[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6309318,"mediaKeyId","2413325-39392f51b7cba5fa03923a0c650f79ff","parentId",2413325,"title","Board amends and tables short-term rental veterans allotment amid state-law uncertainty","audioSeconds",1845,"startMs",7560000,"endMs",9405000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2413325-39392f51b7cba5fa03923a0c650f79ff&start=7560&end=9405","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2413325-39392f51b7cba5fa03923a0c650f79ff/thumbnail_7560000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6309318/Hot-Springs-City/Garland-County/Arkansas/Board-amends-and-tables-short-term-rental-veterans-allotment-amid-state-law-uncertainty","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6309318-623294df1ffdac842827f19d3dd3d56a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448514&Signature=KyWygTVD-LW0utvmHBiwQ~--lnKG7o3T606SAb9qPAZBQxHm41Ig42LTCdTegFuVsE~VkQv4U6VE0V31X~7C1dgu2ijjAh5ecsitXjch8ZCwjG0bkMxZLOzWofJcvVoWSiEc6BF5oxJUlb3TLILpV80fJDWL-WojsLUrpo6H8RlI1qZzes54j~dbMtHXtvzzOjE3YReSEsdbrQLAwnsL0w8F3g7nz11IzhiquXuTClWzzBYj96h-GPPC266YX6t99NKiLuxwG0aZCKckxuOntNutroGDEWkX~ytxNs4t7EJI3HAO9S6GTLokLd~Gx2~xIt8bhiajwlxHPsiB-udejw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Hot Springs, AR","date","2025-02-26T13:48:04Z","article","The board considered an ordinance (O-25-13) that would reserve up to 25 short-term residential rental (STR) licenses per year in residential zones for U.S. veterans with service-connected permanent and total disability ratings. City Attorney Ryan Albright explained the proposed local criteria: properties must be titled to and occupied by the qualifying veteran, applicants must provide Department of Veterans Affairs confirmation of permanent and total disability, and licenses would be subject to annual renewal and the city’s existing safety and inspection code requirements.

City staff and several directors expressed concern about pending state legislation (discussed in committee hearings at the state capitol and referenced during the meeting) that could preempt or substantially alter local STR regulations. Director Karen Garcia asked whether it would be better to delay local action while the legislature moves; City Attorney Albright and others explained codification, publication and software-portal changes would create administrative costs and could result in wasted effort if the state changes the law.

Public comment included several veterans and property owners who asked the board to act now so disabled veterans could begin generating rental income. One applicant said she was “willing to pay the $500 inspection fee” to move forward; another veteran-citizen asked that the board allow veterans an opportunity to use their property for income.

To accommodate both concerns, Director Dudley Webb moved (and a colleague seconded) an amendment that the city would refund permit fees or give priority to renewal applicants if subsequent state law made the local category inapplicable. The motion to amend passed on roll call. After voting to amend, the board then voted 4–2 to table the ordinance for 45 days so staff can estimate administrative and software costs and to allow time to monitor state legislative action that could supersede local rules.

City Attorney Albright said the ordinance would have required city codification, newspaper publication and software changes to add a new license category; staff cautioned those steps create time and expense and said applicants could incur inspection and upgrade costs (life-safety windows, egress and other code compliance) that might be unnecessary if state law changes.

The board recorded two recusal/absence situations during the debate (one director recused and another director absent for portions of the item). The board directed staff to prepare an implementation-cost estimate and return with proposed administrative steps if the ordinance is reintroduced after the table period.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2-25-25 (rescheduled from 2-18-25) Board of Directors Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","After debate and public comment, the board added an amendment protecting veterans’ permit fees and tabled the proposed ordinance that would reserve up to 25 STR licenses for veterans with service-connected permanent and total disability ratings for 45 days to await potential state action and staff cost estimates.","taxTitle","Hot Springs City, Garland County, Arkansas","taxId",52830,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":46,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6309323,"Board adopts multiple ordinances on trucks, zoning, retirement benefits and financing; approves travel to National League of Cities",6992,2413000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2413325-39392f51b7cba5fa03923a0c650f79ff&start=2413&end=9405","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2413325-39392f51b7cba5fa03923a0c650f79ff/thumbnail_2413000.jpg","/articles/6309323/Hot-Springs-City/Garland-County/Arkansas/Board-adopts-multiple-ordinances-on-trucks-zoning-retirement-benefits-and-financing-approves-travel-to-National-League-of-Cities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6309323-ad8c25de018d341ffc8ff5788edf90c4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448514&Signature=HPwlelp0US9EywcNtBvGh0Q1nIE5VvSF8mgnU-Baji-vWua1TButCkI5oIfWQ1qlFbVQhQOQZ7cK2N4sVacgxg218s~~G19vsqOGa87BmMcQUvWnZYCvLUug4Te4WfS3yOtRjzGCe2aisw8m49Yick8FI~v1A8dyWjjyIW~U1zrMLVhu18hy0RKlstGtfUqFpuFd~B4wh7MWSPHQDyksthHDWgNS~H5R4NNE~FmygWPBoAaRi4jK64YhPQCafcB~6LYB5LEM5VFxm~C2tL6PL5tnCcJ7plbNfosrWKodCUTWJbXw0ekL55eLgLbAyLjle55zs5HPrGh78E~Rc8XnRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hot Springs City Board of Directors took several final actions during the meeting, approving equipment purchases, zoning corrections, personnel benefits policy updates and short-term borrowing for 2025 capital items. The board also approved an out-of-state travel resolution for Director Phyllis Beard to attend the National League of Cities conference in Washington, D.C.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution R-25-40 (out-of-state travel to the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference) — Adopted. Roll call: Director Erin Holiday: No; Director Phyllis Beard: Aye; Director Marsha Dobbs Smith: Aye; Director Dudley Webb: Aye; Director Karen Garcia: Aye; Director Steve Trustee: Aye; Mayor Pat McKay: No. (Outcome: adopted.)

- Ordinance O-25-08 (waive competitive bidding and purchase two utility trucks from Smart Ford per state cooperative contract) — Adopted unanimously by roll call. The trucks were listed at $43,772.32 each and include accessory equipment; staff requested a waiver of competitive bidding for the aftermarket accessories because the state contract limits accessories to $600. Roll call: all present voted Aye.

- Ordinance O-25-09 (amend official zoning map; correct nine parcel inconsistencies and incorporate post-adoption parcel changes) — Adopted unanimously. Planning Commission recommended the updated Exhibit B to correct split-zone depictions, unzoned parcels and map errors discovered after the 11/19/2024 adoption of Code Forward.

- Ordinance O-25-10 (access to health benefits for retired municipal employees; repeals ordinance 57-56) — Adopted unanimously. Staff reported the ordinance aligns City policy with Arkansas Code Annotated provisions and requires retirees to be receiving retirement benefits and to pay both sides of premium contributions at the active employer rate, with dependent coverage allowed under specified conditions.

- Ordinance O-25-11 (short-term financing with U.S. Bancorp Government Leasing & Finance, Inc. for approved 2025 capital acquisitions; emergency clause adopted) — Adopted. Staff reported the total financing sought is $2,048,646 for vehicles ($1,100,646), specialized equipment ($608,000) and heavy equipment ($340,000). U.S. Bancorp offered a rate of 4.25% (5-year treasury minus six basis points as quoted). Emergency clause was adopted so the city can lock the rate.

- Ordinance O-25-12 (amend Hot Springs code regarding membership and selection of Hot Springs Advertising & Promotion Commission members) — Adopted. The ordinance modifies how one of the board seats is tied to the district that encompasses land acquired for the convention center expansion; it accomplishes the change by ordinance amendment and was adopted on roll call (four Aye, two No, one absent).

- Ordinance O-25-13 (amend short-term rental regulations to reserve up to 25 additional residential short-term rental licenses per year for U.S. veterans with service-connected permanent and total disability rating) — Deferred. After extended discussion and public comment, the board approved an amendment adding a refund/priority provision, and then voted to table the ordinance for 45 days pending potential state action; vote to table passed 4–2. The board indicated concern about pending state legislation that could supersede or change local regulatory requirements and about administrative costs to implement new licensing categories.

Several actions required or involved staff reports and legal citations. For example, O-25-08 cited Arkansas Code Annotated section 14-47-138 (cooperative purchasing/bid waiver authority), and O-25-10 referenced Arkansas Code Annotated sections on continuation of healthcare for retired municipal employees. The financing ordinance invoked the emergency clause to expedite borrowing to lock a favorable rate.

The board adopted the consent agenda and approved minutes from February 4, 2025, earlier in the meeting. Several items originally on the February 18 agenda were removed or postponed because an earlier ice storm had forced rescheduling; the wastewater bond public hearing referenced on the earlier agenda was deferred to March.

","The Hot Springs City Board approved a package of ordinances and resolutions including vehicle purchases, zoning map corrections, retired-employee health coverage amendments, short-term financing for capital equipment, and authorized out-of-state travel for Director Phyllis Beard to the National League of Cities conference.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6309328,"City manager outlines 2024 ‘state of the city,’ focusing on recovery, housing and infrastructure",1221,795000,2016000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2413325-39392f51b7cba5fa03923a0c650f79ff&start=795&end=2016","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2413325-39392f51b7cba5fa03923a0c650f79ff/thumbnail_795000.jpg","/articles/6309328/Hot-Springs-City/Garland-County/Arkansas/City-manager-outlines-2024-state-of-the-city-focusing-on-recovery-housing-and-infrastructure","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6309328-75c765a0f685f9ebe77fa24755b40351/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448514&Signature=cJH49u2Yx~UUqo94BLDJL0fGd7vQ5QsjSjQ7iW0ufvoRUVxgJHNo7tK3iKNqEDPic8~wf67Ry8yOYGX3mNpc7KpQ5FoXsmTMZWEX0NZCMR06fUTwL2YGSDFRBl8VwkvsLb1-D7z3ZujJFGpTt1xobNWOwtKYpOZ1br16L9gVKoOCNdmCdhKRRE7lrBDIpkOv8XiDvbE~cRlplV4Xo9BfD3APhkANwr6H20VT6nkA6iVgGwy7PRP3-Jx8PTch0fkMv9hLRTKaC9Go4SgFNeo8IH6y13u8j4JKxrnJLN0nkQcGoqEC5-mdSvNa-2yacbona0I0pqN2tLmZVXkiiTNDmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Bill Burrow delivered the Hot Springs City state of the city report, saying it is “my privilege to deliver the state of the city address” and summing up 2024 accomplishments and remaining priorities.

Burrow told the board that the city recovered from an April storm and an EF-2 tornado that left a 12-mile path of damage impacting 243 homes and six businesses. He credited city workers, utilities and volunteers for restoring power and clearing roads within a week and for processing debris: “the Hot Springs compost facility processed 36,000 cubic yards of green waste” and public works hauled “1,339 tons of ash” to the landfill following controlled burning of debris.

The report outlined multiple policy and capital items. Burrow said the city awarded a contract to IPS for a new integrated smart parking system with mobile payment, kiosks and license-plate recognition, and that the council updated parking penalties and zones as implementation begins. On housing, he described progress on a 10-year housing plan, zoning changes to allow modern manufactured homes and accessory dwelling units, staff work on a land-bank concept (which staff determined is not cost effective), and a $750,000 Paul Bruin historic revitalization grant to convert historic properties to affordable housing. He also said a pro-housing grant application to HUD is under review.

Burrow reviewed the new zoning and development code, “Code Forward,” adopted in November 2024 and set to take effect March 1, 2025, and said staff prepared user manuals and training for the rollout. He described environmental and utility investments, including a Gulf of Basin pump station now “over 35% complete” and a Davidson wastewater treatment upgrade planned at $35 million to expand capacity.

On economic data, Burrow reported that the city collected $29,148,000 in sales tax revenue in 2024 and that advertising and promotion tax collections rose 2.61% year over year. He noted continued tourism and hotel investment, referenced Oaklawn’s performance and ongoing hotel renovations downtown, and said casino revenues were $5,200,000 (an 8.5% increase over the prior year).

Public-safety metrics were a central part of the report. Burrow highlighted a 14.77% decrease in property crimes and a 31.1% drop in shots-fired calls in 2024, crediting technologies such as ShotSpotter and targeted enforcement. He also reviewed Fire Department activity—3,100 calls, 85 structural fires, an average response time of 4 minutes, 36 seconds and $55,000,000 in property preserved—and Animal Services activity, including 2,582 calls and a 41% increase in calls handled.

Burrow closed by emphasizing fiscal strength: a general fund reserve of $10,600,000 and an unreserved balance of $31,500,000, and by reiterating the city’s focus on quality of life and growth in 2025.

Mayor Pat McKay and several directors asked follow-up questions during and after the presentation. Director Phyllis Beard asked about scheduling a landlord summit in March to connect landlords with HUD and the Hot Springs Housing Authority; Burrow said staff were trying to confirm availability. Directors also requested additional parcel-level detail about Code Forward map changes and clarification about timing for demolition work at the former Saint Joe Hospital site as it moves through environmental surveys and EPA processes.

Burrow’s address was the city manager’s formal annual report and was presented as the city manager’s report during the meeting; directors raised scheduling and implementation follow-ups rather than taking immediate additional policy votes.

","City Manager Bill Burrow delivered a State of the City report summarizing 2024 recovery from severe weather, housing initiatives, new zoning code rollout, infrastructure investments and public-safety metrics.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board amends and tables short-term rental veterans allotment amid state-law uncertainty

Board adopts multiple ordinances on trucks, zoning, retirement benefits and financing; approves travel to National League of Cities

City manager outlines 2024 ‘state of the city,’ focusing on recovery, housing and infrastructure