Oro Valley Looks to Revamp Community Center
In a recent memo to the Oro Valley Mayor and Council, Town Manager Mary Jacobs shared a preliminary plan to refresh the Oro Valley Community Center. This plan aims to cut operating costs, boost revenue, and fund necessary upgrades for the golf, fitness, and tennis facilities, along with the food and beverage services. The Council discussed these ideas during a study session on February 7, 2018, where they could ask questions and delve into the details.
Mary Jacobs is now gearing up to finalize the plan, which will appear in the Town Manager’s Recommended Budget for FY 2018/19. This budget is tentatively scheduled for presentation on April 18, 2018.
The plan is projected to bring about $400,000 in savings or increased revenue annually, within two years of full implementation. Town Manager Jacobs highlighted the importance of efficiently running the Community Center to offer more opportunities for residents and maintain the area’s exceptional quality of life.
Developing the Plan
Creating this plan was no small feat. It took several months and involved a detailed, multi-step process. The goal was to ensure the Community Center could operate sustainably and meet the needs of Oro Valley’s residents.
Current Financial Snapshot
Since the Town took over the Community Center, the financial situation has improved. Initially, expenses outweighed revenues by $863,000, but that gap narrowed to $600,000 in the second year. Now, revenues and expenses are close to breaking even. However, Jacobs pointed out that there’s still a need for significant capital investments.
“I believe that once these improvements are made, the fund will be able to support future investments,” Jacobs said. “Right now, it’s a bit of a chicken-and-egg scenario, where without improvements, reducing expenses and increasing revenue is challenging.”
It’s worth noting that, like other municipal amenities, the Community Center relies on community investments through general fund revenues. Part of the sales tax is specifically allocated to support these operations.
When the Community Center opened nearly three years ago, it offered a much-needed space for residents to enjoy various activities. With the proposed improvements, Oro Valley aims to ensure the Community Center runs smoothly and continues to serve its community effectively.
Read the full Town Manager’s memo here.
Sources
Oro Valley Community Center Memo