The Census Bureau has the estimated population of 5,242 as of July 1, 2015. Our location, residential development, business environment and schools continue to attract new residents.
The outstanding accomplishment for 2016 is the completion of the new administration building. This one-of-a-kind facility has drawn attention from thoughout the state. The building showcases the out-of-the-box thinking of community leaders and the strength of the relationship between the city and school district. From our research, we may well be the only facility of this kind in the country. The relationship with the city and school will help us become a destination community.
The list below includes highlights of 2016.
1. Sales tax from 2015 to 2016 increased 10.13 percent for city, down from 17 percent the previous year, and 3.29 percent, up from 9.89 percent the previous year, for county sales tax.
2. Street Department
a. Reconstructed drainage area on North and South Harvey Wakefield;
b. Began the engineering process to extend Patton Street to Weston Street;
c. Purchased a new dump truck equipped with a snow plow and sander;
d. Did over 18,000 feet of crack sealing throughout the city;
e. Worked with the Benton County Road department and completed three miles of asphalt overlay; this cooperation saves the city thousands of dollars;
f. Constructed new salt/sand bays at the city shop and reworked out salt brine equipment;
g. Signed an agreement with AHTD to do snow removal on the state highways in the city and be compensated for the work; and
h. Had very successful spring and fall clean ups.
3. Parks
a. County inmate crews help with constructing concrete walking trails in the City Park.
4. Water Department
a. Engineering plans for the wastewater treatment plant approved;
b. Completed the financing of the wastewater treatment plant project with construction to begin late spring; and
c. Water line extension to Plenty Wood Farms approved and started.
5. Fire/Ambulance
a. Ambulance Department moved to a new billing system;
b. Responded to a total of 700 calls;
c. Purchased a four-wheel drive F-550 mini-pumper to be used as a rescue truck;
d. Have 27 total firefighters; and
e. Have 21 EMTs.
6. Police Department
a. We have a total of 14 officers and three part-time officers;
b. We have begun the remodel of part of the Police Department building to better utilize the space;
c. Constructed a fence around a portion of the property to meet state requirements; and
d. Began installing MDTs (Mobile Data Terminals) to allow officers access to more information and increase officer safety.
7. Library
a. Completed the remodel of the other half of the library building;
b. Changed to a new library management system which offers web access to the library to search for books and reserve them; and
c. Started book clubs for both adults and youth.
8. Building Official/Inspections
Permits issued in 2016
A. Residential 132
1. Residential value -- $14,658,291
2. Permit fees collected -- $69,507
B. Commercial
1. Commercial value -- $3,001,608
2. Permit fees -- $8,174
C. Misc. Permits
1. Remodel/additions 19
2. Electrical -- 32
3. Mechanical -- 23
4. Plumbing -- 51
D. Commercial construction permits -- 3
Total construction value for 2015 -- $17,659,899
9. Completed the new city hall/School administration building
10. City of Pea Ridge projected growth (as seen with the estimated population from 2015, the future estimates are low for both the city and county)
a. Current census estimate as of 7/1/2015 -- 5,242 (this is a 9.4 percent increase from 2010)
b. Year 2020 -- 6,106
c. Year 2030 -- 7,649
d. Year 2040 -- 9,428
11. Benton County projected growth
a. Current census estimate as of 7/1/2015 --249,672 (this is a 12.8 percent increase from 2010)
b. Year 2020 -- 271,031
c. Year 2030 -- 331,370
d. Year 2040 -- 404,736
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Editor's note: The State of the City address was provided by Mayor Jackie Crabtree, March 17.
Editorial on 03/22/2017