Development News for Chino Valley, Arizona

Chino Valley Increases Water Consultant's Funding to $75,000 for Expanded Services

The Town Council approved the first amendment to the professional services agreement with Mark Holmes LLC, a water consultant, increasing the annual allowance from $70,000 to $75,000 for fiscal year 2026. This increase is to cover additional services Mark Holmes provided following the departure of the public works director, including managing IWMP and WIFA loan projects, attending NAMO and SIMPO meetings, and stepping in for directorial duties. The amendment ensures the town has capacity for his services through the end of the fiscal year without contract violations. Council members acknowledged his valuable contributions and the necessity of the increased funding. The motion passed unanimously (7-0).

Chino Valley Secures WIFA Loan Approval for Bright Star PFAS Remediation

The Town Council approved Resolution 2026-1317, authorizing the application for a drinking water state revolving fund loan from WIFA for PFAS remediation at the Bright Star Water Production Facility. The Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) notified the town in August 2023 of PFOA exceedances. An engineering assessment identified four alternatives, with PFAS treatment at Bright Star estimated at $5.1 million. ADEQ agreed to fund this remediation. The town and ADEQ entered a partnership agreement in April 2024. The EPA established permanent MCLs for PFOA at four parts per trillion, requiring compliance by 2029. The current project estimate is over $8 million, with ADEQ contributing $5.1 million. The town's WIFA loan application is for $5 million, with a projected 90% forgivable principal, potentially reducing the town's share to $500,000. This is a substantial benefit given the total project cost. The town's water fund has the capacity to service this minimal debt. The resolution was approved unanimously (7-0).

Chino Valley Approves Rezoning for Single-Family Residential Lot Split

The Town Council approved Ordinance Number 2026-967, rezoning approximately 4.97 acres from agricultural residential to single-family residential for a lot split. The property is located east of North Road 1 East, between Juniper Drive and East Road 1 North. The general plan designates the area as neighborhood residential (1-4 dwelling units per acre), and the proposed SR1 zoning fits within this density. The property is subject to local sheet flow, which may challenge higher density development and favor a one-acre minimum lot size. Concerns were raised about sheet flow potentially impacting septic lines and the need for county environmental approval. Water availability was also discussed, with confirmation that water would be required for the development. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval with a 7-0 vote. The motion to approve passed 7-0.

Chino Valley Council Reviews Positive Quarterly Financial Report

The council reviewed and approved the quarterly financial report for January through March 2026. The report indicated that revenues and expenditures are on track with the budget. Notably, TPT revenues are up by approximately $900,000, primarily driven by strong construction revenues, though this area is considered volatile. General fund revenues are $567,000 over budget, despite a decrease in state-shared income tax. Expenditures are generally under budget, with savings in personnel due to staffing vacancies. The HERF fund is slightly under budget, and the water and wastewater funds show improvement due to fee structure changes and ongoing monitoring. The overall net change in fund balance for the general fund is positive, with a total increase of nearly $1.4 million year-to-date. Council Member Holt inquired about the impact of Santan Valley on income tax, and staff clarified that the dip is due to a pre-programmed flat tax rate change rather than the incorporation itself.