Pima Supes Eye Housing Tax as Oro Valley Prepares for Water Rate Hike

Pima County is considering a modest property tax increase aimed at funding affordable housing programs. The County Supervisors are set to vote on a proposal that would raise the tax by 1.5 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, potentially generating $1.8 million in the fiscal year 2026 and $25 million over the next decade.

Supervisor Matt Heinz, who initially proposed a larger tax hike, scaled back his request to ensure the overall county tax rate remains unchanged for the upcoming fiscal year. This adjustment was made following discussions with fellow Supervisors, particularly Democratic Supervisor Andrés Cano, who sought clearer plans for utilizing any funds raised.

In conjunction with the proposed tax increase, Heinz is advocating for a commitment to invest $250 million in affordable housing over ten years. Pima County’s Administrator Jan Lesher has incorporated an additional $8.5 million into the budget for housing initiatives, with recommendations for how to allocate these funds expected from the Regional Affordable Housing Commission.

Also on the agenda is a proposal for the Pima County Free Library District to acquire the old Wells Fargo building on North Stone Avenue for $6.2 million. The renovation costs are anticipated to exceed the purchase price, as the current library facility has significant maintenance needs.

During the upcoming meeting, the supervisors will also review budget deficits impacting three county departments. The Pima County Superintendent of Schools Office faces a $1 million shortfall, primarily due to unmet grant commitments from the Arizona Department of Education. The Pima County Superior Court is over budget by $316,000, citing increased mandates and the necessity of hiring additional staff for mental health and language services. However, the office of the Pima County constables is expected to balance its budget despite initial training and equipment costs for new officers.

In a continuing legal matter, the board will deliberate on whether to forward an internal affairs report regarding a 2022 sexual assault allegation involving a sheriff’s deputy to the state Attorney General’s Office. Following a guilty verdict against former deputy Ricardo “Ricky” Garcia, efforts to investigate the department’s handling of the case are underway.

In Tucson, the City Council will finalize its $2.4 billion budget, which includes a small property tax increase and $6.6 million in additional revenue. Councilmembers are cautious about budget allocations, notably the decision to phase out the city’s $750,000 contribution to early education programs over two years.

The Oro Valley Town Council is also scheduled to vote on a plan to increase water rates by approximately 3.6 percent. This adjustment is part of a broader strategy to ensure the sustainability of the town’s water system. The council will further assess its fiscal year 2025-26 budget, setting a spending limit of $151.5 million while maintaining structural balance.

In Marana, the Town Council will weigh a proposal to extend the lease with the Marana Chamber of Commerce for their existing office space. The Chamber has rented the property since 2020 and will continue to use it for various community functions.