It appears COO Tom Judson (T.J.), has convinced the board to fund his Taj Mahal 4.0 (the new community center) with whatever remains of the POA's reserve funds. Reportedly, the POA had about 13 million in reserve funds prior to T.J.'s arrival. However, an orgy of spending on Taj Mahal 2.0 (Lake Point), and Taj Mahal 3.0 (BVCC), as well as numerous smaller projects, i.e Yurts for mountain bikers, has depleted the reserve.
I attended the meeting on July 23, where T.J. unveiled his plans for the community center. The focus of the meeting was not if we needed a new community center, as T.J. has already decided we do. We were told Bella Vista just has to have its own community center to compete with other cities in the region. Also, he prohibited any discussion of funding for Taj Mahal 4.0.
The focus of the meeting was to decide what would be in the dazzling 36,000-square-foot facility. Such wonders as an indoor lap pool, water slide, lazy river, climbing wall, indoor elevated track, coffee bar, basketball and pickleball area, childcare facilities, exercise rooms and banquet room were included. After the architect reviewed his concept, the attendees broke into groups to pick and choose amenities.
I decided to leave but saw POA board chairman Ruth Hatcher. I expressed my displeasure about what was transpiring. Through most of the "conversation," I felt I was being tolerated, barely. Finally, I asked how the project would be funded, she stated the board would ask for an assessment increase. I may have become a little harsh. I told her I supported every assessment increase request since buying my property in 2004. I believe the POA has, until recently, done a good job of maintaining all amenities with the funds it has. But asking for an increase for T.J.'s latest Taj Mahal is a step too far. I told her I would fight "tooth and nail" against any assessment increase to pay for the community center, and I left. I would like to convey my heartfelt apology to her, not for the sentiments I expressed but that I may have been a little forceful in expressing them.
I have a suggestion for the native stone entryway to the building. Just envision a mural depicting T.J. down on the new Berksdale dog park majestically astride a mountain bike. One hand holding a kayak paddle, the other pointing towards the glow of the sunlight reflecting off the roof of Taj Mahal 4.0 on the hilltop at the Kingsdale complex. The board could be shown at his feet looking up at him adoringly.
In all seriousness, neighboring cities have tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue for such projects; the POA does not. The board and T.J. need to live within our means and stop trying to compete with Bentonville.
If the board requests an assessment increase for the community center, I vote no! Refurbish Riordan.
Bill King
Bella Vista
Editorial on 08/15/2018