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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHistorical Records - Incorporation (43) • • huu'::1 OF PlUIFIMH V - L ? L J 6325 NORTH 1NVERGORDON ROAD OrNG: Gi Town own Manager TOW OF PARADISE VALLEY. ARIZONA 85253 FIi1J�{�. Qi0-7412 February 27, 19 74 Mr. E. S. Engle Rt. 6, Box 531 •• Tucson, Arizona 85704 • Dear Mr. Engle: It was very nice meeting with you, Mrs. Engle and Jim Kriegh, and I was very much impressed with your enthusiastic efforts to effect the incorporation of Oro Valley. It is particularly gratifying to see the interest in self-government which has cropped up all over our area. I think this exemplifies the American tradition. Involvement. of we l l- qualif•ied residents at the local level is the basis of a well-run nation, • , for -Government can be no better than those who govern. In our discussions, you indicated that you felt- a brief summary of the history of the T'.Trin of Paradise Val l Py wcul d he hel pfu.2l. to you in your planning for Oro Valley. In 1961, Paradise Valley was faced with annexa- tion by either Scottsdale or Phoenix. The .residents recognized they had a unique area and in order to preserve and protect it, they would have to incorporate. The original incorporated area included only 2.69 sq. miles with a population of some 700 persons. However, within a few days, the Town annexed additional areas, and today -we have approximately . 14 sq. miles within the Town. Our population is around 8,500. Initially, the Town was faced with many problems, and the funds to r . , , , . . men t accomplish w r,o J��I1`l r fib,-' ' b the 1 i :ced�a work ..:-re ...;r�--�_��s�er:t, :_ .. �e�. , efforts of -many -citizens donating their time and knowledge to the comrniunity, the Town was able to survive. • The following aims were adopted by the Town Council: "To preserve the community as a primarily residential and resort area with such service areas as are necessary for the convenience and interest of the residents; To preserve the general desert characteristics, low popu- lation density, minimum through traffic, minimum noise level and minimum night light- level; To provide areas for development of residential sections, • schools, churches, fire stations, post office, civic center, (municipal offices) , park and recreation areas, bridle paths, future arterial streets and other special uses as may be deemed necessary." Pg. 2 -- E. S. Engle During the past 13 yearsthe administrative persc, nel and Town Counvil, have beento achieve the goals as set forth by working together, able & the original Town Council. The Town has been able to accomplish this without the levying of any local taxes. Many people wonder how a town can operate without local tax monies, but a review of our -budget shows that there are seryl al sources. of income available other than property taxes. These sources, which are available to any incorporated area, include auto lieu taxes, a pro rata share of State sales and gasoline taxes, a transaction privilege tax (ours is 1%), as well as fees from permits and fines. Such monies have provided the necessary revenues for the Town to accomplish needed road repairs, to provide salaries for competent personnel and to provide an adequate and highly effective police force. Naturally, these things were not accomplished overnight. When the Town was first incorporated, no monies were available and there were many weeks where the coffers were empty. During the last year, Federal and State Revenue Sharing -have been welcome additions to our income. FederiJ Revenue Sharing has •amounted to approximately $34,000 annually, and State Revenue Sharing approximately $100,000 Per year. However, even without these, the Town was able to accomplish � all required services. One of our most significant accomplishments is the construction of our • new Town Hall. have C 1L 4 v r e J and a nes. T $300,000 hti>;l dine which waspaid for out of the savings of a community which has no local taxes. Our streets are adequately maintained, our police force is second to none in Arizona, and we have a Town staff which is dedicated to tho principles and ideals of this community. Our citizens have a direct voice in local government and their desires and problems are handled effectively and without delay. • Water, fire protection, and garbage collection are furnished by private comp.lnies and are: contracted for by each individual homeowner. We t ? provided �? to he f1i�acivanta�,e and Lhe Sei v maces • have•met the residents' needs with competitive rates. The most significant advantage to local government, in my opinion, is the fact that residents may determine the character of their community and may participate actively in the preservation of the life-style they have chosen. In Paradise Valley we do not have a bureaucracy. Our laws are made to protect our citizens and to accom- plish ccom-Plish the goals of our community. Our police department is a highly effective force which enforces the laws, but at the same time provides a benevolent."helping hand" to our citizens. This is a change from many metropolitan areas. Pg. 3 -- E. S. Engle As you can tell, I am a strong supporter of local. self-determination.- If Oro `ja l i Ly coe s decide to incorporate, you will have many problems and many lean days ahead until_ you have had time to establish a n organization, adopt your ordinances, and start collecting your share of taxes that arc being collected by the County and State. However, this is one of the thrills of establishing a local government and I am sure you will find many qualified citizens who will work and help to make your plans and dreams for Oro Valley a reality. If we can be of further service in any way, please contact us. Sincerely, Oscar A. Butt • Town Manager • OAB:eme Enols. .