BELLA VISTA — To have or not to have a 1-cent sales tax will be determined by voters in a special election scheduled for Dec. 8.
At the Bella Vista City Council meeting Monday, council members unanimously approved the two ordinances that will govern the special election and the proposed 1-cent sales tax.
"Several folks on the council have said they want to move ahead," Mayor Frank Anderson said in reference to the sales tax.
The first $750,000 of the sales-and-use-tax money would be utilized for public safety needs - the Police and Fire departments.
Money in excess of that amount would be put into the general-revenue fund for the city or could be used to provide additional funds for public safety, as approved by council members.
State law governs the time frame for the election, which must be held between 50 and 120 days after a city council approves it.
Council members suspended the normal rule of three readings and enacted the special-election ordinance under an emergency clause, which puts the ordinance in effect immediately.
In reports to the Operational Planning Committee, which was created to determine the city's public-safety needs, Fire Chief Steve Sims and Police Department Lt. Tim Cook requested additional staff - 12 for the Fire Department and14 for the Police Department.
They have both stated their departments do not meet minimum recommended standards for staffing and coverage, and their needs are immediate.
In June, the committee recommended a "pay as you go" plan to the council that would fund publicsafety personnel as money becomes available.
Bella Vista is the only first-class city in Benton County that does not have a sales tax, Alderman Doug Farner said. According to their Chamber of Commerce Web sites, Bentonville, Rogers and Lowell have a 2-percent city sales tax.
At Monday's meeting, the council also considered the following items:
◊A proclamation by Mayor Frank Anderson declared Sept. 30 as Police Chief Jim Wozniak Day, or "Woz Day," as it will be his last day of duty before his retirement. Wozniak has served for 32 years in Bella Vista, the last 14 years as chief. Capt. Ken Farmer will replace Wozniak.
◊Municipal codes for electric, energy, fuel gas, plumbing and mechanical standards were approved by city aldermen. The codes will become effective Nov. 1.
◊Council members unanimously voted to allow the Bella Vista Police Department to begin soliciting donations to purchase and train a canine unit. Estimates for initial costs - purchase of the dog, training, a kennel and a vehicle cage - will be from $13,350 to $15,350. Police officer J.D. Jordan will take on the responsibility of working with the canine.
News, Pages 7 on 09/29/2009