PRIORITIES
FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP
My #1 Priority has been and will remain to be solid and open financial stewardship. When I first took office, I learned what bad shape the city finances were in: Spending was out of control, reserves were dwindling to nothing, long-term debt was compounding and the city was on the verge of financial disaster. Long story short: We rolled up our sleeves and went to work: A budget freeze put in place; we passed an ordinance to accelerate payments on water-sewer bonds; we're putting up to substantial sums of money a year into reserves; internal budget procedures are working so we can reinvest in the city and our infrastructure. We have also retired long-term debt. Keeping with my promise of transparency, all financial information is available to the public on our website.
Eureka Springs hasn't had a two term Mayor in about 40 years. Department Heads, staff and council are all on the same page with our financials, vision and plan. Continuity is key in maintaining financial stewardship and working the plans in place and identifying new opportunities.
INFRASTRUCTURE & MANAGED GROWTH
As an architect and preservationist, infrastructure is a prime focus. The infrastructure of Eureka Springs is not just fragile - it's historic. The entire downtown in on the National Register of Historic Places (with National Significance). Fixing a water line in Fayetteville is a lot easier than fixing one in Eureka Springs! We have fixed major sink holes and several water lines. Many more repairs need to be done and we need to expand city services throughout the city limits. We also need to expand city limits to accommodate our growth which will require more water and sewer installation. That means substantial expenditures. With our focus on financial stability, reserve growth and debt reduction, we can now begin planning for for those investments.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
ECHO VILLAGE broke ground in 2018 with 26 small homes. Inspired and made possible by Dr. Dan Bell and his wife Suzie, Echo Village became a community passion with volunteers doing the majority of the construction. I helped with architectural design and modification. Echo Village is the first development in the works for affordable housing. A new initiative is underway to address workforce, affordable and low-income housing with both rental and ownership. The Community Development Corporation of Eureka Springs is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that will provide incentives for developers.
SUSTAINABILITY
Once we installed solar on the Planer Hill Welcome & Transit Center - the meter started going backwards resulting in immediate savings for the city. More savings have been realized when we converted all municipal buildings to solar and installed improvements after a comprehenive efficiency audit.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Mayor's Task Force on Economic Development will continue their successful work to develop strategies, tools, research, resources and presentations to attract new businesses to the community with a focus on high wagers and diversification. The Task Force has set up an independent 501(c)3 community development corporation to address housing and other economic developmet projects. Two new projects are in the works - a Construction and Preservation Trade School and a Food Innovation Production Hub. Stay tuned!
To download the PDF Guide, click here.
OPEN GOVERNMENT
It is our obligation to share information with our citizens and to be open, accountable and honest. The city website contains a tremendous amount of information including ordinances, financials and links to city commission and city council meetings. If there is additional information you need, please contact us directly.