Since being elected as Council Members in 2018, Vice Mayor Kathryn Royer and I have proven, time and again, that we are dedicated public servants for our entire Cave Creek community. As the 2024 election comes to a close on July 30, the vote to re-elect us is in your hands, in early ballots or at the polls. To assist in your decision, please consider the following results, sorted by Strategic Plan initiatives, that have occurred under our direction since January of 2022.
FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY
- Everything starts with our financial viability. The Town of Cave Creek ended its Fiscal Year 2024 (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024) exceeding its annual budget projections for revenues and under spending its budget for expenses. We ended the year with $30 million in reserves.
- These results enable us to fund our new fire department, maintain and improve our roads, manage our water resources and utilities, and preserve and protect the natural beauty of Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, among so many other important new and ongoing projects.
- Due to long range planning, Cave Creek is now receiving significant sales tax revenues from the Carefree Highway Corridor commercial district. An increase in visitors to our Town Core businesses also helped substantially contribute to our bottom line.
- Our FY24 Budget and our current FY25 Budget are structurally balanced spending plans that provide necessary resources to deliver high quality public services to our community. We have a high-performing staff to thank for such excellent planning and execution of budgeted and approved programs.
WATER SUPPLIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE
- It goes without saying that water is always at the top of the list of priorities.
After decades of wasting excess Colorado River water, Cave Creek has banked nearly 1 years’ worth of our unused CAP water allocation underground for future use.
- Thanks in part to a $2 million federal grant, the Town is constructing a backup emergency water line with Phoenix. This new potable water supply connection will enhance the reliability of the Town’s water system and provide up to 1.4 million gallons per day.
- The Vice Mayor and I are in constant contact with her former employer, Central Arizona Project (CAP), regarding the status of our Colorado River water supplies and potential cuts to our allocation due to drought. In late 2022, we hosted a community Water Forum to hear directly from the Arizona Department of Water Resources, CAP, and our own Utilities Director with facts and information from the most knowledgeable water experts in our state. We attend regular meetings and conferences to remain appraised of the status of the Colorado River.
- We’re making significant improvements in measuring our data to determine water losses. Leaking service lines in our water distribution system have been completely replaced. Our meter replacement program has begun for more accurate readings and early leak detection.
- Cave Creek’s Water Policy, which I authored, now requires new subdivisions to bring their own water, allows new single house and small business meters in Cave Creek, stopped issuing new meters to Desert Hills where the well production has precipitously dropped, accurately distributed expenses between the Desert Hills and Cave Creek water companies, and fixed the flawed cost accounting which hid subsidies and performance scrutiny.
- All the Town’s water supplies are closely monitored, including groundwater. Under our administration, two geologic studies on the aquifer have been completed. While the Arizona Department of Water Resources manages private wells, the Town comprehensively manages its underground water from our limited reservoirs. The main aquifer is stable.
PUBLIC SAFETY AND SERVICES
- The Cave Creek Fire Department, established in 2021, continues to grow and expand without a property tax. Remodeling of the previous Cave Creek Fire Station is underway to provide additional space for fire trucks and a cleaner, safer environment for firefighters. Cave Creek was the grateful recipient of a grant from Firehouse Subs for an emergency service vehicle to reach lost hikers in Spur Cross, among other purposes.
- After years of planning and analysis, an evacuation route during floods or wildfires was completed on Arroyo Road. This additional exit to Cave Creek Road is now available to hundreds of residents and portions of unincorporated Maricopa County who live in the north and northeast areas east of School House Road.
- The damaged “Welcome” sign located in the entry to our town has been replaced. Much delayed but necessary road and curb improvements can now be seen taking place throughout town.
SAFE AND VIBRANT COMMUNITY
- Cave Creek preserved 30.6 acres of open space abutting Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area in partnership with Maricopa County for a total cost of $750,000. Cave Creek maintains a ready bank balance to purchase high quality properties when opportunities arise. Currently there is $1.5 million on hand for open space acquisition.
- The Town held a groundbreaking ceremony for an innovative land-sharing agreement with the Foothills Food Bank. Significant infrastructure improvements have been completed at the Cave Creek Rodeo Grounds. “Local Landmarks” were recognized with public ceremonies and engraved brass plaques for 7 venues.
- Rehabilitation of our medians is underway, beginning with the transplant of native plants from other building sites around the town. We’re focusing on improving pedestrian pathways for increased safety, including installing flashing beacon lights for crosswalks and additional Sheriff’s patrols to help reduce the speed of drivers.
- The Town’s community grants program was restructured to include residential and merchant input for greater equity and transparency. Nine local non-profit agencies were awarded grants totaling $40,000 based on written criteria and scored evaluations.
GOVERNANCE
- Cave Creek hosted its first “State of the Town” event with residents featuring a 5-minute video presentation and remarks by the Mayor. It was a standing room only event and will continue every year.
- Open Houses were held with residents on proposed trails, budget hearings, and ballot initiatives. A task force composed of residents was created specifically to help resolve differences on a proposed trail on Morningstar Road.
- A professional recruitment for a new Town Manager to replace retiring Carrie Dyrek was conducted. After multiple interviews and screenings, we secured a superior, experienced person in Grady Miller, who previously held similar positions in Arizona and elsewhere.
- The Town is communicating with the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD), conducting financing analyses, tracking Colorado River water negotiations, and managing real estate appraisals related to thousands of acres of ASLD holdings on the west side of Cave Creek north of Carefree Highway. We hired the top land use attorney to help lead the discussions on behalf of Cave Creek.
We hope this summary of accomplishments has secured your trust in our leadership over the last 2 years. We could not have achieved these results without an exceptional team of staff and fellow Council members, but we all know that Leadership begins at the Top. Without a vision, without planning, without resources, without influential contacts, without tactical and strategic execution, without personal dedication and commitment, these accomplishments and many others would not have come to fruition.
Kathryn’s 20 years at CAP, and previous 20 years in broadcast and corporate communications, guided her craft of providing transparent information that people need to know to make educated decisions. I am a 40-year chemical engineer, business, and process executive. There is no aspect of the engineering, economics, or accounting policy that I have not helped guide since initiating my volunteer career with the Town of Cave Creek.
Let’s keep the momentum going! Results over rhetoric!
Cave Creek Mayor Bob Morris and Vice Mayor Kathryn Royer
