Rogers voters approve $457 million bond package

Rogers residents approved a $457.25 million bond package on Tuesday, Nov. 3, in the general election. Unofficial results show that voters supported all six items on the ballot. The package extends the city’s existing 1-cent sales tax to cover the costs of the new borrowing.

The bond allocates $195.5 million for street projects, which represents the largest portion of the total. Parks and recreation improvements will receive $81.5 million. The fire department is slated for $32.75 million, while the police department will get $20.75 million. Animal services is funded at $8.75 million. The final item, a refinance of existing bonds, accounts for $118 million of the total amount.

Voters gave the strongest support to the fire department and street improvement items. The fire department proposal passed with 14,674 votes in favor and 4,893 against. Street improvements received 14,646 votes for and 5,012 against. Parks and recreation followed with 13,864 votes for and 5,679 against. Animal services passed with 13,788 votes for and 5,850 against. The police department proposal saw 12,050 votes for and 7,549 against. The refinance item had the lowest support, passing with 10,554 votes for and 7,763 against.

City officials stated the bond will improve more than 200 miles of city streets. The package also aims to increase parkland by 38% and double the capacity of the animal shelter. Police evidence storage capacity will quadruple under the new plan. The refinance item was a prerequisite for the other five items to proceed. It uses new bonds to pay off existing debt, a process that allows the city to borrow money and repay it over time.

Raymond Burns, president and CEO of the Rogers Lowell Chamber, said the vote would help maintain the area’s small-town feel while accommodating growth. He noted that Northwest Arkansas is expected to gain an additional 400,000 people in the next 20 or 25 years. Burns said the region needs the right infrastructure and public safety to attract residents and businesses. He argued that leaders must direct growth rather than simply letting it happen.

Area leaders previously said the projects would help prepare for growth and create a more efficient transportation system. The bond issue includes specific targets for expanding amenities across the city. The sales tax extension ensures the city has a stable revenue source to service the debt. The approval allows the city to move forward with the planned construction and facility upgrades.