Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Town Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sahuarita reports population gain, launches Easy Permit pilot; splash pad vandalism under investigation
Summary
Town manager reported a modest population increase, announced a summer pilot for an Easy Permit program and gave an update on splash pad vandalism and temporary camera installation.
Town Manager Shane told the Town of Sahuarita Town Council the town’s July 1, 2024 U.S. Census estimate is 37,488 residents, about 300 higher than the town’s internal estimate and representing roughly 3% growth for fiscal year 2024.
Shane said the population increase is positive for state shared revenues and noted community development will pilot an Easy Permit application over the summer. The pilot is scheduled for about nine months, with staff planning to return to council in early fall with an update. He also reported community development is reviewing the 2024 International Building Code with regional partners and that the energy-code components may take longer to vet.
Shane also provided a parks update, noting the splash pad recently opened along with new wayfinding signs at Amigos Park and La Cañada and Las Quintas. He thanked partners including Pima Health, PDQ and United Way for support during opening day.
Council members asked about vandalism at the splash pad. Devon, speaking for parks/public-works and coordinating with the police department, said staff have temporarily placed exterior security cameras while permanent cameras are installed. He said the vandalism occurred inside a restroom and, given heavy attendance, investigators face difficulty identifying suspects. “We have security cameras out there temporarily until we get our permanent cameras up,” Devon said. He described damage including a torn shower switch, a handle ripped off and a bench that fell from the wall; park staff are reinforcing installations and reviewing restroom fixtures for vandalism-proofing.
Devon said the police department has filed a report and staff have done public outreach asking residents to help identify suspects. No arrest information was reported at the meeting.
Shane also mentioned participation in a stakeholder tour of the Barry Goldwater Bombing Range and visits to local schools and civic organizations as part of ongoing outreach and noted the town is on track to meet its single-family residential permit target for the fiscal year.
