After vote, community upgrades on Cabot to-do list

An expanded parks complex, library and community center are among about $40 million worth of projects that Cabot officials plan to complete now that voters have approved seven ballot measures in a special election.

The money will come from refinancing bond issues and renewing an existing sales tax.

The Lonoke County Election Commission is scheduled to convene at 11 a.m. Wednesday to certify the election results. On average, 70 percent of the votes cast during the special election favored the seven ballot issues.

“The citizens of Cabot showed their overwhelming support and desire to make the city of Cabot one of the best places to live, work, and invest,” said Director of Operations Eddie Cook.

VoteForCabot.com lists plans for construction, renovation and upgrade operations, as well as the estimated costs that the bonds will cover:

$13.5 million for Parks and Recreation complex upgrades, including the addition of 11 sports fields, an outdoor pool and a walking track.

$9.5 million for a terminal interchange on Arkansas 67/167 north of Cabot.

$8.2 million for wastewater collection system improvements.

$5.5 million for Veterans Park Community Center expansion and renovation, including the addition of a large meeting room with banquet seating for up to 800 people.

$2.6 million for expansion and renovation of the Arlene Cherry Memorial Library.

$500,000 for a community drainage project.

“I personally think that it redefines the future of Cabot in a good strategic direction,” Mayor Bill Cypert said about the election results. “It’s very exciting and a very positive thing for the community.”

Based on current collections, city officials estimate the $39.7 million issue will be paid off in 20 years. Cabot expects to pay off a $22.6 million bond issued in 2005 by the end of 2016. Voter turnout was only3.71 percent - 477 of 12,872 registered voters. The bond that residents voted to refund is on a sales and use tax enacted in 1999, which was created “to primarily provide a water source, treatment plant, and a transmission line from the Watensaw area to Cabot,” according to VoteForCabot.com.

“The capstone of the bond initiative was to provide capital revenue for a growing community, to promote quality of life, and continued growth of rooftops, retail, and employers,” Cook said. “A sales tax is considered the most fair and equitable way to finance infrastructure projects. Everyone who uses the facilities will contribute, not just the utility rate payers or residents.”