Mayor Peter Christie believes that Bella Vista is boldly approaching a crossroads in 2015. The statement was part of Christie's speech during the annual State of the City address, which he gave ahead of last month's City Council meeting.
While recapping the major accomplishments of 2014, Christie lauded the positive financial impact from last year's budget, praised city personnel and listed initiatives Bella Vista will be working towards in 2015.
"Our eight years of existence continued the overall positive financial picture for the city," Christie said. "Revenues for the General Fund were up and exceeded (the) budget by $1.2 million. Expenses in the General Fund followed budget and the majority of the expenses for land and buildings occurring within 2014, which were planned ... were actually covered primarily by 2014."
Bella Vista made an important acquisition when it purchased 103 Town Center West from the Property Owner's Association in 2013, Christie said. The building housed Fire Station No. 1 and the POA membership offices. The purchase gave Bella Vista an official City Hall.
"This ability to cover the majority of the real property acquisition with 2014 funds occurred because of the unplanned revenue increases ... and the limited under-spending of the budget in many line items in the operational budget," Christie said.
The unplanned revenue increases Christie mentioned refers to the sharp rise in sales tax receipts from both the city and Benton County.
As a city, Bella Vista has seen six consecutive months of growth in sales tax revenue dating back to August 2014. The largest increase was in January, when the city took in $135,242, which was up from $103,188 at the same time last year. The $32,054 increase was a 31 percent improvement.
The January sales tax receipts represent revenue collected in November. In Arkansas, sales tax revenue is collected in one month, counted in the next and then reported to the public the following month. Bella Vista collects a 1 percent sales tax, the only city in the region to do so. The other major metros in northwest Arkansas collect a 2 percent sales tax.
Benton County took in approximately $715,000 in February 2015, up from $663,000 at the same time last year. The county had about five consecutive months of growth, according to a report from NWA Media.
Christie praised several city departments, singling out the fire department, police department and street department for exemplary service in 2014.
"Throughout the year the productivity (at the Street Department) remained consistent and generally speaking, the roads are in as good condition as the majority of cities across the nation," Christie said, adding that the implementation of contract labor for mowing right of ways was a savings boon for the city's budget.
And the construction of a new Street Department and facility, as well as the creation of a fourth fire station, are vital to the success of Bella Vista, Christie said.
"Both facilities are much needed for the growth of the City and to house our personnel," Christie said, adding that development for each project is ongoing.
At its October meeting, the council unanimously approved a contract with engineering firm Crafton, Tull & Associates to handle development and bidding services for the new Street Department facility. It is set to be built on a 32-acre parcel on Forest Hills Boulevard, just south of Rogers Drive.
Preliminary plans depict one large building, approximately 19,200 square feet, which would serve as the main facility, operating as both a warehouse and office. Future buildings could include a fuel depot and wash bay.
The Highlands Gate Station also will be built on Forest Hills Boulevard., but on a 4.31-acre parcel just south of the intersection with Buckstone Drive. The city purchased the land last spring from Village Bible Free Evangelical Church for approximately $172,000.
Plans call for a 9,000-square-foot facility with space for six bedrooms and three bathrooms. Construction should begin this summer. Renderings, which are not finalized, depict the Highlands Gate Station as having a stone facade similar to Station No. 1 at 103 Town Center West. The goal was to keep the exteriors relatively similar so residents would know they're city buildings, said Fire Chief Steve Sims.
Both projects are estimated to cost about $2 million each. City officials said last fall that they expect to dip into the reserves fund to pay for some construction. Bella Vista has about $7.5 million in its reserves fund.
"We must plan our funding requirements carefully," Christie warned. "To ensure adequate reserves."
Christie also said the fire department was on the right track to establishing it's fourth station, which is set to open in summer 2016. The station will require between nine and 12 firefighters, who will cover the west and southwest portions of the city.
Christie, like his predecessor Frank Anderson, has cited the city's need for a fourth fire station.
"Emergency response times are essential to the safety of Bella Vista -- the sooner that fire department personnel arrive at the scene ... the greater chance of saving life or property," Christie said in a Jan. 6 memo addressed to the Planning Commission. "Bella Vista has long needed more adequate response times in delivering emergency services, and the construction of an additional fire station will dramatically reduce them."
Sims said a fourth fire station will significantly cut down on response times and allow for more adequate coverage throughout the rest of the city.
BVPD drew recognition for its efforts in keeping residents safe.
"The police department operated with a very quiet efficiency that insured public safety was outstanding," Christie said. "Largely due to their efforts and with help from all residents who provide input, Bella Vista was recognized ... over the year as one of the safest cities in the state and also the country."
Christie concluded his speech by telling residents to be optimistic about 2015. There are several new events on the horizon, including the 100th anniversary of Bella Vista, biking and hiking trails set to be completed by summer 2016 and the construction of new entrance signs, among others.
"It is important to note that our initiatives are not independent of one another," he said. "They are all mutually inclusive."
General News on 03/04/2015