State of the City

Pea Ridge continues to grow, the Census Bureau has our estimated population of 5,026 as of April 2013, which reflects a population change of 1.5 percent from April 2010 to April 2013. Our location, residential development, business environment and schools continue to attract new residents.

The list below is highlights of 2014.

• Sales tax from 2012 to 2013 increased 7.18 percent for city and 7.62 percent for county sales tax.

• Sales tax from 2013 to 2014 increased 22 percent for city and 4.44 percent for county sales tax.

Street Dept.

• Expanded safety training including video’s and equipment training

• Started street sign replacement program to meet new MUTCD standards

• Worked with Benton County Road department for street overlays saving the city thousands of dollars

• Drainage plan which has all culverts and stream beds inventoried

• First annual MS4 permit completed and accepted along with training for all employees completed

• Right-of-Way obtained for the expansion of Patton Street through to Weston Street

• Updated security system at the street department offices

• Received grant from Rep. Sue Scott to purchase a roller — $25,000

• Utilized the Benton County inmate crew to paint and trim the community room and help with the Mule Jump setup, which unfortunately was canceled due to the weather

Water Dept.

• Moved into our newly remodeled office space, previously Colliers Pharmacy

• Expanded our safety training program

• Began initial phase of sewer line extension on the south end of Weston Street

Fire/Ambulance

• Began staffing the station 24/7

• Began Advanced Life Support service to our area

Police Dept.

• Expanded safety training

Library

• Expanded hours to include Saturdays

Parks

• Added new jungle gym to Givens park

City Website redesign

• Added the following options

• Event calendar

• Department pages

• Online forms

• Emergency preparedness information