Sahuarita council authorizes Nov. 5 bond election on $66 million package

The Town of Sahuarita voted to place a bond question on the November 5, 2024 ballot that would authorize up to $66 million in general-obligation bonds to help finance a $76 million package of capital projects.

Victor Gonzales, economic development and public affairs director, told council the package was informed by community survey responses and staff planning and that the town would contribute roughly $10 million of the $76 million total. Top projects identified for early phases are a multi‑generational recreation center, a police department expansion, trails development, a sports complex, and Animax Park field improvements (staff estimated Animax improvements at about $2.1 million). Gonzales said approving the resolution would also delegate election-coordination duties to staff and preserve the town’s ability to reimburse itself for near-term capital expenditures.

Speakers in public comment raised fiscal-frugality concerns and urged careful consideration of taxpayer burdens; one resident noted a range of existing assessments residents already pay (CFDs, school bonds and other levies). Several councilmembers said packaging projects together made strategic sense to get voter support rather than presenting many separate measures.

On a motion to adopt the resolution calling the special election (and approving the draft ballot language), the council voted in favor and the resolution passed. Gonzales noted that once a call to election is in place staff must remain neutral in public communications and follow statutory deadlines for pro/con arguments and ballot materials.