Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Marana public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues in taxes budget with medium priority
Series 2026 excise tax revenue obligations
The district's tentative budget of about $2.3 million will fund operations, maintenance, infrastructure, and services paid through property tax levies. Nothing is final yet — the public hearing on June 16, 2026 is the chance for residents to weigh in.
First-quarter budget results and aquatic center debt payoff
The half-cent sales tax funding the Marana Aquatics and Recreation Center has banked about $15 million, and the town could pay off most of the remaining debt starting in 2029 — saving roughly half the interest. That's years earlier than planned, and council members are already talking about other uses for the revenue.
Strategic Plan VI focus areas
The town's sixth strategic plan will guide priorities for fiscal years 2028-2030, adding a new 'Future-Ready Infrastructure' focus area and folding 'healthy lifestyles' into a 'vibrant and safe community' area — with community surveys and town halls this winter before adoption in March 2027.
Medical plan surplus and reserve position
The medical plan is at a 102% loss ratio, already $64,000 over budget halfway through the year, driven partly by large claims — seven people account for nearly half of total costs. Stop-loss insurance softens the blow but is itself projected to rise 30%.
Gladden Farms II CFD Series 2026 bond issuance
The district's development agreement now allows $32 million in developer bonds instead of $20 million, reflecting higher construction and infrastructure costs since 2008. The total voter-authorized capacity stays at $60 million, and debt can be issued through 2034 under an agreement running to 2059.
Gladden Farms CFD FY2026-27 Final Budget and Tax Rate Reduction
Property owners in the Mandarina Community Facilities District will pay the same rate as last year — $2.80 per $100 of assessed value — to fund just over $1.2 million in district operations. No new debt is being taken on.
2026 Financial Summary shows favorable budget position but slowing interconnection revenue
ERCOT expects a record summer peak near 92 GW but reports low risk of emergency conditions, with almost 11,000 MW of new capacity added since last summer — including a notable boost in natural gas supported by the Texas Energy Fund.
Gladden Farms II CFD tentative budget and tax levy
The district's tentative budget sets the ad valorem tax levy that funds debt service and district operations for Gladden Farms property owners. The debt-service rate drops by about 35 cents while collections stay roughly flat to cover existing debt.
Mandarina CFD tentative budget and tax rate for FY 2026-2027
The CFD board adopted a tentative budget of about $1.2 million for next fiscal year. Property owners in the district will see the same tax rate as last year — $2.80 per $100 of assessed value, mostly to pay existing debt — and no new borrowing is planned. A public hearing on June 16, 2026 is the chance to weigh in before final adoption.
Employee Pay: 6 Percent Merit Raise Plus 5 Percent Market Adjustment
Town employees would get a 6 percent merit increase plus a 5 percent market pay-scale adjustment, but health insurance premiums are rising 8-17 percent depending on the plan, with the town covering most of the increase.
FY 2026/27 budget development
Budget talks kick off as a standing agenda item; council members can pitch initiatives for staff to cost out in coming weeks.
Second-quarter budget performance
The Town's finances are on track mid-year: revenues are hitting targets, the new community center has pulled in $1.5 million since May, and water and wastewater funds are tracking as expected.
Town Manager contract extension
Town Manager Terry Rozema got a two-year contract extension with 3% raises each year and six months' severance if terminated — approved 6-1 over Vice Mayor Ziegler's objection.
Clean audit of FY 2024-2025 finances
The town's outside auditor gave Marana a clean bill of financial health — no compliance issues, no material weaknesses, no fraud findings, and spending $242.6 million under the voter-approved expenditure cap.