Council reviews proposed use tax, telecom tax, commercial rental tax and department fee increases; public outreach planned

Town staff presented a package of proposed revenue measures and fee updates during the June 18 study session, including three new local tax options (use tax, telecommunications tax and a commercial rental tax) and department-level fee proposals for stormwater and parks & recreation. Staff said the proposals are intended to address long-term capital needs, public safety and pavement preservation. The council did not vote on any ordinance; staff will carry out additional public outreach in July and return with refined proposals this fall.

Finance: Chief Financial Officer David Gephardt reviewed town revenue trends and said operating costs, especially personnel and O&M, are growing faster than operating income over the five-year forecast. He presented three potential new local revenue categories that Oro Valley does not currently levy: a use tax (to capture out-of-state purchases), a telecommunications…