Participate in planning for Marana’s future
The Town of Marana is a vibrant, safe, and successful community in large part because its leaders have always planned well for the future and focused on being the kind of town that puts its residents and business owners first. Marana’s citizens have actively participated in this planning, by being involved in setting the Town's vision.
This March, Marana’s first all vote-by-mail election offers another opportunity for a decision about the future of the community. Two wastewater questions are on the Town’s ballot. Arizona law requires voter authorization for the Town to acquire existing utility operations.
The primary question
Asks whether the Town shall be authorized to own and operate a wastewater system. This system currently serves about 2,100 customers in the northwest part of Marana, where the Town is also the water provider. This area is largely undeveloped. If the Town of Marana is authorized to own and operate the system, the Town will have the benefits and responsibilities of serving this large area where significant growth is planned.
The second question
Asks whether the Town shall be authorized to own and operate the small Rillito Vista wastewater treatment facility as part of the overall system. Pima County’s proposal also requires the Town to operate this 60-customer system as part of a settlement of the wastewater negotiations.
The issue before voters is Marana’s water future, which will be determined in large part by how our wastewater treatment plant is managed. Voters must decide whether they want their wastewater managed by the Town or another government.
If the Town continues managing the system,
the benefits include:
- The ability to maximize renewable water supplies for current and future Marana residents.
- Marana will have permanent ownership of the full current and future flow of water produced by the system. This water can be used to replace water pumped from the ground. If the cost of water continues rising, this will reduce Marana’s future expense of acquiring water resources to serve its customers and residents.
- Marana will control the implementation of recycled and reclaimed water programs for irrigation of parks, schools, and other turf areas.
- Businesses wishing to move to or expand in North Marana will need to work only with the Town on water and wastewater issues.
|
If the Town continues managing the system, potential concerns include:
- All outstanding debt on the existing plant remains the responsibility of the Town.
- If the Town makes plans to modernize or expand the plant, the costs would be borne exclusively by the Town.
- The Town will be responsible for complying with existing and future wastewater regulations in the system.
|
Frequently Asked Questions (updated 1/14/13)
QUESTION: When is the election?
ANSWER: This is the Town’s first all-mail ballot election. Ballots start going out to registered voters February 14 for the March 12 election. Along with two wastewater questions, there are four seats on the Town Council being contested.
QUESTION: How do I vote?
ANSWER: For more election information, please visit the elections Web page or contact the Marana Town Clerk at (520) 382-1999.
QUESTION: How many customers does the system serve?
ANSWER: Currently about 2,100, but this is a mostly undeveloped area planned for substantial future development.
QUESTION: Where do negotiations between the Town and Pima County stand?
ANSWER: The County and the Town want to settle the wastewater system ownership question. The settlement being negotiated would result in the Town owning and operating the system.
QUESTION: Why must residents vote on ownership of a wastewater system?
ANSWER: State law requires the Town to ask voters to decide whether it should operate a wastewater system.
QUESTION: What are the benefits of the Town operating a wastewater treatment plant?
ANSWER: Operating the plants would mean that the Town also owns the water generated by the wastewater systems. Owning that water would allow the Town to replenish the water table for future use by Marana residents and business owners, making full use of all our water resources. This would also facilitate development in these areas.
QUESTION: Which neighborhoods are served by the Marana wastewater system being considered in this election?
ANSWER: Most people living or doing business north of Avra Valley Road and west of Dove Mountain are served by this wastewater system. (See the accompanying map.)
Click on the graphic to open a more detailed map
QUESTION: What happens if the community votes “Yes?”
ANSWER: If voters give the Town of Marana authorization to own and operate the wastewater system, the Town will have the benefits and responsibilities of serving this large northwest part of Marana slated for significant future growth.
QUESTION: What happens if the community votes “No?”
ANSWER: Pima County will own and operate the wastewater system.
QUESTION: If Marana purchases the wastewater system, how will it be financed?
ANSWER: The purchase will be primarily funded by impact fees on growth. The remainder will be supported by other fees, including the water resource fee.
QUESTION: Does the water generated from the Marana wastewater system have to support the Southern Arizona Water Rights Settlement Act (SAWRSA) before it is available to the Town?
ANSWER: No. The SAWRSA settlement does not apply to this plant. It only applies to plants located in the Tucson basin.
QUESTION: Is the Marana wastewater system costly to operate? Will my rates go up significantly if the Town is the owner?
ANSWER: Town officials have weighed the benefits and responsibilities of operating a wastewater system. The Town believes it can operate and maintain the system as necessary for future customers with rates comparable to what Pima County would charge.
QUESTION: If and when the Marana Wastewater plant needs to expand for future residents, who will have to pay?
ANSWER: The Town will have impact fees that support any additional infrastructure needed at the treatment plant. These fees are passed on to new developments, not current residents. Essentially, new residents and businesses will pay for expansions to accommodate them.
QUESTION: Large portions of the Town are located outside the Marana wastewater system (for example, Continental Ranch, Continental Reserve, Dove Mountain, Sky Ranch, and Tangerine Crossing). How will this vote affect water and wastewater service in areas outside the Marana wastewater system?
ANSWER: Existing homes and businesses in these areas will continue receiving water service from their current provider (Tucson Water or Marana Water) and will continue receiving wastewater service from Pima County.
QUESTION: How will these ballot measures affect Marana residents who live outside the proposed Marana wastewater service area?
ANSWER: If voters give the Town authorization to own and operate the Marana wastewater system, the Town can optimize its water resources which would benefit residents and businesses that decide to make the Town their homes in the future. Marana is responsible for providing permanent water resources for most new residents and businesses.
|
Contact Us
Click here to submit a question
Election Information
Results
Town video
See Town Manager Gilbert Davidson talk about wastewater and how it fits in Marana's water portfolio.
|
