, another big event
Residents planning to use James D. Kreigh Park Saturday morning may want to make other plans. The Oro Valley Triathlon and Duathlon Festival returns from 7 to 11 a.m., bringing nearly 500 competitors from 27 states and Canada to the Oro Valley Aquatic Center and the park area. The USA Triathlon-sanctioned event includes sprint-distance triathlon races and duathlon events, with participants ranging in age from 10 to 85. Traffic control will be in place from 4 a.m. through late morning, and town officials expect delays and heavy activity around the park while the races are underway.  (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Water rate increase process moves forward
In January, LOVE reported that the Town of Oro Valley was considering a modest water rate adjustment. Last week, the town council formally approved a resolution giving public notice that a rate increase is being considered and starting the required public review process. The proposal currently under discussion would increase the monthly base rate for most residential customers by about $1.86, while leaving the per-gallon commodity charge unchanged. A public hearing is scheduled for June 3, when the council will decide whether to adopt the increase. If approved, the new rates would take effect about 30 days later, likely in early July.  

Traffic signal coming to Tangerine at Musette
The Oro Valley Town Council voted last week to proceed with installing a traffic signal at the intersection of Musette Drive and Tangerine Road. Town traffic engineer Paul Kiesler told council the intersection narrowly missed meeting the formal traffic “warrant” by about seven vehicles during peak periods, but he recommended moving forward because of limited sight distance caused by the vertical curve on Tangerine and increasing traffic generated by Naranja Park. Two council members expressed concern about installing a signal before the warrant is fully met, citing the town’s past practice of waiting for objective thresholds. Ultimately, the council approved the project on a 6-0 vote with Vice Mayor Barrett abstaining. The project is already included in the town’s capital improvement plan with approximately $750,000 budgeted for construction. 

Town restores original alignment for Naranja multi-use path
The town council last week approved shifting $400,000 in previously budgeted capital funds to restore the original alignment of the Naranja Drive multi-use path. When the project was first designed, rising construction estimates forced the town to trim costs through “value engineering,” including a plan that would have diverted path users through Naranja Park rather than keeping the route directly along Naranja Drive. With $300,000 no longer needed for an Oro Valley Drive drainage project and $100,000 from a La Cañada-Cobo road improvement that can now wait because a nearby development will change traffic patterns, staff recommended redirecting the funds to the path project. The council unanimously approved the change, allowing the path to remain continuous along Naranja as originally intended.

Council looks for ways to improve cell coverage north of Tangerine
The Oro Valley Town Council last week discussed persistent complaints about poor cell phone reception in Rancho Vistoso and other areas north of Tangerine Road. Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett and Council Member Mary Murphy requested the item after residents raised concerns about dropped calls, HOA gate systems that rely on cellular service, and possible public safety issues. Police officials also reported that weak signals can interrupt mobile data connections in patrol vehicles, slowing access to dispatch information. Because the town does not control cellular networks, the council unanimously directed staff to continue engaging wireless providers, identify possible town-owned sites for telecommunications infrastructure, and return with options to encourage improved service.

Town Centre rezoning: Residents weigh in at first neighborhood meeting
As previously reported in September and January, the Town Council is proposing to rezone portions of the Town-owned land at Rooney Ranch to expand commercial uses along Oracle Road, limit one portion (Area 3) to residential (either apartments or townhomes), and convert another (Area 4) from single-family lots to permanent open space with trails. At the first neighborhood meeting held several weeks ago, staff reviewed those concepts, including reduced building heights and elimination of the previously permitted five-story hotel. Residents generally supported preserving Area 4 as open space but raised concerns about traffic impacts at Oracle Road and Push View Lanes, residential density in Area 3, trail access near nearby neighborhoods, fencing and wildlife movement, water supply, long-term maintenance costs, and whether the Town should pursue a more distinctive “town center” design rather than conventional commercial development. A second neighborhood meeting is planned before the proposal moves to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Town Council for public hearings this spring.

Spring pavement preservation work underway
The Town of Oro Valley has begun its annual spring pavement preservation program, which includes surface treatments on a number of local streets to help extend pavement life and reduce the need for more costly reconstruction later. Work will occur in phases over the coming weeks and may involve temporary lane restrictions, brief delays, and construction activity in residential areas while crews apply treatments and allow surfaces to cure. Residents are encouraged to check the town’s online information page to see which streets are included and when work is expected in their area. ((Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)
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Bits and Pieces

Oro Valley to get $7 million federal grant for La Canada bridge work 

Town Manager Jeff Wilkins announced Wednesday that Congressman Juan Ciscomani was successful in his efforts to get Oro Valley $7milllion for bridge repairs. The appropriation is included in the Congressional funding bill that is awaiting President Trump's signature. This funding has been years in the making.  This is, indeed, good news. 

Street condition survey underway to guide future pavement planning
The Town of Oro Valley has begun a comprehensive inventory of all Town-maintained roads. The town has engaged a specialized contractor to collect detailed imagery of pavement and transportation assets throughout the community. Over the next week or so, residents may notice data-collection vans driving local streets during daylight hours. The information gathered will be used by Town staff to evaluate current road conditions and update the Pavement Preservation Program. Town Manager Jeff Wilkins said the effort supports Oro Valley’s long-standing, proactive approach to pavement management, helping maintain some of the best roads in the region. The project is funded through Highway User Revenue Funds (HURF). These are state-shared revenues distributed to cities and towns to pay for street and roadway construction, maintenance, and transportation-related improvements.  (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

"Crimefighter" focuses on crime prevention, digital safety, and community education

The Oro Valley Police Department’s January/February CrimeFighter newsletter highlights several community safety priorities, including steps residents can take to reduce package theft, guidance for families on safer internet use as artificial intelligence becomes more common online, and upcoming public engagement programs. The newsletter also promotes OVPD’s women-only automotive care classes, answers common traffic and vehicle-related questions from residents, and provides crime statistics for the final quarter of 2025 (panel right), offering a snapshot of calls for service and reported incidents. Several community events and safety programs are also listed, reinforcing OVPD’s focus on crime prevention, education, and outreach. (Source)

Former Oro Valley town manager Greg Caton at center of escalating Scottsdale leadership dispute

Former Oro Valley Town Manager Greg Caton is the City Manager of Scottsdale. He is involved in a dispute with Mayor Lisa Borowsky. The conflict intensified in mid-January after Caton placed the mayor’s chief of staff, R. Lamar Whitmer, on paid suspension pending an internal personnel investigation, prompting Borowsky to accuse Caton of undermining her office and to suggest she may seek his resignation. City officials have declined to release details, citing the ongoing investigation, while Caton’s administration has said the action was required under city policy. Whitmer, a longtime Scottsdale political consultant and adviser with past involvement in high-profile and controversial development proposals, is not a low-profile staff member, giving the suspension broader political significance. Caton served as Oro Valley town manager from 2011 to 2016, later held senior management roles in Grand Junction and Durango, Colorado, and joined Scottsdale as assistant city manager in 2024 before being promoted to city manager the following year. (Source: News Reports)

Cycling partnership between Oro Valley and Marana seen as first of several joint economic efforts

The Town of Oro Valley and the Town of Marana have formalized a long-standing collaboration by approving an intergovernmental agreement that establishes a regional bicycling partnership focused on tourism and economic activity. The agreement builds on years of joint efforts, including events such as the Tucson Bicycle Classic and other regional cycling initiatives, and provides a framework for coordinated planning, marketing, and evaluation of economic impacts. Speaking to the Town Council on Wednesday, Economic Development Director Paul Melcher said he hopes that this bicycling partnership will be just one of multiple economic development activities Oro Valley will pursue with Marana, signaling a broader regional approach to future collaboration. (Source: Town of Oro Valley 2-4-26 Town Council Meeting and Oro Valley Media Release)

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Bits and Pieces

Town begins fall pavement preservation work

The Town of Oro Valley has begun its Fall 2025 Pavement Preservation Program, which runs through November. The Public Works Department will apply maintenance treatments on several major streets and neighborhood roads to extend pavement life and maintain Oro Valley’s high-quality roadways. Work hours are generally 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and schedules may shift depending on weather conditions. Drivers are asked to observe posted signs and traffic controls, while residents in affected neighborhoods will receive direct notifications 48 hours before work begins. Residents can learn more about the schedule, view maps, and get updates on the Town’s Pavement Preservation webpage or call the Public Works Department at 520-229-4850 for questions about specific locations. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Marketplace redevelopment moves forward

Construction is officially underway at the Oro Valley Marketplace, marking the start of a multi-year transformation project led by HSL Properties and Borderlands Construction. Phase 1 will bring 320 new apartments, improved pedestrian routes, safer intersections, and a new public park between Walmart and Tuk Tuk Thai. Work begins this month and will continue through 2027, with Marketplace access temporarily rerouted during construction but restored for the Thanksgiving and holiday shopping seasons.

 The project, approved by the Town Council in 2023, aims to make the Marketplace a more vibrant destination for residents and visitors while boosting Oro Valley’s long-term economic vitality. Learn more here.

Flag ceremony honors Oro Valley Gold Star mom

Earlier this week, Rockin’ 4 Heroes hosted a private flag ceremony at Oro Valley Town Hall to honor LuAnn Galvin, a local Gold Star mother whose son, U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Taylor Galvin, died in 2018 while serving in Afghanistan. During the ceremony, Rockin’ 4 Heroes presented Galvin with an Honor and Remember flag in recognition of her son’s service and sacrifice. Mayor Joe Winfield, Councilmember Mary Murphy and Police Chief Kara Riley attended the ceremony. (See KVOA report here)

Oro Valley Police Department receives two state grants totaling $83,619

The Oro Valley Police Department received two grants from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety totaling $83,619. One grant of $44,249 will fund overtime, equipment, and supplies to enhance DUI and impaired-driving enforcement. The second grant of $39,370 will support the department’s Special Traffic Enforcement Program, including overtime and new lidar speed-enforcement units. Both grants take effect now. The two agreements are scheduled for Town Council approval next Wednesday. 

Mark your calendar for Bark in the Park on October 18

Dog lovers won’t want to miss Bark in the Park, a free community event hosted by the Town of Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Department on Saturday, October 18, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Steam Pump Ranch. The evening will feature a dog costume contest, adoptable pets from local shelters, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. Attendees can enjoy crafts, photo booths, and demonstrations while supporting the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine and Purina’s Purple Leash Project, which helps raise awareness for pet owners seeking safe shelter from domestic violence. For details, visit the Town’s event page or contact carlet@orovalleyaz.gov (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

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Bits and Pieces

Oro Valley announces final phase of fall pavement preservation 

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Nov. 10, 2021) –– The Town of Oro Valley Public Works Department has released the schedule for the final phase of fall pavement preservation work on various roads within town limits. This upcoming treatment phase will begin Nov. 15 through Dec. 3, 2021, weather permitting. 

The Town’s pavement preservation program is a Council funded priority that is data driven. Roads that receive treatment are prioritized based on when they were treated or constructed last. Pavement preservation extends the pavement life and is far less expensive than replacing the asphalt.

It is important to note that the treated road cannot be driven on for 24 hours after it’s finished. Those who live in an area scheduled for pavement preservation will receive a door notice with information two days before work begins. The town asks that residents plan ahead, observe posted traffic signs and yield to construction workers.

Learn more here.

(Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release)

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OV prosecutor Troy Simon wins Guardian of Freedom Award 

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Nov. 10, 2021) – Oro Valley’s Assistant Town Prosecutor Troy Simon has been awarded the prestigious Guardian of Freedom Award for his work on the Ron Bell case. 

 

The Guardian of Freedom Award is issued by the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council. Established in 2018, the award pays tribute to Holocaust survivor Gerda Weissmann Klein and her husband, Kurt Klein. The Kleins, who advocated for Holocaust education and human rights, recognized lawyers as living embodiments of the United States Constitution and often the last line of defense for the rights of both victims and the accused. The award honors legal professionals in Arizona who live up to the Kleins’ ideals by making professional and ethical decisions, regardless of the outcome of the case. As such, this is not necessarily an annual award; rather, it is awarded as exceptional actions warrant.

Learn more here.

(Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release)

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Mayoral Candidate Dan Sharp to attend "Meet and Greet"

The Village 15 "The Links" HOA Board of Directors has invited Mayoral Candidate Danny Sharp to a meet and greet event"on November 20 from 4pm - 6pm at the end of the cul-de-sac on Crystal Downs. "He will be there to meet the residents of our village and answer questions you might have. The intent of the meet and greet is to connect with new and existing neighbors. It is not the intent of the HOA Board to endorse any candidate. We will offer the same opportunity to meet our residents to other candidates, once they are announced. Hope to see you there!"

(Source: HOA Email)

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Bits and Pieces

Conceptual agreement reached on Vistoso Preserve 

All parties to the sale of the former Vistoso Golf Course and its conversion into a permanent preserve have formed a conceptual agreement. “As there is now no disagreement on any issues of substance, the parties will be working through contracts and legal documents with the goal of completing the deal no later than by close of next week.” (Source: Reader's email)

Once the agreements are signed, fundraising will begin.  LOVE will keep you up to date as we learn more.

Oro Valley Marketplace changes and the water challenge are featured on this week's Jim Horn Oro Valley Podcast talk with LOVE

We are Jim Horn’s Guest on his Oro Valley Podcast this week. We talk about two topics: The proposed changed to the Oro Valley Marketplace and “Water”. We discuss two questions: Are the changes proposed to the Marketplace something the town needs? Can Oro Valley remain an oasis of plentiful water when the rest of the West isn’t? Get updated on the Marketplace proposed changes here. Listen to Jim’s podcast here.

Oro Valley Historical Society membership meeting next Thursday

The Oro Valley Historical Society is holding a membership meeting at the Pusch House at Steam Pump Ranch on Thursday, September 30 at 2:30pm. After the meeting, attendees are welcome to tour this month’s exhibit and enjoy some refreshments.

Fall "Pavement Preservation" schedule available

The town has released its plans for this fall’s pavement preservation schedule. Work starts in late October. This is a program started years ago to refresh our town’s street’s long before they have to be replaced. The program truly does extend the life of our streets. It’s why the condition of our roads is so good. Read what’s going to be done and where here. 

Lots of scams

There are many different kinds of "scams". Seems like more than ever. Visit this FTC link to learn more. We receive emails routinely about being charged for a Norton Security subscription. We have no such subscription. We simply delete the message and we suggest you do the same.

Bits and Pieces

Horn Launches "Unsung Hero" Podcast

Oro Valley resident Jim Horn has a new podcast called: "Oro Valley's Unsung Heroes." Jim interviewed Oro Valley Police Officer Alex Carillo, whom we covered yesterday in LOVE, in his first podcast. 

Horn intends future podcasts. "The Oro Valley Podcast will continue to do a series on the unsung heroes in Oro Valley. The series will feature those first responders that have helped to save lives in our community that would have otherwise been lost. The first responders devotion to duty and commitment to help our citizens is often overlooked. The Unsung Hero Series will highlight those achievements."

Hardy roundabout closed April 20 and 21

The town will be closing the Hardy and Northern Ave roundabout on April 20 and 21 for surface treatments. This is midweek so be sure to use an alternate route those days.

Did you know?

Oro Valley Police are involved in the building development review process. They provide recommendations about how projects can be designed to deter or prevent crime. (Source: 2020 Oro Valley Police Annual Report)

Shaffer Dry Cleaning Closing

Shaffer Dry Cleaning is closing its Rooney Ranch store on April 21. They told us that there was simply not enough business to justify keeping the location. We suspect their business is a victim of the pandemic. People stayed home. They didn’t need to dress to travel to work. Thus, less laundry to be cleaned. Shaffer offers a “door to door” service by calling 520-318-3538 or visiting shafferdrycleaning.com to sign up.

Bits and Pieces

Now This Is How The Anthem Should Be Sung

The CDO High School Choir members performed the national anthem a the "State of the Town Address and Luncheon.  The luncheon was attended by more than 625 people.  We'll report next week on some of what Mayor Hiremath said. Meahwhile, please enjoy the singing.

OVPD Citizen Survey Shows Respondents Praise The Cops

The Oro Valley Police Department has issued its latest citizen survey.

"In September 2006, in an effort to improve the quality of services, the Oro Valley Police Department created a citizen survey for its constituents. The survey provides a fact-finding medium to determine how the Police Department is doing from the citizens. Patrol officers, volunteers, school resource officers and crime prevention officers distribute the surveys to citizens. The surveys are also available at the Oro Valley Library and the Police Department’s main and north stations."

We think that there were 22 responses included in this survey.  The top 2 crime concerns were burglary and traffic. Most who were surveyed called the police because of suspicious persons.  The resondents praised the professional demeanor of the police.

Pavement Preservation: Thanks You Council?  We Think Not

Pavement preservation on Pusch Ridge Lane on Wednesday was preceeded by a large portable sign extolling its virtue. At the bottom of the sign"  "Brought To You By The Oro Valley Town Council." We had not idea the Oro Valley's council members were paying for pavement preservation. Fact is: It's your tax money that is paying for it.  The sign should read: "Brought To You By The Residents of Oro Valley."
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Bits and Pieces

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The Town Of Oro Valley is soliciting construction bids for road resurfacing of the following locations: Rancho Vistoso NBH 10 Parcel O, Peppersauce Townhomes, West Glover Road, Kelly Rae, Rancho Vistoso NBH 10 Parcel K and L, Calle Buena Vista, Egleston Drive, Sun City Units 8, 9, 10, Hidden Springs Drive, Rams Canyon Phase 2, Rams Canyon Phase 3 and Rams Canyon Estates.   Estimated cost is from $500,000 to $1 million.(Source)
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A 65-bed, one-story, 27,000 square foot nursing care facility will like be constructed on the southwest corner of Oracle and Desert Sky.   The facility will house alzheimer and dementia patients. Residents will be "secured"in the facility.  The building will be 18' in height.  The public hearing on the facility was held in January.  Residents were concerned with traffic that might "cut through" their development (which is unlikely), smells from the cafeteria and the building of a common wall.  You should attend the Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Commission meeting next tuesday if you wish to opine on the facilities request for a conditional use permit.  Construction will begin once council has approved this permit.
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"Securaplane Technologies, Inc. a leading supplier of avionics products for business, commercial and military aircraft, announced its expansion to Oro Valley's Innovation Park in December 2012. A groundbreaking ceremony for the 55,000-square-foot building was held on Friday, March 29 near the northeast corner of Tangerine and Innovation Park Drive." (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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TREO with the help of County and State corporate welfare has attracted Accelerate Diagnostics to a location near Kino Sports Park.  The inducement:

"Under terms of its August 2012 lease and agreement with Pima County, which includes cut-rate rent through 2015, the company had 18 months to hire at least 30 people with a median salary of at least $70,000. And under a $1 million grant from the Arizona Commerce Authority, Accelerate must ramp up hiring to 65 jobs paying at least $63,000 a year and make capital investments of at least $4,520,000, according to regulatory filings."

The company's CEO was formerly with Ventana Medical Systems, here in Oro Valley. Too bad that TREO didn't steer the business to Oro Valley's Innovation Park.
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Update: Is There A Pothole In Your Future? "No"

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Is there a pothole in your future? 

Oro Valley Town Engineer Craig Civalier and Development and Infrastructure Director Paul Keesler say "No."

Both met with John Musolf this week to discuss the Oro Valley 2012-13 pavement preservation budget.  They stated that the $1.2 million being spent each year is sufficient to maintain the quality of the Oro Valley Roads.  So, there should be no potholes in your future.  This is good news!

We wanted this meeting clarify a previous posting regarding pavement preservation funding needs.  We have minutes from a discussion prepared by the town four years ago. This discussion concluded that the town was underfunding its pavement needs at that time by significant amounts.  We were surmising that the findings of that discussion are still valid since the town had not addressed this supposed funding requirement.  We are not sure exactly why; but the findings of that discussion are no longer valid.

Councilman Mike Zinkin was kind enough to facilitate our meeting.
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Is There A Pothole In Your Future?

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We have read about and experienced the pothole problems in the City of Tucson.  Simply put, the City has underfunded its pavement management program for years.  The result: Broken roads and potholes galore. PIMA County, too, has long standing pothole problems! Pressure to do something is coming from frustrated residents.

What about Oro Valley? Do we have a pothole problem in our future?

About 5 years ago, the Oro Valley “Pavement Preservation” program was discussed by the Town Engineer Civalier and Operations Manager Trenary (Source: February 26, 2007 Finance and Bond Committee meeting).   At that time,  Mr. Civalier stated that, at that time, $14 - 15 Million was needed in order to get to the point where our streets were maintainable.  After that, about $2.5 million would be required each year to maintain our streets.

So, when we look at the 2012-13 Oro Valley Town Budget, a budget that include surface treatment spending of $1.2 million, we wonder:  Why so little?

We recall the discussion five years ago:  Mr. Lamm of Finance and Bond Committee suggested borrowing $15 Million over a period of years to get the roadways up to a stabilization point where we could maintain them.  That never happened.  The funds were never acquired. The roads were not “stabilized”.

Since that time, Oro Valley has spent far less than the $2.5 million per year; and certainly never the $15 million one-time “catch-up” amount. 

This is how the town views its current program:

“The budget includes more than $1 million for the pavement preservation program in the Highway Fund, which maintains the current condition of our streets and roads. Although the funding level is slightly below 2011/2012 funding, the bids have been favorable, and the amount of maintenance expected to be delivered remains at a level which will not allow the infrastructure to deteriorate.” (Source: Oro Valley 2012-2013 Town Budget)

We wonder: What changed in the past five years that caused the town to be able to fund pavement preservation at levels that are far less than those recommended by the town engineer and the town’s finance and bond committee?

Is it time for Mr. Civalier to release an update to our “Pavement Preservation” situation?  Are we underfunding our pavement preservation requirements.  Is there a pothole in our future?

John Musolf
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