Marana Honors Ed Honea with New Municipal Complex as Pima County Unveils COVID Relief Spending Strategy

The Marana Town Council will convene on Tuesday to vote on naming the Municipal Complex in honor of Ed Honea, the former mayor and council member who passed away in November. With an extensive career spanning nearly 40 years, Honea’s ties to Marana run deep, having served as mayor since 2005 in the town founded by his grandfather in 1977.

Honea’s legacy includes his influence in the community, notably through projects like the “Honea Heights” subdivision developed by his father in the 1950s. A prominent conservative Republican, Honea was known for his tough demeanor yet maintained productive collaborations with more progressive factions in the Tucson area.

The vote to memorialize Honea is seen as a fitting tribute. His absence poses potential challenges for upcoming initiatives like the Regional Transportation Plan funding, set to be presented to voters next fall. The existing half-cent sales tax is scheduled to expire in 2026.

The ambitious $2.4 billion proposal faces hurdles. Tucson city officials are amenable to a compromise that allocates 55 percent of the revenue to the city, yet Marana council members express dissatisfaction over not securing two-thirds of the project list, which reflects the tax revenue generated by city businesses. Furthermore, there is unrest regarding the continued leadership of RTA administrator Farhad Moghimi.

The various jurisdictions involved are reluctant to yield more authority to Tucson, complicating negotiations moving forward. Honea’s departure is expected to further complicate the already delicate balance within the RTA.

Notably skilled in negotiation, Honea managed to keep discussions progressing without ceding excessive power to Tucson. His diplomatic approach fostered collaboration while representing the interests of regions often at odds with the city.

In addition to recognizing Honea’s contributions, the Marana council is set to vote on complying with a new state mandate regarding accessory dwelling units. This law permits the construction of up to two casita-style homes on residential lots, expanding housing options as the town’s population grows.

Although Marana currently falls short of the 75,000 population requirement, council staff advocates for preemptive approval of the ordinance, anticipating future growth in the coming years.

Meanwhile, the Pima County Board of Supervisors will also meet Tuesday to make minor adjustments to the allocation of COVID relief funds. Despite having expended only 69 percent of the $200 million from the American Rescue Plan, the county must finalize obligations by the year’s end, ensuring all funds are designated for spending before the 2026 deadline.

Upcoming adjustments include moving approximately $1.3 million to projects facing increased costs and supporting engagements like JobPath and facility repairs at local parks. This funding has been crucial in a myriad of areas, including health care improvements and educational opportunities.

Supervisors will further discuss two significant contracts aimed at enhancing housing stability and health care services. One agreement focuses on providing emergency housing at a local motel to assist those at risk of homelessness, while another addresses healthcare provision at the county jail, following issues that arose with a previous contractor.

On another front, Oro Valley is addressing the growing concerns over poorly maintained properties. The town aims to modify existing ordinances governing property upkeep, expediting the notification and appeals process for residents whose properties do not meet community standards.