Letter to the Editor

Open letter to the taxpaying residents of the City of Pea Ridge

The events of the City Council meeting held Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2015, need to be conveyed to all, which is my obligation and duty as an elected alderman, representing you.

A private business, which has been contracted exclusively by the city for many years, was awarded a five-year contract with increased charges which collectively amounts to an approximate rate increase of 265 percent from the previous two-year contract. The taxpayer will receive the exact same services from the vendor for this increase, with the likelihood of additional charges without notice or options -- a "blank check" with your city's approval.

Other options and questions were voiced by members of the audience, a former councilman and me, but were not seriously considered by either the council nor the acting mayor. My objections and suggestions were listened to, but held no value.

This proposal for a private business was submitted and promoted by the police chief on behalf of the business owner at last month's meeting and was subsequently tabled at my request. Incidentally, this will now also include a $1,000 per month "retainer fee" in addition to all the other increased charges. At Tuesday's meeting, after a lengthy debate, this proposal was endorsed by the three other councilmen, police chief and the acting mayor, and approved. There were no negotiations, validation of price increases, or objections voiced by any city official other than myself, it was approved intact as submitted. Legal issues were addressed but nothing changed. I voted against it entirely to no avail.

The contract was required to be bid and advertised. However, the only publication it was advertised in was this local newspaper, eliminating the possibility of any outside vendor knowing of the opportunity. Coincidence? My request to table the issue for more advertising and time was denied by both the council and acting mayor.

I strongly feel this is a complete disregard for proper management of taxpayer money. I am deeply disappointed with our elected officials steamrolling this additional expense to the taxpayers of Pea Ridge without further consideration of options and a total lack of empathy for the citizens of our city. The result of this decision will impact our tax liability and you will see an increase to subsidize this benefit for a private business which, incidentally, is not within the city limits. I remind you, this is a five-year contract we're paying for.

For details and explanations of the decision to endorse this, I strongly recommend you contact your elected city representatives. Perhaps they can substantiate and justify the increase of this magnitude, which will benefit only one privately-owned business. It is your tax dollars these individuals are responsible for being good stewards of, and as elected officials, they answer to YOU; you deserve answers. As your councilman, I have only one vote.

You know where I stand, but it's lonely when you're the only "bug in the hen yard."

Bob Cottingham, City Councilman, Ward 1, Position 2Pea Ridge, Ark.