Vote 'yes' for
millage increase
I am writing this letter of support for the Sept. 9 vote to increase the millage rate 1 mill for fire pensions and .5 mill for police pensions.
A few months ago, the mayor and City Council recruited a citizens' revenue study group to discuss, study and make recommendations for future Fire and Police Department needs in Bella Vista.
The result of that review by the committee yielded the following recommendations:
1. To construct a new fire station in the Highlands area.
2. To hire additional Fire Department staff.
3. To hire additional Police Department staff.
Once the needs were determined, our group discussed various ways to finance these needs. In order to achieve the recommendations, we proposed the following method of funding:
Currently, police and fire pensions are funded out of the city's general fund. The city is required, by state law, to contribute to each uniformed employee's retirement fund with the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System, or LOPFI.
Cities are allowed to request up to 1 mill each for fire and police to cover this expense, according to state law. It was recommended by the committee and approved by the mayor and City Council to put a city millage increase to a vote. A vote is also required by state law.
The result of a "yes" vote on these measures would allow general funds currently allocated to LOPFI to be used for the construction of Fire Station No. 4 and hiring additional fire and police personnel. Funds for the purchase of the land for the new station have been approved, and the property was purchased with funds from the general fund.
By state law, LOPFI allocations can only be used for police and fire pensions. LOPFI funds cannot be used for salaries, equipment, etc.
After the recommendations were made to the city and the Sept. 9 date set, the citizens' review committee was dissolved.
Some members of this committee felt the need to continue as a private citizens' group to raise awareness for the need to vote "yes" on Sept. 9. The group is Citizens to Help Improve Public Safety, or CHIPS, and I am the chairman.
Our purpose is to inform the citizens of Bella Vista and answer any questions they may have about the pension millage vote.
Your vote is important to the future of public safety and the growth of all of Bella Vista.
Visit our website for more information: www.ourbellavista.itgo.com.
Jack Fellenzer
Bella Vista
Editorial on 08/20/2014