Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Director Sarah More has accepted a job with the town of Sahuarita.
"We're sorry to see her go," said Oro Valley Town Manager David Andrews.
The Sahuarita Town Council Monday night approved a salary agreement to pay her $99,000 per year. More was paid $107,000 at Oro Valley.
More replaces former Planning Director John Neunuebel, who left Sahuarita to start a private consulting business. More came to Oro Valley in 2006.
During her time with Oro Valley, More presided over numerous large projects, including the long-term planning for the annexation of Arroyo Grande — the 14-square-mile parcel of State Trust Land north of town.
More also represented the town in Pinal County while officials wrote an updated comprehensive plan, helped guide the ongoing restoration efforts at Steam Pump Ranch and aided town development of an environmentally sensitive lands ordinance.
"She did really great work for the town," Andrews said.
Last month, town employees were offered a voluntary severance plan after the council voted to not move forward with proposed layoffs. Employees with five years and more at the town would receive 90 days pay, while those with fewer years would get 60 days pay. Workers have until July 17 to take up the offer.
Town officials did not know if More would benefit from the severance package. To date, 17 employees have accepted the offer. Another 13 positions were not funded in the fiscal 2010 budget.
Another issue is the future of the planning and zoning, building safety and development services departments. With new home and other construction at their lowest levels in years, the departments had been targeted for reorganization, possibly creating one department out of the three.
Andrews also said the council would discuss whether to fill More's position. The town instituted a hiring freeze in late 2008.
More had not told the town when her final day with Oro Valley would be as of deadline.
