Development News for San Tan Valley, Arizona

Council Reviews Proposed Development Fees for Street Improvements

The Town Council discussed proposed development fees for street improvements, which will be funded through an incremental methodology to maintain the existing level of service. Based on projected growth over the next 10 years, approximately 18.5 additional lane miles of street improvements are needed, costing over $37 million. The fee for a single-family unit is estimated at $5,600. Fees for multi-family units and mobile homes are lower, and non-residential fees are calculated per thousand square feet. The proposed street fees are higher than current fees, but the town will not be assessing a Public Safety fee, which was previously paid to Pinal County, resulting in an overall decrease in fees when compared to the combined previous county fees.

Town Leases Office Space from Florence Unified School District

The Town Council approved a lease agreement with Florence Unified School District (FUSD) for temporary office space. The town will rent two classrooms, totaling 1700 square feet, at Circle Cross Ranch School. This space will serve as an office for employees whose departments do not require daily public interaction, such as engineering, planning, and building safety, providing a quiet workspace away from the main town hall. The lease is for one year with month-to-month options thereafter. The agreement includes separate access for town staff, ensuring no interaction with students. IT infrastructure will be supported by existing fiber optic lines at the school.

Town Council Approves Tentative Budget with Increased Expenditure Limit

The Town Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 tentative budget, which was adjusted due to updated population estimates and expenditure limitations. The budget increased from $79 million to $91 million, reflecting higher population figures and allowing for greater spending of town-collected revenue. Key changes include increased allocations for staffing, community development, and contingency funds, while some other areas saw reductions or reallocations. The council also approved a resolution to adopt this budget.

Council Recommends Approval for Battery Energy Storage System Facility

The Town Council considered a resolution to approve a battery energy storage system (BESS) facility, recommended by the town planning committee. The facility is proposed to be located adjacent to the Copper Crossing solar research facility and the Able substation, minimizing the need for new transmission lines. Applicant representatives explained that the BESS stores energy during low demand and discharges it during peak demand, mitigating grid stress and potential blackouts due to population growth and rising temperatures. Concerns regarding safety, noise, visual impact, and fire hazards were addressed by the applicant's team and fire safety experts, who detailed safety protocols, containment measures, and emergency response plans. The council discussed the project's benefits, proximity to infrastructure, and potential impacts, ultimately voting to recommend approval to the Pinal County Board of Supervisors.