Work together

The city of Bella Vista has an Advertising and Promotion Commission whose purpose is to attract businesses and new folks to the city. This commission is funded by tax dollars and will spend approximately $90,000 this year on a contract to promote Bella Vista.

One thing that attracts businesses and new residents to our community are our amenities. In the near future, the Bella Vista Property Owners Association will have a vote to increase our monthly dues that are used to support and maintain our amenities.

My question is whether the mayor and members of the Bella Vista City Council will step up and support the fee increase as it is discussed in the community? I would think that they would be vocally supportive of this initiative as amenities are closely tied to what the Advertising and Promotion Commission is trying to do in attracting new businesses and people. I have been told by one of our elected officials that the fee increase proposal is a POA issue and the city does not get involved in POA affairs. To me, this is short-sighted on their part.

If the POA, due to lack of funds, has to close some of our amenities or is unable to maintain them in an acceptable manner, how does this impact attracting new businesses and people? I would suggest that the tax funds that are being spent to promote the city are being wasted if our amenities are closing or declining.

Perhaps it is time that the mayor and the city council choose to get involved and work with the POA to preserve our amenities and to present this community in a favorable light.

Sincerely,

Paul J. ( Jack) Wingate Bella Vista