City News

The City of Tucson recently received a rebate of more than $849,000 for its participation in the JP Morgan Purchasing Card (P-Card) program. The program allows the City to buy items through a credit card, instead of the traditional purchasing and payment process.

The City receives a percentage of total spending as a rebate at the end of the year. The rebate contributes to the City’s General Fund, which is used for public safety, parks, and other services.

The Tucson Fire Department (TFD) tomorrow will graduate 31 recruits who have successfully completed the training academy. The graduation ceremony for the newest firefighters will take place at 9 a.m. at the Tucson Convention Center's Leo Rich Theater, 260 S. Church Ave.

When you take a trip to Reid Park Zoo, you might overlook some of the animals. Watch “Zoo News” on Tucson 12, learn about some very deserving animals that have interesting adaptations you might not know about.

The Mayor and Tucson City Council voted yesterday to hire an outside pollster to survey Tucson residents about whether they would support a half-cent city sales tax increase. Mayor Jonathan Rothschild said the poll would cost $10,000-$20,000, but he said outside groups may be willing to pay the costs.

A half-cent sales tax increase would bring in about $50 million a year, but it must be approved by voters. The tax hike would bring the city rate to 2.5 percent, matching Oro Valley and Marana.

The City of Tucson Magistrate Merit Selection Commission is reviewing an application for reappointment from City Magistrate Michael P. Pollard.

Public participation is encouraged from those who have had direct experience with the magistrate's courtroom. All comments should be submitted in writing by 5 p.m., Friday, Jan. 22, 2016, to:

City Magistrate Merit Selection Commission
City Clerk's Office
P.O. Box 27210
Tucson, AZ 85726-7210

Arizona Wildcat Hockey takes to the ice at the Tucson Convention Center (TCC) Arena this Friday and Saturday. The Wildcats will face the University of Colorado on both days at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at the TCC Ticket Office and Ticketmaster.

The Tucson Police Department (TPD) is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer Recruit. Successful candidates from this testing period will be considered for any funded academy class(es) within the next six months. The earliest academy that will be filled from the list is July 2016, but that date may be adjusted if necessary.

The deadline to apply is Jan. 31.