Is Oro Valley Growing Too Expensive For Retirees?

One "study" says Oro Valley is getting to expensive
This is the conclusion of a study by gobankingrates.com. The study, published in September, ranks Oro Valley as 22 out of 30 nationwide locations that are getting too expensive for retirees.

Oro Valley’s senior population is approximately 30% according to census.gov (US Census Bureau). We are not just a retirement community; but people have traditionally moved here to do just that.


Reason 1: High Cost of Housing

The study uses median housing list price as a gauge of housing cost.

Gauging the cost of houses using that measure can lead to erroneous conclusions since a "median" is not an average. It is the middle number in a bunch of numbers.

We think that the average price per square foot of living space is a better measure. So, LOVE undertook our own study using data provided by Long Realty.

LOVE calculated the average asking price per square foot. We compared Oro Valley to other local retirement communities. We found that Oro Valley is near the top of the pack, but inline with Saddlebrook, which is a retirement community. Take a look at our infographic (panel left).

Reason 2: High cost of  living
We posted about Oro Valley's high local taxation last week, referencing a Kiplinger report that listed Oro Valley as a "high local tax town".

In that posting, we identified heavy taxation of water, a fact not considered by Kiplinger, as an added high tax factor. We also noted in that posting the relatively high property valuations assigned by the Pima County Assessor to Oro Valley properties, values that enable them to collect proportionately more property tax dollars from Oro Valley  property owners than from other communities.

Other than taxation and the cost of housing, the cost of living in Oro Valley is comparable to other local communities
The cost of living in Oro Valley  is also in line with the national average (panel right).

Our conclusion
Oro Valley's high cost of housing and high local taxes not only make Oro Valley expensive for retirees, but also make Oro Valley expensive for everyone else.
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You can do your own research on cost of living by clicking here, customizing it to your income and preferred locations.

About the  GOBankingRates study: They analyzed 50 cities with large senior populations (i.e., 25% or more of the population aged 65 or older). 

Kiplinger: Oro Valley No 6 In Highest Local Taxes In Arizona

High local taxes
Oro Valley local taxes are higher than those of most Arizona cities and towns, according to a study by Kiplinger, a personal finance advisory company. The study, published in September, ranked the 30 largest cities and towns based on the estimated local tax burden.

Marana tops list....but Oro Valley isn't far behind
Marana was the town with the most local taxes. It was followed by the City of Tucson.  Casa Grande, Apache Junction and Maricopa had more taxes than Oro Valley, but not by much.

Oro Valley's High sales tax
Oro Valley's high local taxes are driven by several factors. One is a high sales tax. We've documented this in a recent prior post.

Tucson and Oro Valley lead the Southern Arizona pack when it comes to sales tax. Oro Valley's half cent sales tax golf levy is indeed unique. It's the only one in Arizona.

Oro Valley's high utility tax 
The Oro Valley utility tax didn't exist until 2007, when a 2% tax was enacted. It was enacted during the recession to avoid cuts in town staffing.  It got doubled to 4% in 2011 to avoid having to reduce the police budget, a reduction that would have been in line with other town staff reductions at that time.

The original 2% utility tax was supposed to have been rescinded two years after its inception in 2007.  That never happened. The 2 percentage point increase imposed in 2011 was supposed to have "gone away" when the economy improved. The economy has improved substantially. Yet, the doubled utility tax remains today.

Want to learn more? Read our deceased colleague John Musolf's post:  "Perpetual Life Of The Utility Tax."

Oro Valley’s high water cost
LOVE has previously reported on the high cost of Oro Valley’s water in our posting: "Taxes, Add-On Fees, and an Inverted Rate Schedule Make Oro Valley Water Expensive.” Fees and tax levies add 41% to the cost of water. Water rates have gone up since that post; and with that increase in rates, so have the add on fees. Oro Valley's high water cost was not considered in the Kiplinger survey.

Oro Valley's higher than average county property values per square foot
Oro Valley also has a leadership role in property values. These values are the basis for the property taxes we pay. LOVE has also documented that Oro Valley's property values are higher per square foot than the rest of the county. Our 2015 analysis revealed that Oro Valley's population was 4% of Pima County but its assessed property values were 9% of total county property values. The result: Oro Valley residents pay more property taxes per square foot than other areas. Oro Valley's higher property taxes per square foot was not considered in the Kiplinger survey.

Up Next: Oro Valley Is Growing Too Expensive for Retirees
Arizona has always been a destination for retirees. Oro Valley has been the beneficiary. This fact accounts for why Oro Valley's median resident age is almost 50 years, while the national median age is 38.  Next monday, learn how things are changing.
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Free Showing ---- Wal-Mart: "The High Cost Of Low Price" Sept 1 At Library

WHAT: Screening of "Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price"
WHEN: Saturday, September 1, 2:30 PM
WHERE: Oro Valley Library
1305 W Naranja Dr.
Oro Valley, Arizona 85737

HOSTED BY: Oro Valley First

Tickets are FREE. RSVP required.

For more details and to RSVP, please visit:
http://walmart.bravenewtheaters.com/screening/show/9806

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About the film:

Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price is the documentary film sensation that's changing the largest company on earth. The film features the deeply personal stories and everyday lives of families and communities struggling to survive in a Wal-Mart world. It's an emotional journey that will challenge the way you think, feel... and shop.

Released simultaneously in theaters and DVD in November 2005, the film has been seen by millions worldwide. Families, churches, schools, and small busineses owners have screened the film over 10,000 times and the world is taking notice. See the film, share it, and become part of the movement encouraging companies to act responsibly.

The film played to a standing-room only crowd at the Oro Valley Library on in April and June.

To learn more, please visit:
http://walmart.bravenewtheaters.com/

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About the host:

Oro Valley First was launched by a group of local, independent business owners and concerned citizens who recognize and appreciate the unique character of Oro Valley. We are working actively to ensure the vitality of the local, independent businesses in our area. We believe in living as good citizens while buying locally when possible. It is by preserving the richness and diversity of retail choice here in the greater Oro Valley area that we will all continue to thrive and prosper.

To learn more, or to sign our online pledge, please visit:
http://www.ov1st.com/pledge.htm

Big Community Survey: Top 5 Least Liked Things About Oro Valley

This week we are devoting LOVE's pages to the findings of the "Big Community Survey." That survey will be used used to guide groups in planning the 2026 "Path Forward" General Plan. Today we focus on the five things residents like least about Oro Valley.

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"Big Community Survey" identifies five least liked features or Oro Valley 
The Big Community Survey has shed light on both the beloved and less appreciated aspects of living in Oro Valley. While there are many qualities that residents cherish, certain issues have surfaced as areas of concern. This article explores the top five things that Oro Valley residents like least about their community, based on survey results.

Traffic Conditions: Growing congestion issues
Traffic congestion is a significant concern for many Oro Valley residents. With increasing development and population growth, commute times have lengthened, and congestion has become more prevalent. One resident expressed their frustration, stating, “The traffic on main roads is getting worse every year, making my daily commute much longer than it used to be.” Addressing these traffic issues is crucial for maintaining the town’s quality of life.

Distance or Lack of Services: Essential amenities out of reach
Another major issue is the distance or lack of essential services. Many residents find it inconvenient to access certain amenities, such as specialized healthcare, shopping, and entertainment. A survey participant shared, “We need more local services to avoid long drives into Tucson for basic needs.” Enhancing the availability of local services could significantly improve daily convenience for residents.

Growth-Related Concerns: Balancing development and preservation
Rapid growth and development have raised concerns among residents about preserving the small-town feel and open spaces that characterize Oro Valley. Many worry that continued expansion could lead to overcrowding and loss of the town’s unique charm. “We need to manage growth carefully to keep Oro Valley’s character intact,” urged one resident. Balancing development with preservation is essential for sustaining the town’s appeal.

High Cost of Living: Financial strain on residents
The high cost of living in Oro Valley is another notable issue. Residents face higher expenses in areas such as housing, utilities, and property taxes compared to neighboring regions. One resident highlighted the financial strain, stating, “Living here is becoming more expensive, and it’s hard for families to keep up with the rising costs.” Addressing affordability can help retain the town’s diverse population and ease the financial burden on residents.

Limited Recreational and Cultural Amenities: Desire for more community spaces 

While Oro Valley offers beautiful natural surroundings, some residents feel there is a lack of recreational and cultural amenities. There are calls for more community centers, arts venues, and recreational facilities. A survey respondent emphasized, “We need more places to gather and cultural activities to enjoy as a community.” Expanding these amenities can enhance the community’s social and cultural vibrancy, providing residents with more opportunities to connect and engage.

These are challenges with which Path Forward will "deal"
The Big Community Survey reveals that traffic conditions, distance or lack of services, growth-related concerns, high cost of living, and limited recreational and cultural amenities are the top five least liked aspects of living in Oro Valley. Addressing these issues is essential for improving residents’ quality of life and ensuring the town remains a desirable place to live. Community involvement and ongoing feedback will play a crucial role in shaping Oro Valley’s future.

Free Showing of Wal-Mart Film, "THE HIGH COST OF LOW PRICE"

For those readers who may have missed the previous showing, OV1st, is making the film available again on May 8 at the OV Library. Regardless of your position concerning Wal-Mart,we encourage everyone who has not seen this film, to do so.
(It might even change your mind about this "giant retailer.")
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WHAT: Screening of "Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price"
WHEN: Tuesday, May 08 08:00 PM
WHERE: Oro Valley Library
1305 W Naranja Dr.
Oro Valley, Arizona 85737

HOSTED BY: Oro Valley First.
Tickets are FREE. RSVP required.

For more details and to RSVP, please visit:
http://walmart.bravenewtheaters.com/screening/show/9334

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About the film:

Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price is the documentary film sensation that's changing the largest company on earth. The film features the deeply personal stories and everyday lives of families and communities struggling to survive in a Wal-Mart world. It's an emotional journey that will
challenge the way you think, feel... and shop.

Released simultaneously in theaters and DVD in November 2005, the film has been seen by millions worldwide. Families, churches, schools, and small busineses owners have screened the film over 10,000 times and the world is taking notice. See the film, share it, and become part of the movement forcing companies to act responsibly.

The film played to a standing-room only crowd at the Oro Valley Library on April 14, despite the fact that the Explorer refused to print the announcement, and we're hoping to reach even more people this time!

To learn more, please visit:
http://walmart.bravenewtheaters.com/


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About the host:

Oro Valley First was launched by a group of local, independent business owners and concerned citizens who recognize and appreciate the unique character of Oro Valley. We are working actively to ensure the vitality of the local, independent businesses in our area. We believe in living as world citizens while buying locally when possible. It is by preserving the richness and diversity of retail choice here in the greater Oro Valley area that we will all continue to thrive and prosper.

To learn more, or to sign our online pledge, please visit:

http://www.ov1st.com/pledge.htm

The Rush To Complete Naranja Park Is On

The rush is on

The Town of Oro Valley at the urging of the the Oro Valley Town Council is rushing to complete Naranja Park. The goal is to complete the buildout of the park by 2024.  The town is moving forward without a council approved conceptual design. They are doing so without knowing what the cost of the buildout is going to be. They are doing so without knowing what the cost of maintaining whatever it is they are building will be. 

They are pressing forward with this massive undertaking at rapid pace. They are doing so that at a time of extraordinary high inflation, significant material shortages, and labor shortages. 

No approved conceptual design… and a council “in the weeds” 

Town staff presented the latest design to council at its April 6 study session.  The design is different from the design presented in the 2020-21 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. That is the plan that kicked off this rush to complete the facility. 

At the study session, Councilmembers presented their views on such items as where the dog park should be located, whether or not the “pump track” was big enough, and why the four new multipurpose fields could not be located a bit closer to the existing fields. Mayor Winfield suggested that staff could reduce one planned restroom if money needed to be saved on the project.

Barrett questions "all-at-once" site preparation cost

The first construction step is to prepare the site. That requires mass grading the site and building the underground utility infrastructure. Site preparation is costly. It does not result in any immediate benefit to the community. This concerns Vice Mayor Barrett.  At the meeting, she asked asked if the cost of this "all at once" site preparation approach would consume a large portion of the $15 million in bond funds that were earmarked for building the park.

Barrett did not receive a direct answer from Town Public Works Director Paul Keesler, who is in charge of the project. Rather, Keesler explained that preparing the entire site was necessary because of the various grades of the existing land. One simply could not grade one area without impacting the other areas.

Barrett then observed: “If we are in a situation where the grading is going to eat most of [the bond money], and we’re still not able to put in at least a significant portion of the amenities, then I think we would need to come back and take a look at it."

Cost of the buildout  is unknown.. Our guess: $21 million

The cost of building the facility is unknown because the town does not know what the facility is going to look like. “Staff is putting in motion plans to get the final maximum bid price of our Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contractor, Haydon, so plans can be made to start the mobilization and then grading phase.” (Source).

The Parks and Recreation Master Plan estimated estimated a buildout cost $17 million. That estimate is a year old. In today’s dollars that would be $21 million, assuming a construction inflation rate of 20%. $15 million of that will come from the bond that was issued last summer. The remainder will come from town reserves. (Source)

Keesler confirmed that the Naranja Park buildout cost will be significantly more than anticipated even a year ago. "“I can guarantee you that Naranja Park will take the majority of the $25 million in park bond money.” According to Town Manager Jacobs. the cost is expected to be at least $5 million more than the allocated amount of $15 million.

According to Keesler, the biggest risk is the availability and cost of materials. "Everything is crystal ball…” at this point.

Cost of ongoing maintenance unknown

Since the town does not know what the site is going to look like, it does not know the cost of maintaining this extraordinarily large, amenity rich facility in a manner consistent with Oro Valley’s vision as a “Town of Excellence.”

We believe that there is a town requirement that the cost of maintaining major proposed public works projects be estimated before that project is approved by Council. And if there is not a requirement, then it most certainly should be one!

The only certainty: Town's communication outreach plan in place

About the only thing that is certain is the town's communication plan. “Once construction begins, the Hayden [CMAR Contractor] team will be providing weekly project reports to Town staff. The OV Communications team will summarize those reports into reader-friendly updates that will be posted to the project web page located here. Updates will also be included in the Parks and Recreation email blast as needed, and photos will occasionally be posted to social media to keep the community engaged and mindful of the project web page and the progress on this exciting amenity. Site signs will include a QR code to lead residents to the project page as well. To kick off the project and communication efforts, staff is planning a press release, an Explorer article and a podcast episode ahead of the May 31 groundbreaking ceremony.” (Source)

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Interesting Survey Results From Az High School Students

We thought our readers might find The Goldwater Institute Survey of Public & Private High School students of some interest.
Art
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For Immediate Release Contact: Becky Bracken
September 9, 2009 (602) 462-5000 x233


Private School Students More Tolerant and Politically Accepting
Survey shows students in private school are more likely respect diversity

Phoenix--Are Arizona's high school students better served by private or public schools? We asked those who know best: the students.


The Goldwater Institute surveyed students in public and private high schools about the academic environment and racial and political tolerance in their schools. The results are being released in two reports. The first, "Tough Crowd: Arizona High School Student School Evaluation" measured students' satisfaction with their schools and the schools' academic environments. The second, "Better Citizens, Lower Cost: Comparing Scholarship Tax Credit Students to Public School Students" examines student perceptions about civic tolerance, diversity and volunteerism within their schools.


The survey shows that by a four-to-one margin, students in private schools report a greater sense of civic responsibility, look forward to going to school, volunteer in their community and value diversity over their public school counterparts.


Survey responses include:


"My school teaches me to value, respect and tolerate differences in others."
76 percent of students in private school agree with that statement, compared with 51 percent of students in public school.


"My school treats all students with respect regardless of race."
64 percent of students in private high school agree with that statement, compared with 40 percent of public school students.


"My school has high expectations of me."
71 percent of students in private high school agree with that statement, compared with 48 percent of students in public high school.


"I look forward to going to school."
Only 66 percent of students in private high school agree with that statement, compared to 47 percent of students in public school.


"This survey punches semi-truck sized holes in the old arguments against private school education, and in turn, the value of the tuition tax credit program," said Goldwater Institute Vice President of Research Matthew Ladner, Ph.D. "Students are in the best position to tell us what's really going on in the classroom, and the results show students in private schools are getting a better education and adopting better civic values, all at a lower price tag to the taxpayer."

The Goldwater Institute is an independent government watchdog supported by people who are committed to expanding free enterprise and liberty.

Water Commssion Report: No Increase In Water Rates. But, Will It Hold?

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The Oro Valley Water Commission is meeting October 10 to, among other things, discuss water rates. Click here for their agenda. Item 3 on this agenda is a discussion regarding water rates, as detailed in their draft : "Water Analysis Report".

The good news is that this report recommends no change in water rates for 2011-12:

Due to sound fiscal and water,resource management, it is projected that the Utility will meet revenue requirements with no proposed water rate increases for the base and commodity rates in FY 2011-12. (Page 6)

Assuming that the Commission approves this report, the next step will be approval by the Oro Valley Town Council.

The question we have is whether this Council will pass up this opportunity to raise water rates, even though no such increase is warranted for water service. After all, this is not the first time the Commission has recommended no increase. Yet, our costs of water have continually increased.

A few years ago there was a confluence of interests on the Council. One council member wanted to increase your cost of water so that the town could fund storm-water cleanup. Several other members wanted to increase the your cost of water to fund more Police Officers. Two members wanted to increase your cost of water as a way of, in their mind, promoting "conservation".

Though the individual council members did not all agree on the reason they wanted to increase your cost of water, they did all agree on one thing: To raise the cost of water to you. That's why 25% of your water bill has nothing to do with water!

You know as well as I know. Once any government finds a way to tax you they will do so again and again and again. The tax never goes away even though the original reason for it might.

The problem with the cost of water in Oro Valley is not the lack of water. It is not the inability to get the water. It is not the inability of our water utility to put the water to you home. In fact, our Water Utility seems to run efficiently, delivering high quality, potable water to you tap ever day!

The problem with your cost of water in Oro Valley is Oro Valley Politics. Give some politicians a way to tax you and they will tax you!

This Council has been no different than ones past. This Council, by a 5-2 vote, increased your utility tax because they wanted your money.

Will this Council pass up this latest opportunity to get more of your money via an unneeded water rate increase?
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2025 TMRB: Differences in Personnel Costs Highlight The Variety of Skills Needed To Keep Oro Valley Successful

Now is the time

No added staffing in 2025 TMRB

The Town of Oro Valley has 425 full-time equivalent employees. The 2025 TMRB calls for keeping that number essentially the same in 2025. The total 2025 TMRB cost is $43.3 million, which is 31% of the $137.4 million in identified spending in the TMRB. 

"Big Four" Departments" dominate personnel spending...

Yesterday, we reported that 80% of all TMRB identified spending is attributed to four departments. These same four departments employ 77% of the town staff, comprising 76% of the total TMRB personnel cost.

...and have the most visible roles in the community

One would expect to see the bulk of Oro Valley’s workforce supporting these four departments (Public Safety, Public Works, Water, and Parks) because each department’s responsibilities require people “doing stuff you see.” Indeed, we see these people every day. The police patrol our streets and neighborhoods; public works crews rejuvenate our roads; water crews fix pumping facilities; and parks personnel mow lawns and water the new trees planted.

Disparity in personnel cost among departments...

There is a significant range difference in the average personnel cost per person across different departments (see panel right). The town's TMRB average cost per employee is $102,000. The average cost per public safety full-time equivalent (FTE) personnel is $129,500, while the average Parks and Recreation FTE receives less than half of that. Water and public works personnel costs per FTE are also much lower. The Legal and Finance departments have an average personnel cost per person greater than that of the police department. Other departments, such as information technology and the town manager's office, also have relatively high personnel costs. 

... likely reflects the nature of the work and labor market conditions

These differences likely reflect the varying skill levels required for specific jobs in these departments and prevailing labor market conditions. Understanding these differences is crucial for informed budget planning and resource allocation in the town.  

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DeSimone: Oro Valley Is A Town of "OK"

Not a "Town of Excellence" when it comes to maintaining Naranja Park

The Town of Oro Valley calls itself a "Town Of Excellence." Oro Valley resident Chris DeSimone disagrees. It a "Town of OK".

DeSimone is host of the weekday morning show: Wake Up Tucson. He expressed this view in his remarks to council in March.  He reemphasized it at last night's Oro Valley Town Council meeting.

In March, DeSimone pointed to what he termed “the poor conditions of the fields at Naranja Park” after use on a holiday weekend. At that time, Mayor Winfield directed the town manager to look into it. She responded with a three-page memo that explains this and other matters.

DeSimone read portions of that response at last night's meeting.

Town Manager Jacobs: "The playing fields at Naranja Park are not in the condition we would like them to be"

In the memo, Jacobs identified two reasons why the Naranja Park fields are not in good condition at all times: First, “Naranja [Park] fields are over used... The condition of the turf is largely a function of overuse and lack of down time for remedial work.” The fields were overused because they were fully booked on the holiday weekend to which DeSimone referred. It is the town that does the booking.

Second, the fields are difficult to maintain. They are difficult to maintain because they are built on a sand substrate. When the turf is punched through, the sand comes up. (See panel right)

Jacobs: Problem of overuse will be solved with two new fields

According to Jacobs, the problem will be solved with the addition of the two new fields that are being built at the park.  

We fail to understand the logic of this because these fields will be also be sand substate based. In addition, the added fields will also bring added visitors, which is what the town has stated it wants to do to drive economic activity.  More fields=more use= more visitors.

Two  staff were assigned to maintain all town parks facilities on a "fully booked" weekend

DeSimone also complained about garbage that was left on the field after the holiday weekend. According to Jacobs, that “weekend was a very busy weekend for Naranja Park and Oro Valley as a whole. Every sports field throughout our Parks and Recreation system was booked.” Two staff were on duty to maintain all of the towns facilities over that weekend. Despite that, “we were unable to address all facilities and events to the standards we expect.”

Jacobs offers no solution other than saying that our towns are parks are very popular.

The solution, of course, is to schedule less use of our parks on those very busy weekends or to employ the staff needed to maintain the fields in busy times.

New fields and high standards means more cost

The town of Oro Valley has embarked on a plan to substantially increase its Naranja Park sports facilities. The town is spending millions to build new fields. The Naranja Park fields and the Naranja Park facility will need to be maintained at a very high level to meet Oro Valley's historically high standards. This will come at high cost.

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Municipal Golf Operations Exceeding Financial Targets But Challenges Remain

Results for July and August better than budget
Oro Valley Municipal Golf exceeded budget targets in the first two months of fiscal year 2022. Golf operations lost $156K less than budget. Total losses were $166K. Key revenue drives, total rounds played, greens fees and monthly dues were comparable to budget; while food and beverage revenue far exceeded budget. Spending was under budget primarily due to lower utilities maintenance cost. According to Wendy Gomez of the town’s finance department, it is too soon in the fiscal year to project any change from annual budgeted financial result.

Challenge ahead regarding high cost of irrigation replacement

The town has committed to replacing the irrigation on its two 18-hole courses. The initial town estimate of this cost was $4 million. The latest bid for this is now almost $7.8 million. This doubling of cost is indicative of a national economy of shortages and rampant inflation.

The funding for the irrigation improvement is designated to come from the $25 million bond the council approved last month. Half of that bond money is committed to completing Naranja Park. This leaves $12.5 million for other projects identified for bond funds use by council in July. The golf course irrigation replacement is one of these.

If indeed, the council commits $7.8 million of bond funds for golf course irrigation, only about $4.2 million remain for two council designated bond fund projects:  A community center parking lot improvement and a replacement of tennis and pickleball courts. These are costly projects, perhaps in excess of the $ 4 million that would be available.

Is there a "One Course" irrigation replacement option?

It may well be that the “wisest course” is to complete the irrigation on 18 holes of golf using bond funds, freeing $4 million for these other planned uses. Then, complete the irrigation on the other 18 holes using pay-as-you-go. One of our readers pointed this out to Mayor Winfield in an email: “The Town does not own the property south of Lambert (5 holes) yet the Town is watering and maintaining the property.” This is part of the Canada course. Why invest in changing the irrigation of these these holes?

Is there a "wait till inflation abates" option?

There is an option of waiting to do any of these improvements until prices "come down".  At some point the world will get back to normal. There will be surpluses rather than shortages. Businesses will once again become competitive. Prices will come down in businesses such as those that install irrigation because competition will increase. The problem is that this may be 3-5 years from now, beyond the spending horizon of the bond funds. The town is required to spend the bond funds within three years of the issuance of the bond, per the bond indenture.

Challenge regarding the financial impact of the Pusch Course opening and its use of drinking water for irrigation

The 9-hole Pusch Ridge Course is opening on November 1. This course has always presented an economic challenge to the town. How it will fare and its impact on golf economics is yet to be seen. Fortunately, that course has a resident group, "Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf", who are committed to its financial success; and who understand that use of drinking water for irrigating the course must be alleviated in the near term and eliminated in the long term.

Nothing is simple when it comes to Oro Valley municipal golf financing and operations. In terms of challenges, it is “The gift that keeps giving.”

Phil Richardson Says: "Electric Substations Are Ugly, Noisy And Perhaps Unhealthy"

Our good friend Phil Richardson has a warning as it concern Arroyo Grande.Phil is licensed as a Radio Engineer by the Federal Communications Commission and holds an FCC Extra Class License as a Radio Amateur. Has been involved in design and construction of eight broadcasting stations."

ELECTRIC SUBSTATIONS ARE UGLY, NOISY AND PERHAPS UNHEALTHY

By Phil Richardson.

As communities expand, substations are absolutely necessary to alternating current systems when they are unable to meet demand brought about by growth. Feel free to revisit Ohm’s Law in your old Physics textbook. It has to do with the relationship between the resistance of long copper wires to current and voltage, but the operative word in the above is “growth.”

Electrical substations are usually built above ground, inside a fenced enclosure, but can be constructed inside buildings or underground, as has been done in some urban areas.

The greatest harm to aesthetics is done by pylons and giant metal poles necessary to bring power ranging up to 115-thousand volts generated elsewhere to the substations. Also unsightly are the network of progressively smaller wires and poles spreading out from the substation to stepdown transformers within yards of properties that furnish 120 and 220 volts of 60-cycle current to homes and businesses - Hopefully, much of which can be underground, but more often is not.

The only alternative to all of this is requiring each home and business to have solar photovoltaic panels and battery-power storage systems. This technology, including the means of converting the direct current produced to that required by lighting and home appliances is available, reliable and cost-effective in the long term, as well as being very “green” and clean.

One only has to drive under a high voltage line with an AM radio to realize the lines produce strong electromagnetic fields. Substations and “high-tension” wires also often produce a coronal discharge. This is an extremely strong field of energy all up and down the spectrum that can be easily detected by proper instruments. One does not have to hold a doctorate in physics to know that exposure to this is not good for your health.

Anecdotal evidence concerning unexplained deaths in farm animals, clusters of childhood leukemia cases and high rates of cancer in areas where people have been exposed to strong electromagnetric energy have been profuse for decades. Yet, there is no significant link demonstrated by consistent scientific evidence that these issues are caused by living under a power line or near a substation.

Steven Goheen, an analytical chemist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy located in Redmund, Washington, has identified a chemical reaction brought about exposure to high energy sources that he says may explain these higher rates of illness.

There is one thing about which electrical engineers are certain: Conditions in the earth surrounding electrical facilities such as a substation or a bank of lights like those illuminating a sports field can bring about a faulty grounding problem that has the potential to cause injury and death to those nearby. This happened to a child in Tucson this past Summer.

High voltage lines and a substation do cause severe interference over a broad area to AM Radio and through-the-air TV reception.

Every alternative should be explored before another of these installations is located in an area where people may live nearby or where the animals we have all vowed to protect will not enjoy safe and unimpeded passage through wildlife corridors.

Town Manager Recommends Spending $90 Million For Town Operations In Fiscal 2023

$90 million, for all day-to-day town operations

The fiscal 2023 Town Manager Recommended Budget (“TMRB”) includes $90 million in spending for operating the town. That provides for the essential and non essential town services, activities and programs. A few weeks ago, we summarized the approved budget for 2022, segmenting spending in six major categories. We’ve done the same with this TMRB. You can see this summary on the panel below, right.

There are two departments that comprise more 50% of the budget These are the Police Department and the Water Department. Both are similar in that they do not require the supervision of the town manager. The police department reports directly to Town Council. The Water Department is a freestanding business. It should report directly to Town Council because it is such and because water sourcing is going to be the most significant challenge Oro Valley will face over the next two decades.

Water Department: $28.5 million
The Water Utility is expected to spend $28.5 million this year. That is an increase of $4.4 million from last years budget, It is far more than the $18.7 million in revenue sources for the utility. The Utility continues to make investments in this distribution system. Some of this is investment is reflected in this operating budget. As you will read in our posting next Monday, there is also a portion that is in the capital budget.

Police spending: $19.1 million
Proposed police department spending is proposed to be $400,000 more than last year. “The Police Chief continues to make minor organizational changes to increase efficiencies and focus policing resources on data-driven needs” (TMRM, vii).  The department is budgeted to add 4.5 positions, bringing the total complement of the department to almost 139 personnel. That represents almost one-third of the towns total recommended staffing

Parks and Recreation: $15.3 million
The Parks and Recreation budget of $15.2 million is 16% of the total budget of the year. That spending is a substantial increase over prior years, reflecting the growth of program scope fostered by the Winfield Council. it simply cost more money to operate a bigger park system. The spending is a 61% increase from spending projected in fiscal 2022.

“The Recommended Budget continues to focus on (1) investing and maintaining high quality parks, recreation, and trail facilities, and (2) providing residents with multigenerational recreation and cultural programs and events. Of note is the robust investment in Naranja Park to begin implementation of the updated master plan, which includes additional multi-purpose fields, a splash pad, pickleball courts, a basketball court, skate park and pump track.” (“TMRB, p vii) 

As you will see in our posting next Monday, investment in the parks system is the largest driver of increased capital spending 2023.

Public Works: $13 million
The town continues to invest in its roads and other public facilities through its public works program. This year, spending is proposed to be about $1.2 million more than last year’s budget. Public Works includes more than just roads. The stormwater program and the transit program are part of the public works department. In addition the department is responsible for fleet and facility management.

General Administration: $11.2 Million
There is no general administration department. We grouped a bunch of general administration type things in this category. Our categorization includes spending for community development, human resources information technology and, the town manager. The largest spending in this category is for innovation and technology. Technology spending grown substantially over the years because technology has become the forefront of improving efficiency and reducing cost.

“The Innovation & Tech the town Council expenses) is committed to providing secure, proven, innovative technologies that enhance operational efficiencies while providing convenient access to government information and services.” (TMRB, p 50)

All Other: $2.3 million
This category includes the cost of the town Council, cost of the legal department, and the cost of operating the magistrate court.

Next Monday: LOVE’s summary of TMRB capital spending of $56 Million

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About the numbers:  The numbers we have presented by program are based on the detail information by department presented in the TMRB.  This detail does not tie to the summary presented by the town manager. The summary for town operations per the town manager is $90.4 million. The detail provided by program $89.3 million. We have not identified why there is this difference. However, regardless of the reason, the data we have presented in accurate.

Guest View: Dick Leonard ~ A fresh perspective on fixing the Oro Valley Golf Dilemma

The Town of Oro Valley is trying to minimize the financial losses of the Golf Operation and is now weighing the suggestions posed in the Golf Consultant's Report which includes resizing the golf courses.

Each option suggested in the National Golf Foundation Study involves a huge upfront cost and sizable construction efforts. This construction will involve earth moving equipment, the associated noise, and the potential of Valley Fever cases due to the amount of dust and dirt to be moved. This should be a concern of the nearby residents.

Along with the high-cost solutions suggested by the Golf Consultants, perhaps it is time to consider other options which would not require such huge costs and could be done with little or no construction.

In the spirit of maintaining a successful Municipal Golf Program in Oro Valley, let’s consider the following two additional options.

Option 1.
The first option, and by far the least costly and most easily done, is to simply lease one of the two 18-hole courses to the Country Club Membership. Every golfer knows the benefit of a country club is the access to unlimited play and the priority tee time schedules available. They also understand this comes with the obligation for the members to pay for the club's operation, similar to Stone Canyon, The Gallery, and Oro Valley Country Clubs. This would be a win-win situation for all parties involved.

The Membership would have the exclusive course, with full control over dues, schedules, course conditions, and cart policy. In addition, residents with golf course views would see no changes, as all 36 holes would remain intact.

The Town benefits from savings in maintenance and promotion costs for a complete 18-hole course, while the revenue from the lease would greatly reduce the burden of present Town-wide tax subsidies. With a few hours of legal tweaks, a standard Lease Agreement could be quickly written......Everybody wins!

Option 2.
Return to the original 18-hole course design. This could involve a small upfront cost, but little or no construction, or fears of Valley Fever. This option has the distinct advantage that 9 holes of play could be available to all young and old golfers, as recommended by the National USGA.

This plan would place all unused golf property under the control of the Parks Department, which would easily meet the needs of repurposing and creating beautiful and functional green spaces to satisfy the nearby affected residents. The main benefit of this option is that it matches the actual golf usage to only the necessary golf course size.

Again, the savings in course maintenance, outside management, and personnel costs, would dramatically cut the public obligation for tax subsidies, leaving substantial monies to update and improve the Community Center and build the sports fields requested by our many younger families.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mr. Leonard is a property owner in Oro Valley. As a 20-year member of the El Con Country Club, he is well-versed on golf operations. Additionally, he spends his summers in Minnesota where he is a staff member of the Braemar Golf complex in Edina, MN. Braemar is one of the busiest s self-sustaining municipal courses in the state. Based on future golf predictions, Braemar is currently closed while they double the size of the driving range and downsize the courses from 27 to 18 holes.

Two More Oro Valley Residents Say "NO" To Naranja Bond

In their letters to The Explorer Oct 1, 2008, Oro Valley residents John Musolf & Donald Bristow give more reasons why we should VOTE "NO" ON NARANJA BOND.
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Tax to pay for a park, but ignore Oro Valley roads

Chet Oldakowski formed a PAC to stop the Naranja Town Site Park.

Dick Johnson (NTS supporter) is quoted in the news article. According to Johnson, communities have just as much obligation to fund parks as they do roads. And the burden to pay for such things falls upon all members of the community, not just those who benefit from them.

“That’s not the way we do things in America,” Johnson said. “It’s not just about me, it’s about the community.”

Interesting that Mr. Johnson brings up the analogy of funding roads as well as parks.

The TOV already has long-term “under-funded liabilities” that exist for TOV roads. If such “under-funded” obligations are permitted to grow over a long period of time, they can have a substantial effect on a government’s financial condition (sounds like our country’s current economic crisis).

Where is Mr. Johnson’s voice on “community support” for maintaining our roads?

Mr. Civalier, town engineer, appeared before the TOV finance committee in both 2007 and 2008 to discuss “pavement management;” that is, the strategy on how to maintain our streets (roads).

We are currently at least $1 million short each year in budgeting reserves for pavement management.

Mr. Civalier indicated it would help if we could spend about $3.8 million for about 7-8 years ($25-30 million) to maintain the roads properly.

According to Mr. Johnson, we must tax our citizens for a park and ignore our roads.

John Musolf
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Bonds too costly in THIS economy

In a recent letter to the editor, Don Cox indicated that Oro Valley will be a town of mediocrity if the citizens don’t approve the Naranja Town Site (NTS) bond proposal.

How can that be? Without the developed NTS, the town recently received several excellent recognitions. U.S News & World Report stated Oro Valley was one of the top places to retire; Money Magazine reported Oro Valley was one of the best places to live in 2008; Family Circle and Parents.com rated Oro Valley as one of the best 10 towns for families; and Fortune Small Business Magazine ranked Oro Valley 44th out of the 100 best places to live and launch a small business.

It doesn’t appear the quality of our town or our property values have suffered from the lack of the developed Naranja Town Site.

Investing in the high cost of the NTS to save some citizens money on gasoline spent to reach recreational facilities outside the town is a minor consideration. A major consideration should be the current financial state of United States and its potential impact on the bond issue.

While it is anyone’s best guess, it appears likely the ability to borrow money for everyone, including the Town of Oro Valley, will be at a higher rate than when the town first asked its citizens to assume more personal long-term debt (up to 25 years and up to 12 percent per annum) by approving the bond proposal. Therefore, it is likely if the bond issue is approved now, we will receive fewer facilities due to higher costs.

The NTS will also cost more to operate. It would be wise to reject the parks and recreation improvements bond proposal for now due to the cost uncertainty. If approved now, the resulting additional property taxes (personal long-term debt) and operational costs will further reduce our shrinking standard of living.

Without the NTS, the Town of Oro Valley will not be a town of mediocrity. It will continue to be a community of excellence.

Donald Bristow

Oro Valley

Look Who's Trying To "Sell" The Naranja Park On Behalf Of GOVAC

Does the name Dick Johnson ring a bell? Yup! He's the same guy who led the charge as a Council Member in 2004 to "push through" some $50,000,000 in "giveaways" to the big retail developers.

Johnson was free and easy "throwing" our sales tax revenues right into the developer's pockets. To this day, he still insists that monstrous building going up on Tangerine Rd just west of Oracle Rd is good for Oro Valley. How anybody can believe a 24/7 Super Center Wal-Mart is good for Oro Valley is difficult to comprehend.

Now that Johnson came up way short on his re-election bid, as too many voters wised up to his "cunning" ways, he's at it again, only this time it's "citizen" Johnson. Now he has become a lobbyist for GOVAC, the cash-strapped Arts Council that came to Oro Valley asking for something like a $200,000 donation.

Following is GOVAC's e-mail newsletter. If you believe Johnson "snookered" you while on the Council, we hope it won't happen again. Using the old cliche': "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."

Don't let his smooth talk confuse the issue. The last guy that tried "smooth talking" Oro Valley citizens, was David Malin of Vestar, who convinced too many that Vestar was bringing us a "unique, upscale" shopping experience. Yeah! Sure. What did we get? WAL-MART!!!

Need I say more?

A park with ball fields for the kids is one thing. An amphitheater and aquatic center is something else. Building, maintaining and operating something like this will cost more than a few "lattes!"

Here's Johnson's "pitch."

Art
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Greater Oro Valley Arts Council E-mail Newsletter onNaranja Town Site:
Please take the time to read this information because it contains CRITICAL information on the future of the Naranja Town Park. I am going to provide facts that give you insight into the past, the present, and the future.

The Past:
In November of 2000 the land for the Park was bought from the State Land Trust. This land was combined with adjacent Town land to form a 212 acre park site. In September of 2001 Stantec Consulting and The Architecture Co. began master planning the site. This process took 14 months. Included in this process was 17 public meetings; 6 meetings with 38 stakeholders representing the users of the Park; 3 community workshops and monthly meetings with a large Task Force appointed by the Council.
In 2004 an extensive evaluation of the cultural needs of the community was made by Webb Management. They interviewed a diverse group of users/potential users, patrons, etc. Their report clearly outlined the facilities the community would support.
In May 2006, the architecture firm of Burns, Wald-Hopkins began the programming of this site. In this phase, more detailed layout and planning was accomplished with relevant cost factors assigned to each component of the Park. This is where the $150 million figure came from
During the entire process there were an unbelievable number of Council meetings and study sessions. What was the result of all this input, money, and energy---not much.
The Present:
The Town Council has not yet decided how much of a bond authorization to establish for the November 2008 election. The debate is between a basic proposal of $49 million for the infra structure and the outdoor recreation facilities. No community center classrooms, offices, arts or indoor recreation areas are included. This proposal would cost an owner of a $300,000 home about $5.60 per month.
The other proposal would amount to $80,000,000. Beside the components of the above proposal this proposal would include a pool to be used for recreation as well as for swim meets held by high schools and swim clubs; and, a community center with a 500 seat multipurpose facility (performing arts, speakers, and HOA meetings are some examples for usage). The owner of the same $300,000 home would pay only $7.40 per month.
The cost difference is a whopping----------$1.80 per month. Not even enough to buy a latte.

The Future:
On February 6th the Council will meet to decide on the amount of the bond authorization. It is important to understand that a bond authorization is not an issuance and therefore does NOT incur any debt to the Town or to the taxpayer. Do not get wrapped up in a possible discussion of Operation and Maintenance expenses. This discussion will be held at the time the bond issue is discussed and decided upon. Currently, the Town's bed tax would be used to cover the O&M expenses.
Your involvement is absolutely needed to give the citizens the opportunity to vote on the bond issue they want. The $80 million bond authorization gives a greater number of citizens a stake in the Park thereby improving the probability of passage.
Please pass this email on to others and send an email to the Town Council expressing your views of this issue. Addresses are: kcarter@orovalley.net, bgillaspie@orovalley.net, akunisch@orovalley.net, tparish@orovalley.net, ploomis@orovalley.net, hdankwerth@orovalley.net, pabbott@orovalley.net,
We need you and others from your organization to attend the February 6th Council meeting. Have a representative from your organization speak (3 minutes). Also, more impact is gained by having a participant, especially a young person, also speak.
I strongly urge you to take action on this Park or another 8 years will pass and nothing will get done. If you have any questions please call me at 904-5554 or email me.
Thanks for your attention!!
Dick Johnson Oro Valley Citizen
Greater Oro Valley Arts Council

SAHBA Whines: Fees Forcing Developers Out of Oro Valley

In a front page story in the July 11 Explorer, SAHBA (Southern Arizona Home Builders Assoc.) claims that high fees are forcing them out of Oro Valley----and, for that matter, Marana. (Mmmm... this sounds like good news!)

A few points were noted in the article that we want to highlight.

• SAHBA is claiming that "the high cost of building new homes in the two towns is contributing to sprawl by pushing developers beyond city limits."
  Response: C'mon SAHBA, get real. Customer demand and mortgage rates drive home building. Not impact fees.
  
• SAHBA Vice President Roger Yohem, talking about Oro Valley and Marana, is quoted as saying: "They're so addicted to impact fees, they can't live off the backs of the builders forever."
  Response: Is this "Chutzpah," or what? Maybe it's just complete ignorance. Oro Valley finally raised their water impact fees after 11 years, and the Council felt sorry for the builders, so they "tiered" the fees over five years to lessen the burden, and this guy is still whining. Give us a break!
  
• The Explorer article states: "In 2006, the median price of a new home in Oro Valley was $434,941.
  Response: At last month's Council meeting, (as we reported here---see "Water" under "Issues") --- Hizzoner Paul Loomis saw fit to "correct" Art Segal concerning the median price of new homes in OV. Loomis said it was $225,000. He was previously corrected here by one of our astute bloggers. Perhaps, he can accept the fact, he was totally wrong!
  

Developers have been riding the Oro Valley gold highway all day long for years. They've been living off of the backs of those of us who own homes in town because we have had to pay for all the growth.

Read the whining by clicking here.

Guest View-Brian Selvy: Revisiting the Cost of a New Community Center

The recalled incumbents vastly overstate the cost of of  a real community center
The "Majority 4" continue to say that a new community center which meets the expectations of Oro Valley residents would cost over $20 Million. Mary Snider mentioned the $20 Million figure again recently, and this was not based on her own research but what a landscape architect told her. A landscape architect isn't the most qualified person to make such an estimate.

Architekton Designed Community Center

Not $20 million but $10 million
Tempe-based Architekton is an architectural design firm that has successfully designed and built many community and recreation centers, YMCAs, and multi-generational centers all over Arizona. They successfully built centers for diverse clients for $90 to $215 per square foot. Even taking into inflation, these centers could all be built for less than $250 per square foot today.

In 2014, the Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recommended a 40,000 square foot recreational center. At even the overly conservative price of $250 per square foot, Oro Valley could build a customized community center for $10 Million. At $200 per square foot, which is reasonable, the center would cost $8 Million.

Snider inflates the numbers
To put in perspective how unrealistic and inflated Snider's $20 million number is, consider this: A $20 Million, 40,000 square foot recreation center would come out to $500 per square foot - an absurd price that doesn't pass the giggle test. As a comparison, two LEED Certified Silver
health and wellness complexes at Arizona State University (which require special green building materials and processes) were built for $310 and $335 per square foot, respectively.

A old clubhouse is not what the residents want in a community center
Let's also look at the other aspect of the Snider's statement: We'd have to spend $20 Million to get what Oro Valley residents desired.

Let's break this down. First of all, this implies that the 30 year old El Con racquetball club building is what residents desire: An old building that has converted racquetball courts, a dance studio with 8' high ceilings, workout equipment in hallways, and a non-ADA compliant structure. That in no way is what Oro Valley residents desire.

Second, take a look at the Architekton designed buildings for yourself: these include custom community meeting rooms, indoor sports courts, indoor tracks, fitness facilities, etc. They are what residents of a prestigious town such as Oro Valley want.

Snider's claim that it would take $20 million to give the residents of Oro Valley what they want in a community center is yet another blatant example of the M-4 generating an El Con cover story that doesn't hold water.
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Brian Selvy has lived in Oro Valley for 5 years. He and his wife moved here from a suburb of Los Angeles and chose to settle down in Oro Valley due to the abundant natural beauty, small town feel, good schools, public safety, and slower pace of life. He has a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and an M.S. degree in Systems Architecting and Engineering from the University of Southern California. He and his wife spend the majority of their free time enjoying the constant whirlwind of activity associated with having two young children. Additionally, he enjoys helping coach his daughter's teeball team, hiking, working out, gardening, and reading. Some of his favorite local activities are hiking in the Catalina and Tortolita Mountains and enjoying evenings on the patio at Noble Hops, preferably sipping on a local beer from Dragoon.

Guest View- Susan Ross: Grandpa Golf is Dead

It’s a Double Bogey
The game of golf has seen its heyday. The United States has averaged a closing of 137 golf courses every year since 2011 reports the golf-industry researcher, Pellucid. (The Washington Post, Why American Fell out of Love with Golf, March 5, 2015).

Among those that closed in 2016 are courses that were designed by some of the luminaries in that field. The Falls outside of Houston, Texas was considered one of Jay Riviere’s finest designs, but in an overbuilt market, fewer and fewer golfers were willing to play the course. Windemere Golf and Country Club in Orlando, Florida, was designed by Ward Northrup. The greens and bunkers were recently renovated, but the club was down to just 80 members when it was closed. Plans call for the 155 acres to become lots for 95 single family homes. (Golf Advisor, 12 Golf Courses that Shuttered in 2016 We’ll Miss the Most, December 22, 2016).

Elk Ridge Golf Club in Atlanta, Michigan, was regarded as one of the top 20 public courses in Michigan. It is considered the best work of Michigan-based architect Jerry Matthews, who designed more courses in the state than anyone. Its fate is to become a private hunting preserve. Black Bear Golf Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was a design of Tom Jackson’s. Even after the club had undergone significant renovations, it too has closed. (Golf Advisor, December 2016).

Tallgrass Golf Course in Shoreham, New York, was designed by one of the hottest architects on the planet, Gil Hanse. Its 127 acres are due to become the home of 125,000 solar panels. (Golf Advisor, December 2016). On and on the stories go.

Golf retailers saw the writing on the wall
The giant Nike has bailed out of producing golf equipment. Nike has a huge marketing research department that does nothing but take the pulse of the sporting world. About every number coming out regarding the state of the sport is a negative with millennials—as in, young people, as in, the future of the game. Golf’s high cost to entry and association with an older group has resulted in young people’s sending it to the scrap heap. The decline is a reflection of an overall drop in interest in golf, particularly among the younger generations. The National Golf Foundation has stated that 200,000 players ages 35 and younger abandoned the game over the past year.

“The people sticking with the sport are playing fewer rounds than before, often opting for nine holes rather than 18. In total, U.S. golfers played 462 million rounds of golf last year. That was the fewest number since 1995. Golf has been a crummy business for a long time,” states Paul Swinand, an analyst at Morningstar, Inc. in Chicago. (Forbes, How a Declining Middle Class is Killing Golf, May 23, 2014)

Taylor-Made-Adidas Golf, the world’s largest producer of golf clubs and clothes, saw sales nosedive 28 percent last year. “A decline in the number of active players caused immense problems in the entire industry, and this hit us particularly hard,” stated Adidas chief executive Herbert Hainer. The sporting goods giant has listed its slow-selling golf gear at deep discounts and postponed new launches. Hainer warned of even more “significant negative headwinds” for the game. The number of young people, age 18 to 30, playing the game has sagged nearly 35 percent in the last decade. (The Washington Post, Why America Fell Out of Love with Golf, March 5, 2015)

In 2006, Dick’s Sporting Goods bet big on golf, buying the specialty retailer Golf Galaxy for more than $200 million. Since then they have repeatedly acknowledged their bogey by shuttering stores and ending their experiment of staffing a PGA professional in the golf sections of more than 500 stores by firing all of them. “Golf from a participation standpoint, and how it translates to retail, is in a structural decline. And we don’t see that changing,” Dick’s chief executive Edward W. Stack stated. (The Washington Post, March 5, 2015)

School’s Out
Boys’ high school golf team participation peaked at 167,781 in 1998-99 and has been in steady decline since. At the collegiate level, over 27 schools have eliminated their golf program since 1995. In 2011, Arizona State University eliminated their PGA Golf Management Program.   (The Arizona Republic, ASU Ends Golf Management Program, May 3, 2011).

Golf-aerobics?
If you are labeling golf as an exercise, then you are only fooling yourself. Crawling into and out of a golf cart is not exercise. If you truly want an aerobic exercise, then you are going to have to get your heart rate up and do some serious body movement. Golf is time-consuming and not aerobic. Golf takes anywhere from three to five hours. Thirty minutes to an hour of aerobic exercise and you are time and money ahead. Not to mention the fact that your heart will love it.

The Pied Piper of Oro Valley
We have a mayor of Oro Valley who is the Pied Piper of Hamelin with six children who blindly follow him around (and we all know what happened to those children). As the citizens of Oro Valley, we are now subsidizing several golf courses that are operating so in the red that it could be called crimson.

We in Sun City continue to subsidize our own golf course, and now we are subsidizing the town’s boondoggles as well, and the ships are sinking. What is next for this group of rescuers: A bowling alley? A roller skating rink?

If I did not learn another thing in my two degrees in history, it is that things change. Lifestyles alter with the times. It is called progress. The horse and buggy gave way to the automobile. No more need for blacksmiths. No more need for buggy makers. Typewriter? Hello computers and printers.

Pull the plug
Grandpa Golf is terminal. You have him on a ventilator and hooked up to a feeding tube. An expensive physical therapist has been hired to turn him over every now and then. But then you have other people footing the bill for all of this. Nonetheless, Grandpa Golf is pleading for mercy to just let him die a natural death, but you are not listening. You cannot revive what is dead. Grandpa Golf is dead. May he rest in peace.

Susan Ross is a former college professor who has lived in Oro Valley for three years. She has a Master’s degree in History. She enjoys swimming. An avid reader, she reads dozens of non-fiction books per year.

In Oro Valley, Water Is A Challenge But There Is Plenty For Which To Hope

Some hope for an increase Colorado River water

As you know, demand for Colorado River Water exceeds supply. One reason is that Colorado River Water is oversubscribed. There are seven states, Mexico, and various tribes that draw from it. That is a total of 40 million people and 5.5 million acres of farmland that rely on it. 

The second reason is a 23-year drought, some of which has been alleviated with the extensive precipitation this winter. "Colorado's current snowpack is at 128%. Some parts of Utah have reported over 200% of their snow-water equivalent compared to average. When the snow melts, it will eventually flow into the Colorado River and help alleviate reservoir stress." (source)

Keeping the power working is the main focus of efforts regarding CAP Water

This is good news but it will take many more years of extensive precipitation to make Colorado River Water a long-term reliably supply. Thus, the need for continued effort to ensure that the water levels of Lake Meade and Lake Powell stay high enough to allow continued electric generation. 

The seven states have been given a deadline by the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to develop guidelines to do just that. This effort is called "reclamation."  Six of the seven states have submitted a plan. California, the big dog in the Colorado River water take, has not yet agreed to anything. Essentially, the plan reduces the water take of each state when the water levels of the two lakes reach specific levels.  Arizona continues to take big hits even under this plan.

Purified reclaimed water is a potential source of drinking water...Scottsdale is an example

During a discussion with Council last June, Oro Valley Water Director Peter Abraham mused at the possibility of purifying reclaimed water and putting it back in the drinking water supply. That is what Scottsdale does with some of its reclaimed water.  They call it "indirect potable water use." (Not “toilet to tap”)

The Scottsdale Advanced Water Treatment Plant ".. takes tertiary effluent from the city’s conventional water reclamation plant and further treats it through ozonation, membrane ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis and ultraviolet photolysis."  Scottsdale built the plant in 1998. The plant created 1.7 billion gallons of purified water last year. It comes from treating reclaimed water. (Source) That water is recharged into the aquifer. It is not directly put into the water system, though a 2018 Arizona statute allows them to do so. The drinking water treatment plant is part of the Scottsdale Water Campus.

Desalinated water is also on the horizon

Oro Valley Council Member Mo Greene discussed desalinated water at February 1 council meeting. "All of us have been following water pretty closely." Referring to the map at left: "If you follow the blue track, It goes down to Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco), where they are beginning to look at a desalinization plant, which could be brought by pipe up to Phoenix...this is something you may want to keep an eye on." According the Greene, speaking at this past Friday’s Council strategy session: “Desalinated water is in our future whether you like it or not.”

The "they" to which Greene referred is the State of Arizona. "Arizona officials voted to advance a $5.5-billion plan to build a water desalination plant in Mexico, as well as a 200-mile pipeline and associated infrastructure as part of a state effort to address its drought-driven water uncertainty" The State will finance this through a new organization called the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA).  Desalinated water can be made available by 2027.

The plan is to pipe water to two new reservoirs west of Phoenix. From there, the water would enter the CAP canal, flowing to Phoenix, Pinal County and Tucson. Some of the desalinated water would go though a separate pipeline to Hermosillo. The plant, constructed and operated by IDE Technologies, would provide 300,000 acre feet annually at a cost of about $2,500 per acre foot. That's less than a penny a gallon. The cost is about two times the cost of non desalinated water.

...but what to do is fraught with politics and environmental "concens" and cost concerns....

The problem with all this is that it is fraught with politics. The Puerto Penasco plan is merely an idea at this point. There is no commitment to do anything.There is only a commitment to study it.  There are other alternatives, like using the water to swap with Mexico's Colorado river take. And the water is costly. And there are environmental impacts. And the desalinization process uses lots of electricity. Here's a CNBC report on why desalinization is a "bad idea".

Still, it's a start at resolving a long term water issue that will plagues our desert communities. 

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