At the Oro Valley Town Council meeting on April 18, 2018, council members voted to place the Home Rule option on the August 28, 2018 primary election ballot. Since first adopting Home Rule in 1980, Oro Valley residents have renewed this authority every four years. Voting yes preserves local control over budget decisions and ensures uninterrupted funding for essential services.
What Is Home Rule
Under Article IX of the Arizona Constitution, all cities and towns face limits on annual spending based on population and property values. These limits often do not reflect the full scope of services a growing community requires. Home Rule grants Oro Valley the flexibility to set its own spending ceiling. This adjustment allows the town to allocate resources where they are most needed, from public safety to infrastructure maintenance and water utilities.
With Home Rule in place, the town can respond to local priorities marked by new development, changing demographics and rising service demands. A yes vote means the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019 will be based on an estimated expenditure base of $132.7 million. Without Home Rule, state formula limits would restrict spending to $40.1 million, risking a 70 percent cut in town services.
Impact on Town Services
Extending Home Rule directly supports key community functions:
- Police and Fire Protection – Maintains staffing levels to ensure rapid response times and ongoing training.
- Parks and Recreation – Funds upkeep of trails, parks, sports fields and community programs.
- Road Maintenance – Provides for regular resurfacing, pothole repair and safety enhancements.
- Water Utilities – Supports water treatment, pipeline upgrades and conservation initiatives.
- Economic Development – Enables incentives for business growth and job creation.
Preserving these services is essential to maintaining Oro Valley’s quality of life and supporting future growth.
Voter Information
The Home Rule question appears on the August 28, 2018 primary election ballot. Registered voters may cast their ballots in person at any polling place or by mail. Mail ballots will be sent beginning August 1, 2018 for the primary election and October 10, 2018 for the general election. Publicity pamphlets detailing the measure will arrive by July 16, 2018.
To receive ballots for every election, join the Permanent Early Voting List. You may also request a single mail ballot by contacting Pima County Elections.
Learn More
For complete details on the Home Rule option, visit orovalleyaz.gov and select “What is Home Rule?” in the rotating menu. To schedule a presentation for your civic group, contact Constituent Services Coordinator Jessica Hynd at 520-229-4711 or [email protected].