Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Oro Valley public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
3 issues in water utilities with high priority
Lower Basin States 700-Plus Plan
Oro Valley would leave up to 4,000 acre-feet of its CAP water in Lake Mead annually for 2027-28, on top of an expected 14% shortage cut, in exchange for equal long-term storage credits. The town saves about $1.3 million a year in delivery charges, which staff wants to bank toward securing future water supplies through long-term leases.
Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Water Rate Adjustments
Proposed rates would raise a typical five-eighths-inch residential bill using 7,000 gallons by $2.57 a month — about 4.8% — keeping increases under the 5% goal. Rates remain the lowest in Southern Arizona for most customers. The commission held off on recommending until January over questions about untouched top tiers and a new cash reserve policy.
Town-Wide Stormwater and Wash Infrastructure Inspection
Commissioners toured local washes and drainage projects to inspect flood control measures, channel ramps, and ongoing infrastructure improvements.