Voters in Fayetteville approved all nine items on the city’s $375.5 million bond package on the ballot in Tuesday’s election. The bonds covered financing for current and future projects as well as approval for specific projects for the city to undertake. The projects include infrastructure maintenance and improvements in addition to new amenities.
A point repeated throughout descriptions of the bond issues was that the prospective projects would not require residents to pay more in taxes. This was the premise of the first bond question, which was required to pass in order for any of the additional bond projects to take place.
If approved, the current 1-cent sales tax that supports Fayetteville’s bond projects would simply continue past when the 2019 bonds are paid, which is when the tax is currently set to expire. According to the city of Fayetteville’s website, the existing rate has been in place “for more than two decades.” This item passed with over 75% voting in favor, according to unofficial results published by Washington County late Tuesday night.
The second question pertained to “Water/Wastewater System Bonds,” which amounted to the largest portion of bonds, at $150,050,000. City officials have stated that this project will need to take place regardless of the bond passing; however, it would “most likely” have to be funded through rate increases.
In the first week of August, Fayetteville saw three waterline breaks in as many days. At the time, the city’s chief communications officer Gracie Ziegler told the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that “some parts of our water system are decades old and weren’t designed for the level of growth we’ve seen in recent years.” The proposal passed with 85% of voters in favor.
Parks and Recreation were the focus of the third bond question, involving an investment of $25,500,000. Per the city website, this project would focus on “improving parks, trails, and outdoor spaces used for recreation and community gatherings”. While specific project locations weren’t identified, all projects will follow the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The Parks System bonds passed with 78% of the vote.
The fourth bond question, in the amount of $18,100,000 sought to address Fayetteville’s 55- year-old animal shelter that “was not designed for today’s population, intake volume, modern animal welfare standards, or technology,” according to Fayetteville Mayor Molly Rawn. The Animal Services Facility bonds passed with 81% of votes in favor.
Bond questions five and six pertained to transportation via trails and roads. $3,8000,000 is allotted to “pedestrian infrastructure,” with a focus on safe walking and biking routes. $56,000,000 is dedicated to road improvements specifically, including intersections, bridges, and “traffic safety features” across the city. The Trail System bonds passed with 75% of the vote, and the Transportation (“road improvement”) bonds passed with 82%.
Some $1,050,000 was allocated to improving Fayetteville’s trash and recycling systems. Including new and expanded recycling drop-off facilities, infrastructure improvements, and equipment upgrades. Voters approved the Sustainability bonds with 78% of voters approving.
A $61,900,000 aquatic recreation center was the focus of the eighth bond question, which passed by a narrow margin of 50.71%. The center, based on “a multi-year feasibility study and community input,” would provide swimming, fitness, and recreation options year-round.
The ninth and final bond question was focused on adding a new fire station plus related equipment, an “apparatus,” and training facilities at a cost of $18,650,000. A total of 86% of voters approved this measure.
