Cave Creek’s town government uses the Council Manager form of local government. That means the Town Manager, a contracted employee, runs the town.
The Council is a policy-making body setting budgets and approving expenditures, approving code changes and evaluating the Town Manager’s performance.
All powers are determined by the town code which seldom changes and has not changed in my 5 ½ years sitting in council.
All the Council’s authority is performed in votes at public meetings with agenda, minutes and is video recorded available on the Town web site. Arizona has a strict Open Meeting Law enforced by a dedicated group of state attorneys who have the power to remove elected council members.
The mayor has no power to hire, fire, or even give orders to the Town Manager or any other employee. The mayor cannot spend money. The mayor has a single vote at council meetings like any council member.
The mayor in conjunction with the Town Manager, Town Attorney and Town Clerk sets the Town Council agenda as dictated in Code. The mayor also chairs the Council meetings, serves as the contact with the other governments and represents the Town.
Council members can request agenda items per the following Town Code:
§ 30.38 AGENDA.
(B) The Mayor upon the written request of two members of the Town Council, may include an item on the agenda.
In my 1 ½ year in office I have not received any such requests for agenda items so I certainly have never denied such a request.
But I have included agenda requests from Council members who informally made a request. I have even gone so far as to call an unprecedented special combined meeting of the Planning Commission and Town Council.
In this election season, truth and honesty seem to be casualties of certain special interests with indisputable voting records that sought to damage Town services, including fire and emergency protection.
My advice is to vote for the candidates who speak directly and honestly. Support the rationale candidates who will continue the progress in public safety, traffic safety, street improvements and water reliability.
Bob Morris
Mayor, Town of Cave Creek
