BELLA VISTA — Library supporters attending the City Council meeting Monday breathed a sigh of relief when aldermen voted to go ahead with a city takeover.
Aldermen voted 4-1 to bring the Bella Vista Library under its umbrella starting in 2014, with Alderman Jerry Snow voting against the resolution.
Mayor Frank Anderson said he was looking for a commitment from the council to continue with the time and effort it will take to figure the library’s operations under the city in the future.
Snow made a motion to table the resolution for a period not to exceed 90 days. Alderman Larry Wilson seconded the motion.
“There are several uncertain budget matters before the council right now,” Snow said, adding that he supports the library and its takeover.
Snow referred to a recent presentation at the council’s work session April 17, during which Fire Chief Steve Sims gave a presentation about the need for a fourth fire station in the city and additional fire personnel to staff a new station.
“I heard more than one comment about where we are going to get the money,” Snow said, adding it appears the city is choosing between public safety and public service. “We talk about not having the money for one, but the other appears not to be an issue,” he said.
Snow also mentioned the pension plan for nonuniformed city employees that was turned down last year, “because we couldn’t afford it,” he said. Aldermen voted against adopting the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System plan in December.
Mayor Frank Anderson said he has 19 months left as mayor.
“All the things we’ve talked about will and can be funded out of the budget in that time,” he said.
Anderson said the city turned down the pension plan because of its uncertainty lack of control in the budget process.
Alderman Allen King said he understands Snow’s objections, and Alderwoman Becky Morgan did as well, but King said taking in the library was in the best interest of the city, though it might require some “risk-taking.”
“When it comes time to fund the Fire Department and a nonuniformed pension fund, I hope you remember your speech then,” Snow said to King.
Morgan reminded Snow that the city opted to increase its contribution to the existing 457 retirement plan for nonuniformed employees.
The motion to table the resolution was defeated by a vote of 3-2; Snow and Wilson voted to table it. Wilson voted for the resolution to proceed with plans to fund the library.