Bella Vista sets November bond vote for $34.4M in public-safety, street upgrades
The Bella Vista City Council has approved a resolution of intent to seek voter approval for up to $34,395,000 in capital improvement bonds to fund upgrades to city facilities, public safety, and streets, and to refinance two existing bond issues. The election is slated for November 18, 2025.
What the money would fund
The resolution outlines four project buckets:
City Hall & Fire Station #1 (Fire & City Administration Complex): Renovations to city offices and Fire Station #1, plus furnishings, equipment, and related parking, lighting, street, and utility work.
Fire Department: A new Fire Station #5, a new fire truck, upgrades to existing ambulances, and related land, furnishings, equipment, and site improvements.
Street Department & Streets: Improvements to existing streets—including curb, gutter, and drainage—and equipment for the street department.
Police Department: Facilities, vehicles (including new police cars), and communication facilities and equipment.
Proposed allocations (maximum principal amounts)
$8,000,000 — Fire & City Administration Complex
$6,000,000 — Fire improvements
$6,100,000 — Street improvements
$3,000,000 — Police improvements
$6,175,000 — Refunding 2020 Sales & Use Tax Bonds
$5,120,000 — Refunding 2024 Capital Improvement Revenue Bond
Why refund bonds?
Alongside new capital work, the City proposes refinancing its outstanding Sales and Use Tax Bonds, Series 2020, and its Capital Improvement Revenue Bond dated November 12, 2024. The resolution states the Council has determined these bonds should be refunded and includes specific set-asides in the proposed issue to do so.
“Official intent” to reimburse
The measure also declares the City’s “official intent” under U.S. Treasury Regulation §1.150-2 to advance its own funds for eligible costs now and reimburse itself with bond proceeds later. Reimbursements must occur within 18 months of the later of the expenditure date or when an improvement is placed in service, and no later than three years after the expenditure date
