GRAVETTE — In a decisive vote in last Tuesday's election, the citizens of Gravette approved the continuation of a 3/4 cent sales tax that will fund bonds for capital improvements in all four of the measures on the ballot. The four projects to be funded are streets, $1.6 million; parks, $2.25 million; sidewalks, $1.65 million; and sewer, $.75 million. The 3/4 cent sales tax has recently been used to pay off sewer bonds issued in 2013 and a continuation of the tax will now be used for new bonds which will fund these projects.
Unofficial election results showed all measures passed by sizable margins. Vote totals and percentages were: Street bonds, 446 for - 72.1 percent, 173 against - 27.9 percent; parks bonds, 387 for - 62.8 percent, 229 against - 37.2 percent; sidewalk bonds, 415 for - 67.5 percent, 200 against - 32.5 percent; and sewer bonds, 435 for - 70.8 percent, 179 against - 29.2 percent.
A master plan for improvements has been created and projects have been prioritized. Projects identified as priorities under the plan include Main Street revitalization, new sidewalks, repaving some streets and new paving in developing areas, upgrades in both Old Town Park (a pavilion, restroom and walking trails) and Pop Allum Park (a soccer field, trails, additional parking and concession stand upgrade). Civic Center repainting and renovation are planned, as well as pool upgrades including addition of a splash park and renovation or replacement of the locker room area. An upgrade of the community center in Hiwasse is planned with the addition of ball fields, tennis courts, a playground, trails and a restroom pavilion on the surrounding grounds. Several sewer lines are scheduled to be replaced.
"This has truly been an exciting week for our city," said Gravette mayor, Kurt Maddox, "first an announcement of a new grocery store being built and now seeing such overwhelming voter support for the bond measure. This is great news for the future of Gravette."
General News on 03/09/2016