Voters spoke loud and clear last week when they overwhelmingly supported two millages to fund pensions for uniformed police and fire personnel.
The millages were for 1 mill to support fire pensions and a half-mill for police pensions. By approving the two issues, the city's general fund will be freed next year to allow for the hiring of additional firefighters and police personnel. The former is important because it will man the new fire station on Forest Hills Boulevard in the Highlands gate area.
But there are two other crucial votes coming out this week.
By the time this editorial is available to readers, voters on the western side of Bella Vista will have decided the fate of a 3.6-mill increase proposed by the Gravette School District to fund a new elementary school in Bella Vista.
Then Thursday night, members of the Bella Vista Property Owners Association will learn the fate of the proposed increase in assessment fees. If approved, the fees for improved lots will increase $6 a month and for unimproved lots $2. The increases would go into effect Jan. 1.
If the vote fails, the POA Board of Directors will be making some tough decisions in the coming year on the fate of amenities in Bella Vista as it faces an ever-tightening financial situation.
The fate of one golf course could be formally decided Thursday, when the board is expected to vote to close the Branchwood Golf Course, if the discussion at last week's work session holds true. The board may also consider hiring a professional to design park plans for the land.
Of course, in the coming month, voters also will be learning more about the candidates running for mayor and City Council during forums set for September and October. The Weekly Vista will host a council candidates' forum at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25 and the mayoral candidates' forum at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 7. Both events are at Riordan Hall.
Voters are making some important decisions on the future of Bella Vista. As they get ready to cast their votes in what we consider to be very important elections, we urge them to make educated decisions about what would be best for the greater good of the city.
Editorial on 09/17/2014