Axe the Tax, a group of concerned Oro Valley residents opposing the Naranja Park Bond-Proposition 454, is releasing a response to the recent Fiscal Year 16/17 results reported by the Town of Oro Valley. The town reported a “strong financial position” and a surplus of $2 million for this past fiscal year.
“We propose the Town’s $2 million surplus be spent on Little League baseball fields for our youth,” stated Jim Horn, Axe the Tax PAC chairman. “Clearly the town has the means to accomplish this without a property tax on its residents.”
Petitioning for fiscal responsibility from town officials known for the financially irresponsible purchase of the El Con golf courses, Axe the Tax has highlighted that the $17 million Naranja Park Bond would ultimately cost taxpayers a total of $28 million, with interest, over the 20 year life of the bond. As it stands, only $5.6 million will be allocated toward seven sports fields. Two multi-sports fields are currently under construction with funding spread over two fiscal years 16/17 and 17/18.
Axe the Tax is confounded by the proposed bond following the town’s announcement of a $2 million surplus. These results confirm that the town has existing resources to continue building Naranja Park sports fields with the “pay as you go” strategy that has been utilized since 2008 when Oro Valley taxpayers voted against a $48.6 million bond for the Park.
Instead of imposing an unnecessary property tax to pay for this bond, Axe the Tax recommends using the $2 million surplus for an immediate start of construction of the baseball complex on a “pay as you go” development plan. The entire field area should be graded and irrigation should be installed. Two fields should be completed with lights.
In the fiscal year 18/19 budget, $1 million should be allocated to construct a third field with lighting and to build a concession stand with restrooms. This will complete the three field Little League complex.
Axe the Tax in Oro Valley stands by its position that the Naranja Park Bond-Proposition 454 is an unreasonable and irresponsible property tax for homeowners and commercial properties when the Town has resources to “pay as you go.”