As Mayor of Arkadelphia, I am incredibly proud of our city and all that we have accomplished together.
Arkadelphia is a community that I am honored to represent, and I take every opportunity to share the many positive things happening here with friends, colleagues, and visitors from around the country.
Recently, I have seen questions raised on social media regarding city government, our budget, and how decisions are made. I would like to provide some clarification.
Like many of our citizens, I am not particularly fond of taxes. However, taxes are a necessary part of providing the services that our residents rely on and expect every day. Within Arkadelphia’s city limits, residents pay a total sales tax of 10%. Of that amount, 6.5% goes to the State of Arkansas, 1.5% goes to Clark County, and 2% remains with the City of Arkadelphia. Along with franchise fees, those revenues make up the primary funding sources for our city’s operations and services.
It has been asked who is accountable or responsible for our city. In order to answer this question, it is important to understand how our city government functions.
Your elected, volunteer city board members are responsible for approving the annual budget and setting the strategic direction for our city. Our City Manager, working closely with department heads, develops the proposed budget and oversees the day-to-day operations necessary to carry out the Board’s vision. The recent City Board retreat was the beginning of that process for 2027, during which department leaders presented their priorities and needs for consideration. The City Manager will then develop the budget for 2027 and present it to the board for their approval.
Our Fire Department is responsible for protecting lives and property while providing mutual aid to neighboring communities when needed. Their efforts helped achieve an improved ISO rating, which can hold down or reduce homeowner’s insurance rates.
Our Police Department is responsible for maintaining a crime rate below the state average, oversees an innovative School Resource Officer program, and works tirelessly to ensure public safety.
Our Water Department is responsible for high-quality water being available at your fingertips and taking sewerage away and treating it so that it can be released. Their recent improvements to the water treatment facility represent a significant investment in our community’s future.
Our Sanitation Department is responsible for hauling away as many bags of trash as you would like to put out at your curb twice per week, as well as large item pick up anytime you call them.
Our Street Department is responsible for year-round repair and maintenance of our aging streets, regardless of weather conditions. While some of our major thoroughfares are currently under the jurisdiction of the Arkansas Department of Transportation, our staff remains committed to maintaining and improving the streets and infrastructure within the city’s control.
Our Airport Department is responsible for managing a valuable regional asset that supports Henderson State University’s aviation program and serves an important gateway for businesses and visitors traveling to Arkadeiphia via air.
Our Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for overseeing the many programs throughout the year for both children and adults and maintaining the facilities that are used for these activities. In doing so, they support recreation, wellness, and quality of life for our residents.
I want to recognize the outstanding work of our City Manager as well, as all our city staff and employees. Effective local government requires strong leadership, sound financial management, and a commitment to public service. Our City Manager coordinates the efforts of all city departments, ensures responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources, and works diligently to deliver quality services that improve the lives of our residents. Those services are provided by dedicated employees across every department.
I encourage any of our citizens with questions about city government, city services, or the budgeting process to reach out to me or any member of the City Board. Or better yet, get involved. Volunteer to serve on one of your city boards or committees. We are always looking for good, concerned citizens of our city to serve. The satisfaction of working to make our city better for everyone is very gratifying.
Scott Byrd, DDS
Mayor of Arkadelphia