Bella Vista Council Approves Business License Ordinance and Adds Building Inspector Position

The Bella Vista City Council met on October 27, advancing measures focused on business regulation, city staffing, and retiree health benefits.

Council members approved an ordinance establishing a business license requirement for qualifying businesses operating within the city. The measure sets annual renewal fees, creates classes and exemptions, and outlines penalties for violations. The new licensing system is intended to improve record-keeping, compliance, and communication between the city and local businesses.

A resolution establishing cost-sharing and premium credits for police and fire department retirees and their dependents was also discussed. The proposed “Rule of 85” standard would determine eligibility for the health insurance premium credit program, designed to provide support for long-serving first responders while maintaining fiscal responsibility for the city.

In other business, the Council authorized the purchase of two Ford F-250 trucks for the Police Department, waiving formal competitive bidding due to availability and timing needs. A separate ordinance approved rezoning property (Parcel No. 16-43269-000) from Residential Estate (R-E) to Local Commercial (C-2) to support future development opportunities.

To address growing inspection demands, council members also amended the 2025 budget to add one full-time building inspector position within the Fire Department, enhancing the city’s capacity to manage new construction and code enforcement.