Oro Valley staff moves stormwater rate notice to February, seeks hazard‑mitigation grant and partners with Pima County
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Summary
Interim stormwater manager Dennis Roberts told commissioners Jan. 16 that the notice of intent for a stormwater utility rate increase will be presented in February; the town is pursuing a post‑fire hazard mitigation grant for North Pomegranate Drive and has submitted FEMA deliverables for Highland Wash.
Interim stormwater utility manager Dennis Roberts told the Oro Valley Stormwater Utility Commission on Jan. 16 that the town postponed presentation of the notice of intent for a stormwater utility rate increase to the Feb. 20 commission meeting. He said staff will meet with the mayor and town council earlier in the month to introduce the proposal.
Roberts also reported several ongoing project and grant activities. He said the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs completed its ranking of notices of intent for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (post‑fire) and that Oro Valley’s proposal for drainage improvements on North Pomegranate Drive received a ranking and remains in competition for the grant. The project as described to commissioners would include a reinforced-concrete drop structure and a gabion mattress along the pavement edge within the right of way to address channel downcutting and local scour downstream of the roadway.
Roberts said the Highland Wash Flood Control Project is farther along in FEMA review: the town responded to a FEMA request for information and submitted deliverables on Jan. 14, 2025, and staff await notice of award.
Roberts noted a planned collaboration with the Pima County Flood Control District to discuss potential joint projects and coordination later in the month and reminded the commission that an open seat remains on the Stormwater Utility Commission; interested residents can find appointment information at OroValleyAZ.gov (search boards and commissions).
Why it matters: The rate presentation will set the public schedule for potential changes to stormwater utility revenue. The hazard‑mitigation grant and FEMA review could bring state or federal funding for drainage and flood‑control work affecting neighborhood roadways and downstream channels.
No motions or votes were taken on the rate schedule or the grant items at the meeting. Roberts said staff will return with the rate‑setting presentation in February and will continue coordination with county and federal agencies on grant awards and FEMA review.