Cave Creek voters approving tax increase for open space purchase in early vote count

By Jeff Wendt
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Town of Cave Creek voters on Tuesday night are approving a sales tax increase to help pay for the purchase of open space land according to early numbers from Maricopa County.

Voters are approving the tax by 65.6% (1,588 votes) for to 34.4% (831 votes) in opposition, in early voting tabulations.

The 0.25% tax would go to fund the purchase of 4,005 acres of open space land from the Arizona State Land Department.

Cave Creek town staff has submitted information to the Arizona State Land Department for an appraisal of the 4,005 acres to purchase.

It is estimated that cost will be somewhere around $16 million to purchase all 4,005 acres.

Earlier this year, an ad-hoc committee presented its findings to the council and suggested multiple mechanisms to fund the purchase of the land, including private donations, fundraising, grants, and possible agreements with Maricopa County to help purchase the land.

The town also approved a financing mechanism in March in which Cave Creek would secure $10.42 million in revenue bonds with a 25-year amortization.

Jeff Wendt
Reporter | Phoenix/Cave Creek

jwendt@iniusa.org

Meet Jeff
Jeff Wendt started at Independent Newsmedia in January 2023, after 25 years working for Gannett and The Arizona Republic. Started as a high school sports scoretaker, worked up to reporting high school sports and then became an associate high school sports editor in 2002. Also worked in the Design Studio as a copy editor.

Community: Jeff serves on the Board of Elders at his local church.

Education: Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication

Random fact: Attended Game 2 of the 2001 World Series.

Hobbies: Playing video games (yes still the kid in me), watching reality TV, playing poker.