In rough seas

Rogers, Bentonville find themselves on collision course

That rising tide and the traditional Northwest Arkansas mantra of unity that has it lifting all boats has drifted into some choppy waters between the USS Bentonville and USS Rogers.

The region’s growth, and its potential for it, has for years led the two municipal vessels on a collision course, with Rogers sailing to the west and Bentonville trolling to the south. What’s led the crews of the two cities to the same area isn’t so much navigation as it as annexation.

And now the two cities are appealing to a higher authority for answers: the courts.

What, did you think we were going to say, Poseidon?

No, this is a dispute over land, not seas. Rogers called an election for Nov. 14 to let voters decide whether to annex 3,175 acres, with 2,838 acres falling between Rogers and Highfill, where the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport sits. Three weeks later, the Bentonville City Council unanimously approved the requests of 39 property owners in the same area to annex their properties, which make up a strip of land about 2 miles long and a quarter mile wide. Some of those landowners said they’d just as soon prefer to be left alone, but their mutiny in the annexation saga started with Rogers’ attempt to absorb them. Bentonville became their life preserver. So now the two cities are in court, fighting over who gets to provide services and regulate an area that until now has been subject to county jurisdiction. Oh, we’re sure their cordial about it, as neighbors might be. But make no mistake, this is a land claim both cities eagerly want to win.

Circuit Judge Brad Karren says Rogers’ legal challenge to Bentonville’s preemptive strike puts all annexations in limbo until he can determine which city has a legal right to carry out its plans.

We can’t fault Rogers for its stance. We’re not legal experts and won’t presume who is in the right, but leaders in both towns knew (or should have) that the actions they took would lead to a court challenge. It doesn’t mean they’re not friendly anymore. It just means each city’s leaders have their own perspectives on what’s best for the future.

So, it’s a disagreement, and that’s exactly why we have a judicial system. The usual regional camaraderie hasn’t evaporated; it’s just on hold a little while until all this gets sorted out. And then, we hope, both cities can set sail toward the future. Ultimately, we hope the people living in the contested area are the winners.