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Centerton council approves collection contract, rezones parcel and adopts routine measures
Summary
At its Sept. 10 meeting the Centerton City Council approved a collections contract to pursue roughly $300,000 in outstanding ambulance bills, adopted several ordinances including a 2.56-acre rezoning and approved minor compensation changes for council and planning commissioners.
Centerton — The Centerton City Council approved a set of ordinances and resolutions on Sept. 10 that included a contract to pursue outstanding ambulance receivables and several routine measures on zoning, compensation and city business.
What passed: Council voted to adopt Ordinance 2024-24, rezoning roughly 2.56 acres owned by Robert and Letta Ericson from agricultural (A1) to highway commercial (C2) across from the post office and adjacent to commercial parcels. Council also adopted Ordinance 2024-25 (amending municipal code to add $25 per month for Planning Commission members who complete The Hub training) and Ordinance 2024-26 (adding $25 per month for city council members completing the same training).
A collections resolution — Resolution 2024-28 — authorizes the mayor and city clerk to enter an agreement with Credit Bureau Systems, Inc. to pursue overdue ambulance accounts. Staff said the city has about $300,000 in open accounts receivable for ambulance services; the vendor will initially retain 30% of collections, and different fee schedules may apply if accounts require legal action. Staff also said hardship and hospital-style discounting procedures will remain in place to protect low-income residents.
Other approved items included a resolution authorizing the county to collect Centerton property taxes and a resolution expressing the city’s willingness to accept a Northwest Arkansas small cities initiative grant to support downtown planning (Resolution 2024-29). Council approved surplus equipment for online sale and authorized hiring an assistant to the fire marshal at the rate discussed in the meeting. Several votes were recorded by roll call in the transcript.
Why it matters: The collection contract targets a substantial stock of unpaid ambulance bills that staff say could help offset operational costs and possibly cover systems fees. The rezoning clears the way for additional commercial development at a central corridor location near the post office.
Votes at a glance (selected items): - Ordinance 2024-24 (rezoning Ericson property to Highway Commercial): adopted (roll call recorded in meeting). - Ordinance 2024-25 (Planning Commission compensation): adopted (roll call recorded). - Ordinance 2024-26 (City council compensation for training): adopted (roll call recorded). - Resolution 2024-26 (authorize county to collect property tax): adopted. - Resolution 2024-28 (agreement with Credit Bureau Systems, Inc. for ambulance collections): adopted; transcript reports council discussion of $300,000 open AR and vendor fee of 30% of recoveries. - Resolution 2024-29 (Northwest Arkansas small cities grant willingness): adopted. - Personnel: assistant to the fire marshal hire approved; surplus equipment declared and approved for sale.
The meeting continued with a bond financing presentation and other business; the council adjourned after routine announcements.
