Proposed Marana Budget Includes Roads, Library Wing

By Aaron Mackey, The Arizona Daily Star, Tucson

Feb. 15–Marana officials will propose a budget similar to last year’s $128 million total, with most of the money again going to road-construction projects.

One of the biggest transportation costs is ongoing funding for the Twin Peaks interchange, which would cross Interstate 10 halfway between Cortaro and Avra Valley roads. Last year the town spent $8.2 million. Figures aren’t available for how much the town plans to spend this year.

Officials said the interchange, expected to cost $90 million, would ease congestion and better connect the north and south sides of town.

Multiyear funding is essential to big-ticket items such as the interchange, said Town Manager Mike Reuwsaat.

Reuwsaat will present a general overview of his proposal during Tuesday’s Town Council meeting. The budget will cover operating costs, improvement projects and other spending for fiscal year 2007-08, which begins July 1.

In addition to ongoing road construction, the town also will need to explore using money to create a better environment for work-force housing, Reuwsaat said.

That could be accomplished through increased funding and a proposed agreement between the town and Habitat for Humanity, Reuwsaat said.

Also included in the preliminary request will be about $100,000 for TV cameras and equipment for the council’s chambers. Once purchased and installed, the equipment would allow the council to broadcast its meetings on local cable access channels.

Reuwsaat will seek $270,000 for construction of a children’s wing at the proposed Wheeler T. Abbett Library near Continental Ranch.

The county would match the funding for the 5,000-square-foot expansion to the library, which is being built with $6.25 million in Pima County bond money. Construction is scheduled to begin this spring.

Residents won’t see a large request for additional town employees this year because there’s no need, Reuwsaat said.

While residential growth has slowed and is expected to decline a bit more, town officials aren’t worried about coming up with extra funding.

That’s because commercial growth is taking the place of home building, offsetting town revenue that comes from building and permit fees, said Erik Montague, the town’s finance director.

With new residents moving into town every day, shopping centers, supermarkets and other amenities will move in to take advantage of the growth, Montague said.

Breaking down the budget

–Here are some budget terms and their definition. Figures based on 2006-07 fiscal year.

General fund — The source that covers the town’s operating expenses, such as paying police officers and town employees. This makes up about $31 million.

Restricted funds — The biggest part of Marana’s budget, this source of money covers areas such as road construction and debt payment on bonds. The fund is just under $90 million.

Enterprise funds — This part of the budget includes Marana’s water department and airport, which create revenue for the town. This is about $10 million.

–Contact reporter Aaron Mackey at 618-1924 or amackey@azstarnet.com.

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Copyright (c) 2007, The Arizona Daily Star, Tucson

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.

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