Millage Election Is Tuesday

BENTONVILLE — Voters will head to the polls Tuesday to decide a millage increase question that would, if approved, lead to a second high school in the Bentonville School District.

The 6.7-mill tax increase could provide $128 million to the district.

It would pay for a $94 million second high school and $23 million in athletic facilities. The 2,000-student high school would be built in Centerton, which is in the School District.

At A Glance

Early Vote Ends

The last day for early voting on the Bentonville School District millage increase will be Monday the Benton County Clerk’s Office, 215. E. Central Ave. from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Source: Staff Report

Another $6 million will be spent on district technology upgrades. The district also plans to use $530,000 annually to update technology.

Money would also be used for renovation to Bentonville High School and districtwide heating and cooling upgrades.

Superintendent Michael Poore said the millage package meets the needs of the district in a “substantial” way.

“This district has often times been criticized for not planning for growth,” Poore said. “I think we have in this case. I think this particular millage package, in terms of the future, is really big. I have learned something every day that makes me feel strong in my conviction that says this is the right thing to do.”

Centerton Mayor Bill Edwards says a high school would be big for his city.

“It will have a huge impact,” Edwards said. “More people could move here and more businesses could open.”

The Kids Come First Campaign has asked residents to vote yes to the millage increase for several months. The group held a kickoff party, participated in community events, sent out multiple mailers, used social media and telemarketing campaigns, as well as email “blasts” to inform residents.

Wendi Cheatham, committee member, said the organization believes a second high school is the best choice.

“We are confident this is the best solution for our overcrowding problem,” Cheatham said. “A second high school will create more opportunities and, most importantly, it will help the district maintain its educational competitive advantage.”

Those against the millage increase have become more vocal in weeks leading to election day.

By The Numbers

2011 Millage Rates

The Bentonville School District now has a property tax rate of 43.7 mills. The district is asking voters to approve a 6.7-mill increase. NorthWest Arkansas Community College has a tax rate of 2.6 mills and Benton County has a tax rate of 6.9 mills. The cities, or portions of the cities, listed below are within the school district and set their own millage rates, which causes the total tax to vary.

Tax Unit Millage Rate Total Mills

Bentonville 5.5 58.7

Bella Vista 1.5 54.7

Cave Springs 2.75 55.95

Centerton 5.4 58.6

Little Flock 4.9 58.1

Rogers 4.8 58.0

Springdale 5.7 58.9

Highfill 5.0 58.2

Source: Staff Report

Amber Morey, a Bentonville business owner, said she plans to vote “no.”

“I feel like this current millage proposal is not financially responsible for our taxpayers and there are other options out there that could cost half as much as this,” Morey said.

A ninth-grade center or a career-focused school could have been built for 1,500 students at half the cost, Morey said.

“They would take care of practically the same number of students as the high school,” Morey said. “Why are we paying double for 500 more kids?”

A mailer sent out by resident Steve Carter asks people vote “no.” It compares school millage rates and past school construction costs. It also states a new school would not be fiscally responsible until 2043.

The mailer says a ninth-grade center would be a better option to ease overcrowding at the high school.

Jim Parsons and members of the Bella Vista Patriots spent time earlier this week putting up more than 100 “Vote No” signs in Bella Vista.

Parsons doesn’t believe Bella Vista residents should support a high school in Centerton. Bella Vista should have a school district of its own, Parsons said.

The Benton County Tea Party sent an email to its members urging them to vote “no.” The party’s main concern is the overall cost of the millage.

Web Watch

Campaign Material

Learn the facts about campaigns advocating for and against the Bentonville School District millage increase at nwaonline.com/millagemailers.

Residents within the Bentonville’s School District will pay higher and varying real estate and personal property taxes if the millage increase is approved Tuesday.

There are different millage rates being levied within the Bentonville School District by eight cities. NorthWest Arkansas Community College and Benton County also levy millage rates on district residents.

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