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Camp Verde council directs study of equestrian-center governance, earmarks $655,000 for upgrades
Summary
Council asked staff to return with a comparative analysis of a Town Manager-appointed working group versus a codified commission for the Equestrian Center and directed allocation of $30,000 (CIP cash) and $625,000 (CIP debt) for site master planning and upgrades, with use to follow commission or working-group recommendations.
Town Manager Miranda Fisher told the Camp Verde Town Council on June 10 that the town is planning potential capital improvements to the Equestrian Center and recommended forming an advisory working group to advise on capital investments, facility layout, spectator amenities, events and operations.
Fisher proposed a Town Manager-appointed Equestrian Center Advisory Working Group of about seven to nine members that would include a Council Member liaison, a Parks and Recreation Commissioner and equestrian users or subject-matter experts. Council members debated whether to create a manager-appointed working group or instead form a codified commission and asked staff to return with a comparative analysis explaining the differences — including any required Municipal Code amendments — before making a final governance decision.
The council also provided direction to allocate $30,000 in FY27 CIP cash funding for a possible master plan or assets and $625,000 in CIP debt funding for Equestrian Center upgrades, including potential bleacher work and a secondary arena. The minutes record that those funds will be used based on recommendations from a commission and/or a working group once formed.
During public comment, Cheri Wischmeyer said she would like the Equestrian Center to be used as a multipurpose event center rather than exclusively for equestrian activities. Mary Phelps, representing the Camp Verde Arena Association, highlighted events the association runs at the site.
Town Manager Fisher will return with a written comparative analysis of a working group versus a commission and any code changes required; council direction and the earmarked CIP funding establish a staff pathway to proceed with planning and design work pending the governance decision.
