The City of Bella Vista became an incorporated Town by virtue of a vote of its citizens on December 7, 2006.  Following the vote, a certification of our population was requested from the U. S. Census Bureau.  On February 28, 2007 the U. S. Census Bureau certified our population at 15,632.  The city then proceeded to request status as a City of the First Class from Governor Mike Beebe.  On June 25, 2007 the City of Bella Vista by Resolution No. 2007-19, declared the City of Bella Vista to be a City of the First Class and to be governed as a City of the First Class as provided by state law.   

 

 

In 2006, when the question of incorporation was on the ballot, a slate of candidates was also on the ballot.  Candidates ran for one of five positions, each position was for a two year term. 
 
In May of 2008, due to our designation as a City of the First Class, the City Council was required to establish wards for election purposes.  The City Council by Ordinance No. 2008-09 created three wards.  In November of 2010, the City Council put to a vote of the people, the proposal to have staggered terms for Aldermen and increasing the term of office to four years.  In the 2012 General Election one Alderman representing Position 2 from each Ward will be elected at-large for a two year term and one Alderman representing Position 1 from each Ward will be elected at-large for a four year term.  As a result of that vote, the City will be electing three Aldermen every two years for a four year term beginning in 2014.  (Ordinance #2011-02)
 
The duties of Aldermen are as follows:
·       Sit as a member of the City Council,
·       Vote on proposed city ordinances and resolutions, as well as any amendments thereto,
·       Adopt an annual budget,
·       Establish policies/procedures for purchasing,
·       Participate in the governance of the City of Bella Vista, Arkansas,
·       Perform such other duties compatible with the nature of his/her office  as may be required,
·       Perform all other duties specifically prescribed by Arkansas law.
 
View the monthly City Council meeting, live, each 4th Monday of the month at 6:30 pm on the Bella Vista Community Television, Station, channel 222.
 
The broadcast is repeated each Monday at the same time. The meeting can also be viewed at 11am, the Tuesday following the 4th Monday broadcast.

 

Types of Committees
 
Standing Committees
Standing committees are established by City Council to handle reoccurring matters of the City.  The Mayor recommends individuals to serve on these committees.  The City Council then votes to approve these appointments.  The Bella Vista Council currently has one standing committee:  Emergency Management.

Ad Hoc Committees
Ad Hoc committees are a group of people appointed by the Mayor to deal with a specific issue.  Once the committee comes to a recommendation, it is forwarded to the Mayor and City Council for action.  The committee is disbanded once the task is complete.  Examples are:  Strategic Plan Taskforce, Sales Tax Steering Committee, Salary Administration Committee, and Annexation Committee.
 
Committee Meeting Time & Place
Committee meetings are held as needed during the life of the committee.  All meetings are subject to the Freedom of Information Act and are publicly noticed by the City.