Sahuarita Development News
GatherGov Agents listens to meetings 24/7 delivering the latest real estate development updates, legislation, and news.
Development News from the latest meeting
Town Council Meeting
Published: Jun 22, 2026
Town Approves Contract Amendment for Lake Remediation Services
The Town Council discussed and approved an amendment to a contract with The Duro Group Incorporated for services related to the lake remediation project. The amendment, not to exceed $680,000, will fund tasks including project administration, design reviews, grant identification and writing support, geotech and environmental reviews, public outreach, and travel expenses for the next fiscal year. The project is multi-year and involves collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is expected to take 6-9 months to finalize an agreement. The approved funds will support preliminary work on lake infrastructure, potentially including aeration, pumps, and the lake liner, and assist in securing grant funding. The contract is on a time and materials basis.
Council Debates TEP's Santa Rita Connection Project and Rate Increase Amidst Public Scrutiny
The Town Council engaged in a lengthy discussion regarding Tucson Electric Power's (TEP) Santa Rita Connection Project and a proposed rate increase. TEP representatives Stephen Eddy and Clark Briner presented information on the necessity of the Santa Rita Connection Project for grid reliability and growth, emphasizing it's separate from the Copper World mine project. They clarified that any infrastructure specifically for the mine would be paid for by the mine operator and that TEP customers would not subsidize it. The council questioned TEP extensively on the project's details, co-location benefits, cost allocation, and potential rate impacts. Councilmember Priolo repeatedly sought clear layman's terms to address public concerns about collusion, rate increases, and the project's necessity, particularly in relation to the mine. TEP asserted their projects undergo rigorous review and public testimony processes with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) and that customers pay their fair share. The Santa Rita Connection Project is identified as a reliability upgrade for the grid, independent of the mine, and is progressing through the ACC for approval. The rate case, totaling a 13% increase, is based on $1.7 billion in infrastructure investments from 2022-2024, is backward-looking, and aims to address inflation and ensure grid reliability. TEP highlighted investments in battery storage and expanded low-income assistance programs. The rate case is still under review by the ACC, with a judge's recommendation expected in Q3 and a final decision in November. Public comments raised concerns about transparency, the mine's influence, water usage, and potential rate impacts.
Town Council Approves Fiscal Year 2027 Budget of Over $113 Million
The Town Council discussed and approved the fiscal year 2027 budget, totaling $113,036,970. The budget is balanced, with $61.2 million in expected collections and $51.4 million in carried-forward resources. Spending is allocated at $66.3 million, leaving a projected ending balance of $46.7 million. The general fund constitutes 64% of the budget, with significant allocations for staff salaries ($26.6 million) and services ($12.3 million). Police Department and Public Works Department have the largest departmental budgets. The budget includes $15 million for capital projects, such as the PD building expansion, lake remediation, road improvements, and park projects. Priority-based budgeting was used, with 72% of operating and 80% of capital project budgets aligned with top tiers of community priorities. No changes to tax rates were proposed, except for a decline in the Quail Creek Community Facilities District tax rate. A $6 million commitment for reserves within the general fund was maintained.
Council Discusses Historical Burial Site in Quail Creek Development Amidst Family Preservation Efforts
The Town Council held a study session regarding the funerary site of Nelson Sawyer, located within the Quail Creek Development. The Santa Cruz Valley Historical Society brought attention to the site, where Nelson Sawyer was buried in 1912. Concerns were raised due to recent development activity in Quail Creek Units 38 and 39 approaching the grave site. A descendant of Nelson Sawyer, Kirk B. Vasil, has expressed interest in preserving the site but has faced challenges contacting the developer's contracted heritage company, Chronicle Heritage. The Historical Society is concerned about the timeline, with a 60-day period ending July 20th, after which remains could potentially be transferred to the State Museum if no family contact is made. Staff offered to provide contact information for the State Museum to the family. The Historical Society proposed that developers celebrate and incorporate history into their projects, suggesting that the grave site could potentially be left in place as a compromise.
Town Approves Contract Amendment for Lake Remediation Services and Appoints Members to Boards
The Town Council discussed and approved an amendment to a contract with The Duro Group Incorporated for services related to the lake remediation project. The amendment, not to exceed $680,000, will fund tasks including project administration, design reviews, grant identification and writing support, geotech and environmental reviews, public outreach, and travel expenses for the next fiscal year. The project is multi-year and involves collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is expected to take 6-9 months to finalize an agreement. The approved funds will support preliminary work on lake infrastructure, potentially including aeration, pumps, and the lake liner, and assist in securing grant funding. The contract is on a time and materials basis. The council also approved appointments to various town commissions and boards.
Get Weekly Development News of Sahuarita
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news.
From $25/year
The Sahuarita News archive
June 24, 2026 Sahuarita Unified School District #30 Board Meeting
Town Council Meeting- June 22, 2026
Parks and Recreation Meeting
June 10, 2026 Sahuarita Unified School District #30 Board Meeting
Board of Adjustment
Town Council Meeting
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news. Get your edge today.
GatherGov Market Intelligence
For Owners & Developers
See entitlement risk and deploy capital where there is the highest probability of return
For AEC
Win more projects by discovering opportunities before your competitors do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sahuarita ,Arizona Real Estate Development
Get Weekly Development News of Sahuarita, Arizona | From $25/year