Cave Springs Annexed Land to Be in Ward 3
The Rogers City Council has taken the final step in the land swap between Rogers and Cave Springs by approving the assignment of the annexed land from Cave Springs to Ward 3. This move follows the simultaneous annexation and detachment agreement aimed at cleaning up the cities’ borders.
The annexed land, which is currently in a less developed area, will not significantly impact the voting statistics for Ward 3. The council’s decision ensures a clear jurisdictional alignment for the newly added land, bringing it under the representation of Ward 3, led by Councilman Clay Kendall.
Residents of the affected areas had previously expressed concerns about the swap, citing worries about emergency response times, utilities, and homeowner’s insurance. Despite this, the council’s approval marks the completion of the land swap process, which began with ordinances passed by both city councils in late March.
The new annexation also highlights the cities’ efforts to maintain cohesive borders and improve recent operations. Cave Springs, for example, will now become one continuous land mass following the swap. Furthermore, the cities have arranged for uninterrupted services for the affected residents during the transition period.
The land swap has been a central issue in recent months, with public hearings held in both cities. Residents who will be annexed into Cave Springs expressed feelings of betrayal, while those from Rogers expressed concerns about emergency response times and utilities. The approval of the annexation assignment now solidifies the new boundaries and ward alignments for the exchanged land.
In addition to the land swap, the Rogers City Council also addressed several other key issues, including the allocation of grant funds for housing rehabilitation and debris removal following a recent storm. The total funds approved for debris removal stand at million, with a portion of it being reimbursable.
