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Sahuarita council unanimously adopts police MOU changes and approves redevelopment notice for Desert Sky Theater
Summary
Council approved an updated MOU with the Fraternal Order of Police that clarifies coverage for sworn officers, adds a limited wellness policy and adjusts contract term cadence; council also adopted a notice of intent for a Roadhouse Cinemas redevelopment agreement at the former Desert Sky Theater, and the company said construction began with a target opening before Thanksgiving.
The Sahuarita Town Council voted unanimously to adopt updates to the town’s memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Fraternal Order of Police and to adopt a statutory notice of intent for a redevelopment incentive agreement with Roadhouse Cinemas for the former Desert Sky Theater.
Town staff and the town manager explained that negotiations with the FOP addressed three principal items: clarify which classifications are covered by the MOU (the updated text applies to sergeants and below and removes lieutenants from the bargaining unit language), add an optional wellness program (limited gym time during shifts when staffing permits) and change the contract cadence so the first renewed term is three years then four‑year terms thereafter to avoid election‑year renegotiations.
"We changed the term from a two‑year to a three‑year initial term and then four years after that to get off the election cycle," said a staff member speaking about the intent to allow more continuity in negotiation and oversight. Council members voted to adopt ordinance number 2026‑2000 and resolution 2026‑0870, approving the updated MOU.
On redevelopment, the council adopted resolution 2026‑0872, a notice of intent required by state statute when a municipality contemplates a redevelopment improvement incentive agreement. Roadhouse representatives told the council they began demolition about a month ago, are removing the old lobby, plan a large kitchen and are installing reclining seats in auditoriums (reducing total seating) with laser projection. The company said it is targeting an opening before Thanksgiving.
Votes and next steps: Both the MOU ordinance/resolution and the redevelopment notice were adopted by recorded voice vote; staff said the formal development agreement for Roadhouse will be returned to council at the June 22 meeting for formal consideration. Council gave staff direction to continue working with the company on the draft development agreement and to return with the full agreement for approval.
