Oro Valley council approves phased stormwater fee rises to fund maintenance and projects

Oro Valley’s Town Council on Jan. 14 approved a phased increase to the stormwater utility base rate intended to sustain operations, meet regulatory obligations and fund capital improvements.

Stormwater Division Manager Dennis Roberts told council the proposed adjustments follow an 18‑month analysis and a statutorily required notice‑of‑intent process under Arizona Revised Statute (transcribed during presentation as "Arizona revised state section nine‑5.11.01"). The phased schedule in the staff recommendation is: a $0.67 increase to $5.17 per equivalent residential unit (ERU) effective July 1, 2026; another $0.67 to $5.84 on July 1, 2027; and a final $0.66 increase to reach $6.50 on July 1, 2028. Commercial parcels would see proportional adjustments based on impervious area (1 ERU = 4,000 sq. ft. impervious area, per staff). Roberts said full implementation is projected to produce about $391,000 in added annual revenue by fiscal 2029.

During public comment, Robert Wozack urged the council to prioritize budget cuts and alternatives before raising fees. Council members who spoke in favor emphasized the fee had not changed since 2016 and cited rising costs for materials and projects; several characterized the action as a gradual, measured approach to ensure continued drainage maintenance and reduce reliance on grants.

Roll call was unanimous in favor and the resolution passed (recorded as 7‑0). Roberts said the revenue will support a backlog of approximately 55 stormwater improvement projects and maintain a recommended reserve threshold.