BELLA VISTA — City Council has decided not to raise taxes in the coming year.
By a vote of 5-1 Monday night the alderman agreed to leave the millage rate at 1.5, which is equal to $450,000 to $500,000 a year in revenue.
The lone ‘no’ vote came from Alderwoman Arline Hutchinson, who offered several reasons why she believed it should have been raised to 2.5 mils, which she later offered up for a vote.
“We only have a draft budget and many questions remain,” she said as to why she supported more taxes. “We are absorbing three (Architectural Control Committee)employees, and we’re taking on the ambulance service and their two employees.”
She also was concerned that if that city goes through with it’s planned annexation that more people and more land will cost more money.
“Our street department is not yet (established) and we have no idea of the cost.”
She then made a motion to raise the rate, which was seconded by Alderman Doug Farner, who did so in order to be able to discuss the issue.
“I’m opposed to raising the rate,” said Alderman Earl Berdine. “It’s a bad time and our economy is in trouble. I want to try to keep the city government as lean as we possibly can.”
Others echoed Berdines sentiments.
“With the state of the economy, I, too, am opposed.,” said Dick Rooney.
When asked why he didn’t propose a higher rate, Mayor Frank Anderson said it was because of too many unknowns in the future, such as changes in the natural gas severance tax and future turn-back money from the state.
In other matters:
!" By a 6-0 vote, the aldermen passed a proposed curfew.
The ordinance calls for any person under the age of 18 to be off the public streets, alleys and other public places between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday.
On Friday and Saturday the hours are from midnight until 6 a.m. There is an exclusion for those attending school or church, working and for emergency situations.
A violation of the law will be a misdemeanor and carry a maximum fine of $25 plus costs. Other ordinances passed: Making the hazardous operation of a motor vehicle, to include spinning tires, against the law. A standing committee will be created as part of thecity’s fi rewise board.
" The council voted 6-0 to replace one of two wrecked police vehicles with a 2011 Dodge Charger, fully equipped with law enforcement equipment. The cost is not to exceed $28,000.
News, Pages 4 on 10/26/2011