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Sahuarita reviews 10-year capital plan, punts rec-center decision and tentatively backs Puma County bond project list
Summary
Council discussed the FY27 capital-improvement plan, confirmed funding for recurring and new projects including three pickleball courts at Anamax, and directed staff to include previously proposed park and stormwater projects in a possible Puma County bond package while deferring a final rec-center/pool decision.
Assistant Town Manager Beth Abraovitz and staff presented the town's 10-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for fiscal 2027 and beyond at the May 11 study session, highlighting recurring projects, carryovers, and new project bids. Key points:
Pickleball courts: Staff reported three Anamax pickleball courts had competitive bids that came in at $225,000 (below earlier estimates), and staff recommended proceeding with the investment as part of related park improvements.
Puma County bond: Staff said Puma County is considering a countywide bond (public reporting indicated $250–300 million total) and that Sahuarita's proportional share could yield roughly $10–12 million in funds for town projects depending on bond scope and allocation method. Council gave staff direction to include previously proposed parks and stormwater items on the town's submission list for county consideration.
Rec center/pool debate: Council members discussed whether to pursue a town rec center or a community pool in the county-bond conversation. Several members emphasized the need for a clear cost/benefit approach: a modest $10–12 million contribution is unlikely to fund a full-scale rec center and pool (staff noted a bare outdoor pool might cost in the neighborhood of $17 million), so council chose to delay a final rec-center decision until more detail on the county bond and town matching share is available.
Timing and next steps: Staff will continue to refine the FY27 CIP and pursue grants and federal funding opportunities; if the county bond proceeds staff plans to work with county officials to identify suitable town projects. Council asked staff to bring back a more detailed rec-center/pool proposal after the summer recess.
(Reporting note: Project costs and bid figures are taken from staff statements in the public meeting record.)
