Well, no matter where it is, we have it covered.
That is the prevailing thought after the special meeting Monday, November 22 of the Cave Creek Town Council.
After what could be described as overwhelming positive input and support from those attending, Cave Creek is poised to complete the final phases of it’s own fire department…without raising sales taxes nor implementing any property taxes…much to the liking of most, if not all local residents and business owners. That sound you hear is Cave Creek mayor Ernie Bunch and the town council members taking a victory lap for what is earmarked as a legacy move.
During the following days, the Town of Cave Creek issued the following statements:
Cave Creek Celebrates Graduating Class of Daisy Mountain Fire and Medical Firefighters
Cave Creek — On Friday, November 19, Daisy Mountain Fire and Medical celebrated the graduation of 11 firefighters from recruit class 21-3. These 11 firefighters were previously employed with Rural/Metro Fire Department. Along with the celebration of these newest firefighters, Daisy Mountain Fire & Medical also recognized the promotions of three Fire Captains and five Fire Engineers. The celebration was held at The Holland Center. The Town would like to congratulate the firefighters on this milestone accomplishment and thank those involved. Cave Creek Mayor Ernie Bunch, Vice Mayor David Smith, and Council Members Ron Sova, Bob Morris and Kathryn Royer were in attendance along with the firefighters’ friends and families, and other proud residents of Cave Creek.
“Everything Daisy has done for us… we’re infinitely appreciative of,” commented Mayor Bunch at the ceremony, “…how thrilled we are to see this day come where we’re going to be part of the (Automatic Aid) system.”
Cave Creek has addressed an important public safety goal by acquiring their own fire station and partnering with Daisy Mountain Fire & Medical in the training and staffing of these firefighters to be ready to serve the Town of Cave Creek by January 3, 2022. Deputy Fire Chief Jim Ford remarks “Today’s celebration is possible due to the amazing support the Town has received from the regional Automatic Aid partners, the Daisy Mountain Fire Department, and our local residents, Town staff, and policy makers. While there is still work to be done, this was a very important initial step in moving forward and addressing the emergency fire and medical needs of this community”.
Cave Creek to Fully Fund Its New Fire Department
Cave Creek — The Mayor and Town Council of Cave Creek agreed at a special Council meeting on Monday, November 22, 2021 that the Town’s strong economic health enables it to fully fund its new fire department, which begins operations on January 3, 2022.
A series of public meetings were held over the last several months to discuss, analyze and assess the Town’s current budget and key revenue sources. Using the Town’s strategic financial plan and budget documents, economic consultant Jim Rounds provided his expertise regarding funding options for fire service with Daisy Mountain fire department. According to Mr. Rounds, the Town’s budget is well managed without any structural imbalances between ongoing revenues and expenses. Additionally, the Town’s expenses were about 20% lower than expected which provided even more budgetary flexibility.
After much discussion, Mayor Ernie Bunch and the Town Council decided to investigate bonding approximately $16.1 million dollars for utility capital improvement projects, which will then allow the Town to use general funds to cover the costs of fire and emergency medical services. The largest risk to this decision is that it is predicated on a strong economy in the coming years unaffected by a severe recession. Town leaders will be carefully monitoring the Town’s economic status and have the option to consider a modest sales tax increase to cover imbalances in the future, if necessary.
Cave Creek resident Bill Basore said, “This is what good government looks like. What we’re contemplating now is $16 million in bonding for the water utility’s capital improvement projects. When we bond at least we’re spreading the expenses over time.”
Cave Creek Mayor Ernie Bunch credited previous Councils and volunteer advocates of the Carefree Highway Corridor for having the vision to ensure responsible growth and development to support the Town’s economic health. “This was advance planning for an awful lot of years. It wasn’t by accident.”
Town Manager Carrie Dyrek emphasized, “The Town is taking on a huge financial burden for the safety of this community. We found a way to do this initially without raising taxes. It is remarkable how we got through this process with staff, Council, outside experts and our community. We’d like to thank everyone for helping us arrive at this decision.”
The detailed report by Rounds Consulting Group can be found on the Town’s website at
https://www.CaveCreekAZ.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4484/11-18-21_Rounds_Consulting.
