The Oro Valley Town Council held a regular session on October 1, 2025, focusing on several key financial proposals, including new tax categories, fee increases for parks and recreation, and a stormwater utility fee increase. The meeting served as a platform for council members and residents to discuss these items prior to any formal voting.

The first item on the agenda addressed the introduction of new tax categories, specifically targeting commercial rentals and telecommunications. Council members emphasized that no decisions would be made during this session, allowing for community input and discussion.

Matt Wood, a resident and vice chair of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, spoke in favor of proposed fee increases for parks and recreation services, noting that the fees had not been raised in a significant amount of time. He highlighted that the board unanimously supported the increases, which included a doubling of rates for non-residents using pickleball facilities, from $5 to $10. Wood reassured attendees that the new rates were aligned with market standards, aiming to ensure fairness and competitiveness.

Mike Smeckel, a long-time resident, expressed concerns regarding the potential impact of a new commercial rental tax on local businesses. He argued that Oro Valley already has one of the highest costs of doing business in the region, and adding another tax could deter new businesses from establishing themselves in the area. Smeckel urged the council to consider the long-term implications of such a tax on the community's economic health.

David Blanchat, a commercial real estate agent, also weighed in on the discussion, emphasizing the importance of understanding the tax landscape for attracting businesses to Oro Valley. He noted that many potential business owners inquire about tax rates when considering locations, and highlighted the need for the council to think strategically about the city’s growth and development.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from council members to consider the feedback received from residents before moving forward with any decisions on the proposed tax and fee increases. The council plans to revisit these discussions in future sessions, ensuring that community concerns are addressed in the decision-making process.