Rogers State of the City 2007
Mayor Steve Womack
January 23, 2007
Rogers, Arkansas
Members of the Rogers City Council, department heads, key staff members, city employees, and my fellow citizens. As required by Arkansas law, I am pleased to report to you the state of the City of Rogers, Arkansas.
In each of my previous eight reports, the growth of our city and the northwest Arkansas region has been in the spotlight. Year after year, the growth in almost every measurable category has been noteworthy. With the exception of housing, which seems to be suffering somewhat from a market correction, the economic vitality of the greater Rogers area is impressive. Helping fuel the economic engine is our population growth. The special census of 2006 counted 48,666 residents, nearly 4% annual growth, and by now, it's almost certain we have exceeded 50,000.
2006 was, perhaps, our best year ever. The opening of the Pinnacle Hills Promenade and John Q. Hammons Center were evidence of a strong retail and hospitality economy. The announcement of the World Trade Center Northwest Arkansas, opening this month in Rogers, and September's Ladies Professional Golf Association tour stop at Pinnacle Country Club validate our standing as the economic center of influence in northwest Arkansas. And it's going to get even better!
Much of my report focuses on our fiscal well-being. I believe it is essential for our citizens to know the financial condition of their city. Simply put, the City of Rogers has never been in better financial shape.
There is no better barometer to measure the financial condition of any organization than close examination of its revenue stream. Since 1999, the growth in our primary revenue source—the collection of taxes on retail sales—has been constant. Sales tax collections make up 55% of our total revenue, so it should be no secret that the broadening of that tax base has been our highest priority. And with developments like the Promenade, Scottsdale Center, Pleasant Crossing, and other retail expansions, you can see we've been pretty successful at creating a destination character for our city's retail services.
The numbers prove it. In 2006, collections on the penny sales tax dedicated to our general fund exceeded $10 million for the first time in history. The opening of the Promenade saw October collections hit nearly $972,000—a record for the city. I fully expect our December numbers, which will be released next month, to be the first time to hit $1 million.
This revenue growth is important for many reasons. First, it affords us an opportunity to improve services to our citizens. It also provides for better compensation and working conditions for the 400+ employees providing those services. Better revenue accelerates the payoff of bonds tied to infrastructure development. And most important, this kind of economic vitality helps prevent an increase in taxes—and perhaps someday, will lead to tax relief.
This past year, with overwhelming support, voters in Rogers earmarked more than half of its 2.9 mill property tax to construct two major pieces of transportation infrastructure—the 45th Street Bridge and the Pleasant Grove Overpass. Many local governments would never have considered such a move—taking money from its general fund to finance infrastructure—instead, using the money to further bloat the size of government. But not here. Our citizens recognized the importance of these two projects to our economic development strategy and voted accordingly. Now, help is on the way this year to a busy and congested southwest Rogers. In the business world, it's all about ROI—return on investment—and our city has invested wisely in its infrastructure and the payoff is underway.
Today, the City of Rogers has an annual operating budget of just over $30 million. Expected revenues, less grant income, exceed expenses by nearly a million dollars. Our general fund reserves have climbed to nearly $13 million. Street reserves remain at nearly $4 million. The Airport reserve is approaching $1 million. We are well beyond the fiscal goal of our city—to keep approximately 25% in reserve.
Despite our revenue growth, the city still has many needs. Principally, transportation infrastructure remains our highest priority. I see nothing in the next several years that will change that. But we also have serious needs in Parks. Continued development of the city's greenways and trails, an aquatics facility, and the development of parks in southwest Rogers are among our greatest needs. Planning will begin this year to develop a strategic plan for Streets and Parks that I hope to bring to our voters when the current bond issue for capital improvements nears retirement.
In the meantime, I have indicated an interest in planning and executing a few specific projects whose time has come. The most significant of these is the possible relocation and expansion of the city's recycling facility. For years, the recycling center at the Rogers Activity Center has complemented the curbside pickup program. We have not answered, however, the demand for disposal of yard waste. I envision a facility that offers one-stop convenience for those wishing to dispose of household recyclables and grass clippings, leaves, and brush. By consolidating at a convenient location, we can leverage our manpower and resources while improving both service and option.
Other minor building projects include improvements to the Street Department office complex, maintenance/office/storage facility at the Rogers Cemetery, and the acquisition of space for a Rogers Police Department precinct downtown. These are projects we can fund immediately without compromising our fiscal well-being.
Last year, I said our biggest challenge would be water usage. It was. The water transmission line under construction by the City of Bentonville will be of great relief and we have been promised its completion ahead of the summer demand. 1n 2006, the highest daily usage by Rogers' patrons amounted to just under 16 mgd (August 2nd). Total capacity is 29 mgd. So, once Bentonville is "off" our water line, serving Rogers residents will not be a problem, even in drought conditions. I am optimistic we have our water shortage issues behind us.
Also last year, I initiated an application for participation in Homeland Security's 287(g) program, purposed in giving our local police enforcement authority in the area of illegal immigration. This has been a "hot button" issue for our city—and many others—and despite the criticism from sympathizers, I am as committed as ever to send a strong message to those who have entered the country illegally and taken residence in our city. The activities of many in the "illegal" community are a public nuisance and a growing threat to the quality of life so many here have worked hard to create. If approved, I will move quickly to ask the City Council to authorize the addition of a minimum of six officers to backfill those who enter the 287(g) training program. I expect a response from Homeland Security early this year.
I also wish to address the issues of appearance of our city. Last year, we were successful in seeing the demolition of several eyesores including the two houses at 8th and Walnut, the residence a across from the old Daisy plant, as well as the nursing home behind the Animal Hospital on West Walnut. The city has a number of dwellings that are inconsistent with reasonable standards of appearance. Inoperable vehicles have to go. Accumulated junk should be removed. Multiple-family living arrangements should cease. These are all conditions that destroy neighborhoods. The addition of a Code Enforcement officer in 2007 will enhance our ability to be more pro-active in this area.
This year, it is also my hope to begin the process of beautifying the gateways to our community. Beginning with the interchanges on I-540, it is my desire to invest in landscaping and signage that creates a good first impression for our city. At exits 81, 83, and 85, we currently welcome visitors with overgrowth and trash—unacceptable for a city as progressive as Rogers.
And on the subject of the unsightly, let me also address litter. Our city is not a trash receptacle. The constant disposal of everything from used diapers to beer cans on our streets and rights-of-way is not only a public nuisance; it sends a terrible message to those visiting here. As I see it, three things need to happen. First, the intervention of the general public. We need your influence and leadership in denouncing the littering of our city. Second, we need harsh—very harsh—penalties for those who violate the beauty of our city. Finally, eradication of litter must be a priority of the city. Like graffiti, litter should not be allowed to be in place longer than a few hours. I will direct our Code Enforcement Division to elevate the removal of litter along major rights-of-way as a priority of work.
I continue to be impressed with the competence of our staff. From the directorates down to the individual employee, the City of Rogers is blessed to be so well-served. We may not be as robust as others, but I would compare our work product with anyone. Our staff remains results-oriented and user-friendly. They are a credit to all of us.
Departmental Summaries
Rogers Police Department
The numbers in 2006 at the Rogers Police Department were slightly ahead of 2005. Just over 13,200 reports and 32,000 calls for service were taken. There were 245 felony arrests. The work of the narcotics division reflected the ongoing issue this region is having with illegal drugs. We purchased or seized more than 2800 grams of marijuana, 523 grams of cocaine, 8700 grams of methamphetamine, and seized more than $175,000 in cash and six vehicles.
In 2007, the 287(g) program, if approved, will be our focus. Upgrades to our mobile data computer system and improved video/audio recording will enhance our enforcement of the law. And, the fulltime Crime Suppression Unit will continue to combat gang activity and other forms of organized crime.
We have added several new positions while covering for those deployed in support of the War on Terrorism. We continue to be encouraged with the recoveries of two of our officers injured in service to the city and nation. Officer Brian Culpepper, shot during a drug seizure, is doing much better and should return to duty sometime this (year). Officer Chris Traxson, severely injured in an IED blast in Iraq, is making progress on his recovery at San Antonio, Texas. We continue to pray for both of these brave officers.
Let me also thank the citizens of Rogers for their prayers and support of both of these men—specifically the family of Officer Traxson. The financial support given this soldier has been a source of inspiration to all of us.
Rogers Fire Department
2006 was another busy year for the Rogers Fire Department. Over 4800 calls were taken with over 70% EMS-related. Firefighters received just under 20,000 hours of training last year. The newly-constructed Station #7 was completed, but the opening delayed due to road construction on South First Street. It goes without saying that the Fire Administration is anxious to open Station #7 which will greatly enhance our response times to southeast Rogers. In addition to the new substation, a new Pierce ladder truck and two new ambulances were acquired. This year, we plan to replace the roof and improve the aesthetics of substation #2. The Fire Marshall's office conducted over 2200 inspections and over 500 plan reviews.
Rogers Water Utilities
More growth in 2006 at Rogers Water Utilities. More than two thousand new water customers (up 8.4%) and nearly 1400 new sewer customers (up 8.1%) were added. The utility issued $15.5 million in water bonds to improve infrastructure. Water and sewer connection fees which became effective on April 1st spurred a flurry of spring building permits in the city. Several infrastructure upgrades, in advance of major street projects, were addressed in 2006. A new sewer rate ordinance became law, designed to fairly apportion costs between the different user classes. Completion of the WWTP master plan for sewage treatment should increase capacity sufficient to meet demands until 2015.
Planning and Transportation
It has already been mentioned that transportation infrastructure is our top priority. In 2006, we finished the Old Wire road project, awarded the contract for the 45th Street Bridge, started work on the bridge on Southgate near Highway 112, continued work on South First Street, and completed major supporting street work in the vicinity of the Pinnacle Hills Promenade. The 52nd Street project, by a private developer, is nearing completion which will enhance the north-south traffic pattern currently served by Horsebarn Road.
This year, several ongoing projects will be completed. They include the New Hope Road/Horsebarn Road project; Pleasant Grove Road (east) from 71B to First Street;
and Pauline Whitaker Parkway. Substantial progress will be made on the bridge projects already mentioned as well as the Perry Road Interchange. Also this year, South Dixieland Road, one of the city's major north-south corridors, will finally link with Pleasant Grove Road near Pleasant Crossing. We will also begin major improvement projects on 26th Street, West Pleasant Grove Road from I-540 to Bellview, Horsebarn Road, and Price Lane from 71B to First Street.
These projects represent millions of dollars in investment by both the public and private sectors. Clearly, you can see the difference they are making in improved mobility of a congested city.
And there's no time to rest. Just as these projects are in some form of design or construction, our staff has an eye to the future, identifying those projects to be funded in the next bond issue. Our goal is to quicken the time from funding to construction by identifying the requirements for right-of-way or easement acquisition and utility relocation, in order that these projects don't wait in line.
In the Planning office, we reviewed 57 large scale development plans compared with 52 in 2005. Twenty-two final plats were approved with over 1,000 new lots. The commercial sector continues to enjoy solid performance, while residential construction lags—waiting for the excess to be absorbed into the market. The GIS website is among the best in the region with a complete overhaul of the city's street map geography.
The Rogers Municipal Airport continues to play a vital role in support of the economic growth of the city. In 2006, the airport made significant safety and capacity improvements. The west parallel taxiway project was completed and the first phase of construction began on the east parallel taxiway and apron expansion. Phase II of the east taxiway project begins this year.
Nineteen new t-hangars and executive hangars are in the final stages of completion. The private development will include additional parking and enhanced landside access with improvements to Happy Trails Drive. Last September, Beaver Lake Aviation and Crossland Construction announced plans to build a 28,000 square foot hangar capable of accommodating multiple business jets.
Recently, an economic impact study contracted by the Arkansas Department of Aeronautics estimated the total impact of the Rogers Airport at $93.6 million, the highest ranked general aviation airport in Arkansas.
Parks and Recreation
Without question, the single biggest development in the Parks Department was the opening of the Adult Wellness Center. To put things in perspective, we planned for about 250 at the grand opening. More than 1500 turned out! We planned to have about 1,000 members the first year and to date, we have exceeded 4000. It's a fabulous facility. It is making a difference in the lives of so many people who society has ignored far too long. It's an example of what public money can and should do to improve the quality of life of our growing senior population.
If the first six months of operation is any indication, we expect membership to more than double this year. We will establish the Adult Wellness Center Foundation in hopes that our membership will include the facility in estate planning. Many outstanding events are planned to enhance the physical and emotional lifestyles of our senior community.
In other Parks-related development, we completed the mile-long Blossom Way Trail and began construction of the Turtle Creek Trail (1.5 miles) north of Olive Street. We are in the early stages of our trail program and with the help of the million dollar grant from the Walton Family Foundation; this much-needed addition to our quality of life is well underway.
With the opening of the Adult Wellness Center, activities and facilities at the Rogers Activity Center have shifted focus on families with children. The Splash Park finally opened, albeit under limited circumstances due to water demand issues. A batting cage at Northwest Park opened, the result of a public-private partnership and a lot of donated labor.
This year, we will provide new parking lots at Northwest and Wheeler Parks. Work will begin this year at Veterans Park to accommodate two high school sports programs. Renovation and improvements to the lights at Bradford and Optimist Fields are underway.
As noted earlier, I have asked our staff and Parks Commission to begin development of a master plan—the blueprint I plan to bring to the voters of Rogers in a future bond issue. I truly believe that in the 2009-2010 time frame, we will have the bonding capacity to invest in our Parks like never before. I anxiously await the results of their work and the input from our citizens.
Code Enforcement
Highlighting Code Enforcement in 2006 was the expansion of the Rogers Animal Shelter. This half-million dollar expansion increased the city's capacity in housing the hundreds of animals that come to the shelter each year. In 2006, our shelter processed more than 1600 animals, a slight increase over 2005.
The shelter was also built with a proposed partnership with Bentonville in mind. With the change in leadership in Bentonville, that arrangement might be under review, but we still have plans to honor that agreement if desired.
We are excited with the hiring of a new shelter manager. Rhonda Dibasilio brings a terrific resume' to our shelter and we look for really good things to happen under her leadership.
In the Building Inspection department, a total of 7711 permits were issued, down a little from 2005. Total valuation was listed at $630 million, down from $917 million a year earlier. But remember, many of the big openings in 2006 got their start in 2005—so we're still pleased with our building growth. We still have total revenue in 2006 of just over $2 million, compared with $2.2 million in 2005. The naming of Mike Rouse as Building Official gave new direction to the inspection department in 2006.
Nothing new in the area of Code Enforcement. Tall grass, inoperative vehicles, and trash were the basis for most calls. A total of 3450 notices of non-compliance were issued, with 20 citations for refusal to comply.
Library/Museum
Another busy year for the Rogers Public Library in 2006 with more than a quarter-million patrons and 466,000 items circulated. A remote deposit collection began at the new Adult Wellness Center. This year, the library will experiment with Sunday afternoon hours, a decision we feel will be very warmly received and utilized.
At the Rogers Historical Museum, visitation climbed 29%, largely due to the enormous popularity of the Monte Ne exhibit. Outreach program attendance soared by 42%. Nearly 1300 items were donated, catalogued, and stored. The most exciting news of the year was the purchase of property for a future museum expansion. In 2007, the museum will open three major exhibits, including a display of mid-1900 quilts. We are excited, also, that the new Rogers City Hall will be added as a local exhibit venue.
Other Departments
In the Rogers District Court, nearly 32,000 criminal and traffic charges were processed, over 26,000 cases adjudicated, and more than $750,000 fines and costs collected. The caseload of the District Court has grown substantially in the last several years and this spring, I plan to bring an ordinance to the City Council making the District Judge a full-time position beginning January 1, 2009. The judicial elections are now held in the spring of the election year, and by making this move in the spring of 2007, would-be candidates for District Judge would have an entire year to prepare for such a race with the advance knowledge the job will be full-time and complete knowledge of the compensation.
The office of the City Attorney not only handles the prosecution of the misdemeanor cases in the District Court, it also keeps busy with its representation of our city on a variety of other matters including cases of right-of-way and easement acquisition, condemnation, and advice and counsel on matters associated with our tremendous growth. Deputy Attorney Chris Griffin joined the staff in 2006 after two years as the Law Clerk in that office. Another major personnel success story was the visa approval for Giedre Tarnauskaite, the multi-lingual intake clerk. Giedre's "story" is a refreshing example of pursuing the American Dream the right way, even when inconvenienced, and we're proud to have her on staff.
In the business office, noteworthy in 2006 was the completion, in draft form, of an updated personnel policy. After review, we hope to bring this policy to the City Council early this year for approval. Other highlights included the integration of Finance and Human Resources into the software network, consolidation and improvements in the Information Technology department, and the accommodation of the Special Census team in early 2006. Perhaps most impressive was the accomplishments in these offices while making a major transition to the new City Hall facility. That was a miracle in itself!
At the Rogers Cemetery, we completed a portion of a new decorative fence which adds a measure of character and security to this important landmark. We will complete the entire fence project this year and continue making improvements to this sacred ground.
The City continues to enjoy a terrific relationship with other stakeholders—the Rogers/Lowell Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Rogers, The Rogers Community-School Recreation Association, the Rogers Recyclers, and the Rogers Community Support Center. The public-private partnerships active in Rogers are an illustration of the cooperative spirit of those working for the greater good of the city.
Finally, we continue to work very hard to improve our communication with our citizens. The website enjoys active participation and this year, we plan a major overhaul of the site to better serve our constituents. Our goal is for www.rogersarkansas.com to be a model website for local government.
Conclusion
As always, it is an honor and privilege to lead this city in such dynamic times. The credit belongs with the dedicated men and women who give so unselfishly of their time, talent, and resources. From time to time, I sit back and ponder the enormity of Rogers' city government. The difficult decisions. The acrimony. The hard feelings. The tremendous expense in building roads, parks, and other vital infrastructure. The inconvenience and frustration to our patrons when even the best of plans don't quite measure up.
And then I look around and see the tremendous sacrifice by those who serve us. The cop on patrol at 2 in the morning. The paramedic responding to a fatal accident. The street crew hurling salt and chat in frigid temperatures. The kennel keeper shoveling the waste of an animal nobody wanted. The angry phone calls to a council member at the end of a hard day at the office.
It's an imperfect world. But somehow, those who have pledged their lives to public service find the good—rare as it may be sometimes—in all their work. I appreciate them all. And I'm proud to work side by side with them.
We have a great city. And we have a bright future. To our citizens, thank you for the privilege to serve. And thank you for your unfailing support and encouragement.
God bless you all...and God bless America.