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Council directs staff to draft ordinance to remove restrictions on half-cent recreational sales tax; motion passes 4-3
Summary
After public comment and debate, the Town Council voted 4-3 to direct staff to prepare an amendment to the sales-tax ordinance to remove spending restrictions on the half-cent recreational sales tax so revenues could be applied to the general fund. The motion sets up a future public hearing and ordinance process.
The Oro Valley Town Council on June 18 voted 4-3 to direct staff to prepare an amendment to ordinances governing the town's dedicated half-cent recreational sales tax, removing the existing spending restriction so revenues could be applied to the general fund. The item will return for public hearing and formal ordinance change in a future meeting.
Mayor Winfield brought the motion and Vice Mayor Barrett seconded it. Mayor Winfield said redirecting the half-cent sales tax into the general fund would provide flexibility to address townwide priorities as revenues from construction-related sources decline. "This change still supports recreation, but not exclusively," Winfield said, adding that recreational and golf amenities would still be eligible but would have to compete along with police, roads and other needs.
Residents attended the meeting and expressed concern about possible reallocation. Debbie Stewart and her husband James Schilling spoke during the item, saying they understood the half-cent tax had been designated in the past for El Conquistador-related operations and were concerned about changes to the allocation.
Councilmembers debated options: some said golf and the community center had stabilized financially and the dedicated tax might no longer be necessary; others urged a more cautious approach and asked for additional public input and study. Vice Mayor Barrett proposed, and council discussed, alternatives that would move the funds to the general fund now and undertake a future ordinance amendment and public hearing; Councilmember Murphy and other members urged more community discussion before a change. The motion to direct staff to prepare the ordinance and hold a public hearing passed 4-3.
Ending: Staff will draft the ordinance change for a future public hearing; council members and staff indicated more community outreach and discussion are anticipated before final adoption.
