Mayor Touts Rogers

City A Leader In State's Economy, Hines Says

— The city has never been in better shape, Mayor Greg Hines said Tuesday during his state of the city address before the City Council.

“We continue to be a leader in the state on the economic front as the state and country slowly recover from one of the worst fiscal collapses in our nation’s history,” Hines continued.

The success of Rogers and Northwest Arkansas is due in large part to the strong leadership form our business community, the commitment to education and a history of successful public/private partnerships, Hines said.

Hines pointed to the 2011 approval of $135.4 million bond election as one of the bright spots for the city.

At A Glance

Council Action

The Rogers City Council met Tuesday and approved:

• Spending $206,929 from Community Development Block Grant reserve for professional services, public transit, public service, housing and public construction project.

• Spending $95,695 from airport reserve to the apron rehab project.

• Spending $269,350 from street fund reserve for five project accounts carried over from 2012.

• A $70,000 contract with New World Systems for data file conversion services.

• A $50,000 contract with Main Street Rogers for management of the Main Street Rogers program.

• A request to rezone 4 acres on South 28th Street from agricultural to commercial zoning.

• A $19,000 amendment to the contract with Jacobs Engineering for work associated with Price Lane construction.

Source: Staff Report

Voters approved the extension of a 1 percent sales tax extension and gave city leaders the opportunity to continue to improve the quality of life and business atmosphere, he noted.

“Yesterday we dedicated the new sports park and in May we will dedicate the new aquatics facility,” Hines said.

The redevelopment of Lake Atalanta Park, $100 million in street projects and the expanding trail system will add to the quality of life in Northwest Arkansas, the mayor said.

“Last year proved to be another record setting year for Rogers. Cabela’s, Fresh Market and a host of other new businesses opened in 2012. We also set a new record in sales tax collections breaking the $13 million mark for the first time,” Hines said.

“There is a lot happening in Rogers and we have many reasons for us to be proud of our city. The challenges we face would be welcomed in most communities and across America. While the challenges are many, the opportunities are endless,” Hines concluded.

Hines received a standing ovation from the packed council chambers.

Before the council meeting the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a reception for the council and city residents in the council lobby.

“The chamber salutes the positive impact each of our public officials has on our community. We have much to be thankful and proud of,” said Matt Crafton, president of the chamber.

Crafton said the new sports and recreation facilities, the police and fire and other city departments and the business-friendly atmosphere encourages entrepreneurship and growth in the city.

“Because of these things, our future is bright,” Crafton said.

Web Watch

For a complete text of Mayor Greg Hines’ State of the City address, go to www.nwaonline.com

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