Numerous county residents spoke about the proposed annexations being considered by city officials.
Using a state law that allows cities to annex "islands," land surrounded by city limits, Mayor Jackie Crabtree presented several ordinances to the council in February to consider for annexation.
Paul Kellenbarger, a resident north of town, spoke in opposition to the annexation saying his taxes would increase and he would no longer be allowed to hunt on his acreage.
"It's discouraging to see that three people could vote us in ... force us into the city," Kellenbarger said, adding that there are about 20 landowners involved. "Did you ever ask for a voluntary annexation? ... that's the freedoms we have in the United States.
"Thirty years ago we bought this land. We developed it. We can use firearms on it and hunt on it safely. This is our idea of freedom in the United States ... but yet it seems dictated by three people," Kellenbarger continued, referring to the fact that an ordinance can be passed by a quorum, three of the four aldermen.
"In a nutshell, we'd like to keep our freedoms and do what we want," he concluded to the applause of others in the room.
Landowner Mitzi Peronia, whose land is also being considered for annexation, thanked the mayor and council members for serving, acknowledging that public service is often a "thankless" job. She asked them to consider the annexation proposals thoroughly.
"I'm pro Pea Ridge. My husband was on the School Board. I buy here. I own a business here," she said. "There is no advantage to us to be in the city. We wanted to be in the county because we wanted a way of life. I think it's wrong.
"It is still Pea Ridge. Yes, we're growing, but we're not a metropolis," she said. "When you line up the pros and you line up the cons, there just aren't enough reasons to annex us into the city."
"One reason we didn't act on these ordinances the first time," Crabtree said, was to hear the opinions of the public. He said the council could have acted on the ordinances the first time they were read. "They're taking the time to listen, to consider. Those opinions will be taken into consideration."
Alderman Lance Sanders told the landowners that although there is no money budgeted for improvements in their areas, they could be in the future once they're in the city limits.
The six proposed ordinances were read by title only for the second time. The third and final reading is slated for the April 18 meeting, at which time aldermen will vote on it.
Pat Adams, justice of the peace for District 6, was in the audience and was introduced by the mayor. He did not speak.
General News on 03/29/2017