Oro Valley Town Council reviews 10-year capital improvement plan; major water project drives budget

Oro Valley Town Council reviewed the town's proposed 10-year capital improvement program (CIP) at a budget study session on April 30, 2025, and discussed a slate of water, street, parks and public-facility projects while taking no formal CIP votes that evening. Later in a special session the council approved staff direction resulting from an executive session on employee compensation.

The presentation by the town's finance staff showed water-related projects account for the largest share of the proposed CIP for the coming year. Chief Financial Officer Mr. Gephardt said the Northwest recharge/recovery/delivery system project represents the largest single appropriation in the draft budget: the CIP lists $24,700,000 proposed for the NWRDS next fiscal year, of which about $8,000,000 is carryover and roughly $16,700,000 would be new funding. Gephardt also said about $11,000,000 had been spent on the project year to date. "As a reminder, per our financial policies, projects must be at least $50,000 and, over 2 years estimated useful life to qualify for inclusion in the capital improvement program," Gephardt said.

Why it matters: the NWRDS and other water projects drive a large share of next year's capital spending and are funded largely from impact and groundwater preservation fees. During the session council members pressed staff for clearer funding breakdowns and timing, and discussed safety, maintenance and equity priorities across parks, roads and public facilities.

Key numbers and funding sources

- NWRDS proposed appropriation next year: $24,700,000 (about $8,000,000 carryover; $16,700,000 new funding). Year-to-date expenditures reported: just under $11,000,000. (Chief Financial Officer Gephardt) -…