Cave Creek Council Sets Aside $500K Annually for Spur Cross Conservation

By Brent Ruffner
Independent Newsmedia

The Cave Creek Town Council has taken a significant step toward land acquisition, approving an annual allocation of $200,000 on June 2. The votes totaled 6-1, designating $500,000 from the town’s fiscal year budget each year to acquire approximately 4,000 acres adjacent to the Spur Cross Conservation Area.

This decision follows a unanimous vote on May 19 to extend an intergovernmental agreement with the Arizona State Land Department for a land auction involving the 4,005-acre parcel.

Mayor Robert Morris stood as the only dissenting voice. He raised concerns after Councilor Dusty Rhoades emphasized the necessity for town officials to have “skin in the game” when seeking voter approval for a bond election to fund the land purchase.

The targeted land, currently classified as Arizona State Trust Land, borders both Spur Cross Ranch and the Tonto National Forest. To facilitate this acquisition, town officials have set aside $18 million as a budgetary placeholder for fiscal year 2026, though the final cost remains uncertain.

Rhoades expressed apprehension about the optics of the proposal, cautioning that residents might perceive the initiative as an attempt to overcharge taxpayers. “The town council will face tough decisions because we don’t have the necessary funds,” he warned.

Morris countered Rhoades’ stance, arguing that voting based on public perception could equate to “government malfeasance.” He argued for a focus on efficient governance, reiterating the existence of a sustainable plan for land procurement initiated during his tenure.

Councilor Tom Augherton noted the importance of engaging the Cave Creek community in discussions about the 4,000 acres. He indicated that if residents desire the land, they may need to be open to self-imposing taxes to support the initiative.