Impact fee revenue increased

Street fund transfer tripled

Several items in the 2017 city budget were amended to reflect accurate revenue and expenses in a special meeting of the Pea Ridge City Council moderated by Sandy Button, city clerk, in the absence of Mayor Jackie Crabtree. The council met Thursday, Dec. 28, for the final meeting of the year.

A notable change was an increase in impact fees reflecting the increase of construction in town.

“Impact fees have gone very well this year,” Button told council members. “Every year at this time, we transfer a certain amount into the street fund. We’ve been transferring about $50,000 … this year I really, really need to transfer $150,000.

“The money is there; I’m not asking for money … I just need to transfer it.”

Button explained that the transfer of the money is not approval to spend it. All council members were present and all approved the requested transfer.

Council member Bob Cottingham asked Street Department superintendent for an outline of streets being worked on.

“We have a plan — a software that tells me which road needs work when … but that’s to maintain,” See told the council. “The city is going to take care of paving a section of Hazelton … In January, we’re going to put in for another $250,000 state aid street program … if we get that, we’ll get Hazelton done, and get the Patton Street extension.”

Cottingham also asked about paving the driveway at the Police Department station.

“We have a huge safety issue especially with senior citizens,” Police Chief Ryan Walker said. “Some have fallen because of the rocks and sidewalk … We’re working on a project to use our impact fees to pave our parking lot.

“We are working on a plan to do it with our money. We have enough, we’re just seeing if we can do it cheaper.”

See explained that the city does not own a “laydown” machine for asphalt, but can do all the preparation work.

“We are trying to get the best bang for our buck,” Walker said. “It’s definitely on the project list.”

In other business, the council:

• Approved a 3 percent cost of living raise for all city employees.

• Heard a report from school superintendent Rick Neal about school funding and future plans for the school district.