Prairie Grove Population Grows With Housing

PRAIRIE GROVE -- New residential growth continued at a record pace in 2017, adding an estimated 576 more people to the city's population, Mayor Sonny Hudson said in giving the annual State of the City address last week.

The city's estimated population is now more than 6,000 people, a growth of 37 percent during the past seven years.

Hudson used information from the city's monthly newsletter, called FYI, as part of his address. Larry Oelrich, director of administrative services and public works, prepares the newsletter for the city and the February issue gave a review of 2017.

The city issued permits for 184 single family homes, 15 duplexes, two tri-plexes and five four-plexes for a total of 240 dwelling units in 2017.

Commercial permits included three permits for new construction -- Arvest Bank, Mark Silva Commercial Building, Cedar Ridge Estates Club House -- and three for commercial remodels.

The city also saw other new businesses open in town, such as Magnolia Coffee House, Blue Grass Transmission Shop, High on the Hog Gifts, Petal Peddler Flower Shop and a new tire shop.

Residential construction benefited water sold and solid waste collection.

Water use was up in 2017 but water loss also was up. The city sold about 123 million gallons of water compared to 116 million gallons of water in 2016. The number of water users increased from 2,330 to 2,550 over the course of the year, a 10-percent increase.

The city lost almost 190 million gallons of water due to unknown leaks in the system throughout the year.

The city collected about 4.4 million pounds of solid waste for the landfill. Recycling volumes increased more than 10 percent for 2017, compared to 2016.

The city collected almost $500,000 from its local 1 percent sales tax for a total of $1.1 million collected from the city's 2.25-percent sales tax rate. Property tax assessments were up in 2017 and this will be reflected in the property taxes paid in 2018.

Other highlights in 2017 are that the city purchased the former Walmart building in December for a net cost of $650,000 to be used for a new public library. The city is using $375,000 in donated funds for a new library to help pay for the building. The balance comes from a loan and reserves. The city purchased the building from Harps.

A major project to overhaul the city's 42-year-old water plant was ongoing in 2017 and the rehabilitated plant went back online in December 2017.

In January, the city paid off its short-term loan for the two buildings that house City Hall, district court and the police department. This loan was paid off 11 months early, Hudson said.

The city constructed .9 mile of new sidewalks, including a long sidewalk that ties Prairie Meadows and Willow Creek subdivisions to the high school and other school buildings on Bush and Viney Grove Road.

General News on 02/28/2018