Oro Valley leaders are exploring new ways to keep the town’s infrastructure strong and its services running smoothly without cutting back on what residents enjoy most.
During recent council discussions, officials outlined a plan that focuses on balance, fairness, and long-term sustainability. While some options include moderate tax or fee adjustments, the overall goal is clear: maintain Oro Valley’s high quality of life while preparing responsibly for the future.
Protecting What Residents Value Most
The town has earned a reputation for well-kept streets, safe neighborhoods, and an active parks system that attracts families from across Southern Arizona. But the cost of maintaining these standards has risen sharply over the past few years. The price of road materials alone has more than doubled since 2023, and operating costs for town facilities continue to climb. Town leaders say the best way to preserve these community assets is through steady, predictable funding rather than emergency fixes.
Town Manager Mary Jacobs emphasized that the council’s approach is about responsibility. “We want to make sure we plan ahead instead of reacting to a crisis later,” she said during the discussion. “Every idea on the table is designed to keep Oro Valley safe, attractive, and financially healthy.”
Balanced Approach to Closing the Budget Gap
Oro Valley faces an estimated $1.15 million gap over the next five years. Instead of slashing services or delaying maintenance, the town is looking at several modest adjustments that could close that gap while keeping costs manageable for residents and businesses. Among the options being studied are a use tax, a commercial rental tax, and a telecommunications tax, each potentially set at 2.5 percent. These ideas would align Oro Valley with many other Arizona municipalities that already use similar measures to fund local services.
The proposed taxes are structured to spread the responsibility across a broad base, limiting the impact on any one group. For example, a use tax helps capture purchases made from outside the town that would otherwise avoid sales tax, ensuring fairness between local stores and online vendors. A commercial rental tax would apply primarily to business properties, not residences, while a telecom tax would generate small contributions from large carriers doing business in the area.
“We are not talking about dramatic changes,” Finance Director Paul Kees said. “These are small adjustments that help us keep essential services strong without asking residents to sacrifice quality of life.”
Updating Fees That Have Stayed Flat for a Decade
In addition to the tax proposals, staff members are reviewing several service fees that have not been updated in more than ten years. Parks and recreation fees, for example, have remained mostly unchanged even as costs for utilities, maintenance, and staffing have increased. Adjusting those fees slightly would allow the town to continue improving programs and maintaining its popular facilities such as the community center and aquatic complex.
The stormwater utility fee is also being reviewed, with a proposal to raise the rate from $4.50 to $6.50 per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU). Town engineers say the increase would fund long-overdue drainage improvements and prevent expensive flood repairs later. “It is far cheaper to invest in maintenance now than to fix damage after a major storm,” Jacobs noted. “Residents would see real results, like improved street drainage and safer intersections.”
Investing in Roads and Long-Term Sustainability
Oro Valley maintains roughly 430 lane-miles of roads. That network is one of the most visible and valued assets in town, and keeping it in good condition requires significant resources. Over the past two years, the cost of asphalt and roadwork has risen by more than 100 percent, creating serious budget pressure. Even so, the town has continued to prioritize safety and upkeep.
To stretch every dollar, public works crews have implemented new efficiency measures, including smarter scheduling for resurfacing and preventative maintenance that reduces future costs. The council has also discussed potential partnerships with local communities to share certain responsibilities, ensuring that every neighborhood receives the attention it needs.
“Our focus is not only fixing problems but preventing them,” Public Works Director Chris Cornelison said. “Well-maintained roads save everyone money in the long run.”
Community Input Shapes the Process
Town leaders are clear that no decisions will be made without listening to residents. A series of workshops and virtual meetings has already gathered feedback from homeowners, business owners, and community groups. Many participants said they support measured, transparent steps that protect Oro Valley’s reputation for quality and order.
Local business representatives have also voiced appreciation for the open dialogue. “We understand that the town has to plan for the future,” said small-business owner Karen Holt. “As long as the changes are reasonable and applied fairly, we want to be part of the solution.”
Focus on Fairness and Fiscal Responsibility
One of the key principles guiding the discussion is fairness. Town officials have stressed that residents should not shoulder the entire cost of maintaining a community that benefits everyone, including regional visitors and business users. By including revenue sources such as telecom and use taxes, the plan ensures that out-of-area businesses contribute their fair share for the infrastructure they rely on.
The council also continues to look for internal efficiencies and cost savings. Over the past two fiscal years, departments have already reduced or delayed nearly $3.7 million in planned expenses without cutting core services. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to prudent management and make the case for moderate new revenues rather than drastic cuts.
Safeguarding Oro Valley’s Future
While any talk of new taxes can raise eyebrows, the broader story here is one of proactive stewardship. Oro Valley is not waiting for a crisis to act. It is taking careful steps to balance the budget, protect essential services, and maintain the charm and reliability that residents expect. The town’s cautious, data-driven approach could become a model for other communities facing similar economic challenges.
Mayor Joe Winfield summed it up best during the most recent meeting: “This council’s job is to make sure Oro Valley remains one of the best-run towns in Arizona. That means addressing challenges early and responsibly. Our residents deserve nothing less.”
A Community Built on Planning and Pride
At the heart of this effort is the same spirit that built Oro Valley into one of Southern Arizona’s most desirable places to live. The town’s success has always rested on careful planning and civic pride. As Oro Valley grows, the community continues to demonstrate that thoughtful leadership and open communication can solve even the toughest financial puzzles.
Residents are encouraged to stay engaged, attend upcoming meetings, and share their perspectives as plans move forward. Whether it is about roads, recreation, or stormwater systems, every voice helps shape the future of the town. The next council review is expected later this fall, with full public comment opportunities available.
In the end, the town’s path forward is about more than balancing a spreadsheet. It is about ensuring that Oro Valley continues to be a place where families feel safe, businesses thrive, and community values come first.