The Oro Valley Town Council on Tuesday will hear from the public on a proposed voter referendum that would raise property taxes in order to pay for the expansion of Naranja Park.
Town staff estimate the proposal would raise property taxes by $4.50 a month for an average house in Oro Valley – at an estimated value of around $250,000 - for the next 20 years.
The expansion of Naranja Park is being pushed by the Oro Valley Sports Alliance, a group of youth and amateur sports leagues that think there is a shortage of such facilities in the area.
“I’m going to live in Oro Valley for a number of years to come, as far as I can foresee," said Alliance co-founder Fred Narcaroti. "I want to make sure that people understand that this is not about being self-centered and just how it affects my kids. It is also for amateur sports and senior sports.”
The increase in taxes would pay for bonds that cover the $17 million price tag, which would cover construction of three new multi-sport fields; four baseball or softball diamonds; a playground; necessary infrastructure, including bathrooms, lights and parking lots; and a new road connecting Naranja Drive and Tangerine Road alongside the park.
The Oro Valley Town Council will hear comments on Wednesday night at 6 p.m. at the council chambers. The comment period may be extended into the next meeting, which takes place May 3.
The May 3 meeting is when the council will decide if a voter referendum will appear on the November ballot.
Those who cannot attend the meeting can comment by emailing Constituent Services coordinator Jessica Hynd at (jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov) until May 3.
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