Millage Election Set For Bella Vista

BELLA VISTA -- Residents can expect a special election seeking a millage increase Sept. 9.

Two petitions were filed on Monday with the Benton County Election Commission for two separate ballot questions. One is for a one-mill increase to support pensions for uniformed fire employees and the other is for a one-half mill increase for pensions for uniformed police officers.

The election is the result of a revenue study committee's decision to seek a property tax increase to pay for the operation of a fourth fire station. Dollars generated through these two pension millages can by law be used only toward the city's mandatory annual contribution to the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System.

The future fire station, near the Highlands gate, can then be staffed and operated by money freed up in the general fund.

The operation of the station is estimated to be about $500,000 annually, according to Fire Chief Steve Sims. The city's contribution to fire and police retirement funds was about $586,000, according to numbers provided by Mayor Frank Anderson. With nine new firemen to staff the station and two future additional police officers, the projected amount would be about $715,000 annually.

The 1 1/2 mill increase would generate about $738,000, based on the current assessed valuation of property in Bella Vista, revenue study chairman Jerry Snow, a Bella Vista aldermen, said at the committee's final meeting June 5.

The committee disbanded following the decision to hold an election. By law, no public funds or facilities can be used to promote a ballot issue.

A special election would cost the city about $15,000, Anderson said.

City officials in March voted to purchase land along Forest Hills Boulevard near Buckston Drive for the fourth station. The construction of the building will be paid for through the city's reserve fund.

NW News on 06/10/2014

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