Bentonville, Arkansas is a 1st Class City. In Arkansas, a first-class city has a population of more than 2,500.  

Bentonville operates under a mayor-council form of government, which is common in municipalities across the United States. Here’s an overview of how the local government works:

ELECTED POSITIONS

Incumbents (as of December 2024)

Mayor

• Description

• Full-time, salaried (set by City Council).
• Elected to 4-year term, no limit on number of terms.
• Must be:

• a registered voter
• live in the city limits
• at least 18 years old or older
• have no felony convictions
• Election
• The qualified voters of the city shall elect a mayor for a four-year term in 1990 and every four years thereafter in accordance with state law. (Code 1994, § 2.24.02). State Law reference— Election and term of mayor, A.C.A. § 14-43-305.
• Duties

• As chief executive of the city, the mayor shall preside over all meetings of the city council and shall perform such duties as may be required of him by state statute or city ordinance. (Code 1994, § 2.24.03). State Law reference— Duties of mayor, A.C.A. § 14-43-504.
• The mayor shall appoint, with the approval of the city council (where such approval or confirmation is required) all officers of the city whose election or appointment is not provided for by state statutes or city ordinance. (Code 1994, § 2.24.04).
• Chief executive of the city – sees that the wheels of government keep turning, laws are enforced, and taxpayers get full value for their taxes
• While not a legislator, the Mayor has a great deal of influence in the passage of legislation
• Presides over council meetings
• Votes if a vote is needed to pass any ordinance, resolution or motion
• Has veto power
• Delivers annual “State of the City” address
• Prepares and administers municipal budget
• Recommends appointments to commissions and boards which are then confirmed by the City Council
• Hires and/or fires department heads
• Performs marriages
• Signs all city documents
• Lobbies on behalf of the city to support or help defeat federal or state legislation affecting cities
• Promotes economic development of the private sector
• Compensation
• The rate of pay of mayor shall be as determined by the city council from time to time in a manner that will comply with the Arkansas Constitution. (Code 1994, § 2.24.05).

City Clerk

• Description

• Elected to 4-year terms. Part-time.
• Same qualifications as Mayor.
• Custodian of all city records and ordinances. Takes minutes of City Council meetings.
• Election
• The city clerk shall be elected by the qualified voters of the city, and shall serve a four-year period. (Code 1994, § 2.28.01). State Law reference— City clerk generally, A.C.A. § 14-43-313; election of city clerk, A.C.A. § 14-43-316.
• Duties

• To have the custody of all the laws and ordinances of the city and to keep a regular and correct journal of the proceedings of the city council.
• To perform such other duties as may be required by the ordinances of the city or laws of the state. (Code 1994, § 2.28.03). State Law reference— Duties of clerk, A.C.A. § 14-43-506.
• The city clerk shall be the collector of all occupation and privilege taxes, and other taxes for the city. The city clerk shall keep records on all occupational and other taxes and moneys collected. (Code 1994, § 2.28.04). State Law reference— Duties of collector, A.C.A. § 14-43-508.
• Compensation
• The city clerk shall be paid the sum as established from time to time by the city council per month for the performance of his duties and for attendance at regular and special council meetings. (Code 1994, § 2.28.02; Ord. No. 87-85, § 2).

City Attorney

• Description

• Elected to 4-year terms. Part-time salaried position that is set by the City Council. Must be a licensed attorney, otherwise same qualifications as Mayor.
• City legal officer
• Duties
• The duties of the part-time elected city attorney shall be to attend all committee of the whole meetings and city council meetings, to ensure that the city council meetings are conducted in a legal manner, and to ensure that ordinances, resolutions, etc., are drafted and read correctly in conjunction with provisions set forth by statute and constitutional requirements. (Code 1994, § 2.36.04; Ord. No. 2000-52, § 1). State Law reference— City attorney generally, A.C.A. § 14-43-313.
• Compensation
• The monthly salary for this position shall be as established from time to time by the city. (Code 1994, § 2.36.05; Ord. No. 2000-52, § 2). State Law reference— Compensation of city attorney, A.C.A. § 14-43-410.

City Council

• Description

• The Bentonville City Council is the legislative body and consists of elected council members representing wards or districts within the city.
• Elected at-large, but representing wards.
• Two members from each ward. Members must live in the ward they represent, otherwise they must have the same qualifications as Mayor.
• Part-time. Two regularly scheduled council meetings per month.
• Election
• The aldermen of the city shall run for office at large in accordance with state law. (Code 1994, § 2.20.05). State Law reference— Aldermen, residence in elections, A.C.A. § 14-43-309.
• Wards
• 2025 Ward Map
• Duties

• Adopting ordinances and resolutions
• Approving budgets and expenditures
• Setting local policies and regulations
• Addressing issues like zoning, public safety, and city services
• Meetings

• All regular meetings of the council shall be held at the municipal building on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. (Code 1994, § 2.20.01). State Law reference— Open public meetings, A.C.A. § 25-19-106.
• At all meetings of the council, the following shall be the order of business unless the council by a majority vote shall order otherwise:

• Call to order.
• Pledge of allegiance.
• Moment of silence/invocation.
• Roll call.
• Approval of minutes.
• Agenda items.
• Announcements.
• Adjournment.
• (Code 1994, § 2.20.04)
• Special Meetings
• Procedures for calling:
• Special meetings may be called by the mayor or by any three aldermen in either of the two following manners or a combination thereof:

• By having written notice thereof stating the purpose of the meeting, served upon all of the members of the council at least two hours in advance of the meeting being called, by the chief of police or some member of the police department delegated by him therefor. The serving officer shall certify such service upon a copy of the notice, which shall be returned to the city clerk and shall be included in and made a part of the minutes of the special meeting of which such notice was given. The mayor or aldermen who called a special meeting in this manner shall sign the copy of the notice which is to be returned by the serving officer and made a part of the minutes of such meeting.
• By giving verbal notice of such meeting and the purpose thereof, in person, by telephone, by telegram or by radio, to all members of the council at least two hours in advance of the special meeting being called, if a majority of the members of the council attend such meeting, and if all members who do not attend acknowledge at the time of such meeting or within a reasonable time thereafter, in writing, that they were duly notified of the said meeting as provided in this subsection, and such acknowledgment shall be included in and made a part of the minutes of the meeting. If a special meeting is called in this manner, the mayor or aldermen who shall have given the verbal notice described in this subsection shall report to the council at such meeting the nature and time of the notice given and those to whom it was given, and this report shall be made a part of the minutes of the meeting.
• Purpose, restrictions:
• The calling of a special meeting shall be limited to specific purpose or purposes, and the minutes shall contain a recital of the purpose or purposes thereof. No ordinance or resolution outside of the scope of the recited purpose or purposes of the meeting shall be valid if passed at such a meeting, except that presentations and discussions of other matters may be considered.

• (Code 1994, § 2.20.02; Ord. No. 734, §§ 1, 3, 2-27-1979; Ord. No. 79-020, §§ 1, 3)
• State Law reference— Special meetings, A.C.A. § 14-43-502.
• Incumbents (As of December 2024)

Appointed Positions:

City Treasurer

• Description
• Appointment

• The city treasurer shall be appointed by the mayor with the approval of the city council. (Code 1994, § 2.32.01). State Law reference— Treasurer generally, A.C.A. § 14-43-405.
• The city treasurer may be appointed for a definite or indefinite term and may be removed at any time by the mayor with the approval of the city council. (Code 1994, § 2.32.03).
• Duties
• The city treasurer may also serve as the city clerk if provided by resolution of the city council. (Code 1994, § 2.32.02.
• Compensation
• The salary of the city treasurer shall be set and may be changed from time to time by the city council. (Code 1994, § 2.32.04).

Staff Attorney

• Description

• The staff attorney shall be a department head with assigned duties and responsibilities as other department heads.
• The staff attorney is a full-time position with all usual or agreed upon benefits as for other department heads.
• The staff attorney will be a licensed attorney admitted to practice by the state supreme court in its courts.
• The staff attorney is prohibited from the private practice of law.
• (Code 1994, § 2.36.01; Ord. No. 2000-53, § 1)
• Duties
• The incumbent for this post would report directly to the mayor and would be a department head over the legal department. This position’s responsibilities would include staff support with relation to day-to-day legal issues such as:

• Review contracts and other legal documents that involve city operations.
• Prepare ordinances, resolutions, contracts and other miscellaneous documents.
• Attend mayor’s staff meetings.
• Help in the selection of outside legal counsel that has particular expertise in a legal field where the city is involved. Again, the mayor would have the authority to approve any recommendation made by the staff attorney.
• Coordinate the activities of outside legal counsel that has been retained to represent the city for matters of litigation (i.e., Centerton and RDA issues).
• To be readily accessible to do research and answer questions and inquiries by department heads who have management/business decisions that require legal counsel.
• To be responsible for the handling of municipal court functions that, heretofore, have fallen under the purview of the city attorney.
• Administer hot check fund.
• Any other duties as assigned.
• (Code 1994, § 2.36.02; Ord. No. 2000-53, § 1)
• Compensation
• The salary range for this position shall be as established from time to time by the city. (Code 1994, § 2.36.03; Ord. No. 2000-53, § 2).

Board and Committee Members

• Qualifications
• According to State Statutes and City Ordinances adopted by City Council, the following criteria should generally be considered in making appointments. Because of differences in the appointive bodies, however, the relative importance assigned to the various criteria will vary with different appointments. For example, the Planning Commission appointments would normally emphasize experience and expertise in the subject matter. Besides the general criteria below, special consideration (such as being an organization representative) may be important for some appointments.

• Expertise and experience in the subject matter is preferred.
• Interest in the subject matter. Attendance at a meeting of the committee is recommended prior to application. (You may contact the Mayor’s office for times and locations.)
• Balance of the appointive body in terms of personal background, experience, perspective and representation. To be eligible to serve on a committee, you must be a registered voter residing in the corporate limits of Bentonville. If any board member shall cease to reside in the city limits, that person shall be disqualified to hold the position and a vacancy shall exist which shall be filled in accordance with applicable law and policy.
• Ability to attend meetings of the appointive body. Absence from three consecutive meetings is generally considered a basis for termination of membership on a city commission.
• Willingness to serve.
• Restrictions on Appointees

• It is unlawful to use or attempt to use a city position to gain special privileges or exemptions for yourself, family members, or others in a substantial financial relationship. A.C.A. § 21-8-304(a).
• It is unlawful to accept employment or engage in public or professional conduct that would require or induce you to disclose confidential city information. A.C.A. § 21-8-304(b).
• It is unlawful to use information gained by virtue of public service for personal gain or benefit. A.C.A. § 21-8-304(b).
• It is unlawful to accept a gift or compensation, as defined by law, other than the income and benefits provided by the city, for the performance of the duties and responsibilities of your position. A.C.A. § 21-8-801(a).
• It is unlawful to be interested, directly or indirectly, in the profits of any contract with the city unless disclosed and permitted by city council. A.C.A. § 14-42-107(b).
• It is unlawful to receive or furnish utility services unless payment is made according to the usual and regular rates, and in the same manner as the general public. A.C.A. 14-42-108.
• No person may serve as an officer of the city who has been convicted of a felony offense, or a misdemeanor offense that meets the following definitions: a. Embezzlement of public money, b. Bribery, c. Forgery, d. Abuse of office, e. Tampering, or f. An offense involving deceit, fraud, or false statement, including without limitation a misdemeanor offense related to the election process.

City Departments

Bentonville’s city government includes several departments responsible for specific services.

Airport

• Description
• Shall be

Building Inspection

• Description
• Shall be

Cemetery

• Description
• Shall be

City Attorney

• Description
• Shall be

District Court

• Description
• Shall be

Electric

• Description
• Shall be

Fire / Ambulance

• Description
•  Fire prevention, rescue services, and emergency response.

Inventory

• Description
• Shall be

Library

• Description
• Shall be

Parks and Recreation

• Description
• Managing local parks, trails, and recreational programs.

Planning / Code Enforcement

• Description
• Overseeing land use, development, and city growth.

Police

• Description
• Shall be known as the Bentonville Police Department, and the duties thereof shall be to maintain police protection and police services within the city. (Code 1994, § 2.48.01). State Law reference— Power to establish police department, A.C.A. § 14-52-101.

Public Works

• Description
• Shall be

Sewer

• Description
• Shall be

Street

• Description
• Shall be

Utilities

• Description
• Shall be

Wastewater

• Description
• Shall be

Water

• Description
• Shall be

Department Heads

All are hired employees possessing particular qualifications for each job. Full-time and salaried.

Community Development Director

• Appointment
• Duties
• Head of the

Director of Finance and Administration

• Appointment
• Duties
• Head of the

Engineering Director

• Appointment
• Duties
• Head of the

Fire Chief

• Appointment
• Duties
• Head of the

Library Director

• Appointment
• Duties
• Head of the

Parks and Recreation Director

• Appointment
• Duties
• Head of the

Police Chief

• Appointment
• The mayor is hereby authorized to appoint the chief of police in accordance with state law. (Code 1994, § 2.48.02)
• Duties

• Head of the department
• Fully responsible for the operation and the equipment of the department.
• Determine all matters in connection with the operation of his department, except the expenditure of city funds therein.
• Other duties shall be such as are fixed by the laws of the state and ordinances of the city.
• (Code 1994, § 2.48.03). State Law reference— Powers and duties of chief of police, A.C.A. § 14-52-202.

Public Works Director

• Appointment
• Duties
• Head of the

Staff Attorney

• Appointment
• Duties
• Head of the

Transportation Director

• Appointment
• Duties
• Head of the

Local Boards, Commissions, and Committees

Bentonville has various boards and commissions, such as the Planning Commission and the Parks Advisory Board. These groups provide recommendations to the City Council and mayor on specific issues.

Boards & Commissions | Bentonville, AR 

Finance Committee

The City Council Finance Committee shall be created and operated in compliance with the terms in this section:

• The Committee membership shall be made up of three (3) current members of the Bentonville City Council who shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council;
• A Chair will be selected among the appointed members;
• The Finance Committee shall meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, at an agreed upon time, preceding that Tuesday’s City Council meeting.
• The Finance Committee agenda shall be published with the corresponding City Council agenda and will consist of the Ordinances and Resolutions containing budget adjustments or otherwise impacting the City’s budget or fund balances;
• For each item, the Finance Committee will make a recommendation to the City Council as to whether the Resolution or Ordinance should pass, fail or be subject to other appropriate action;
• The Finance Committee is a public meeting; and
• The appointment of committee members will be evaluated yearly at the City’ Council’s organizational meeting held in compliance with A.C.A. §14-43-501.

Planning Commission

The Bentonville Planning Commission is a seven-member body responsible for overseeing zoning and subdivision regulations within the city. Its primary duties include approving preliminary plats, large-scale developments, and conditional uses, as well as making recommendations to the City Council regarding rezonings and final plats.

The current members of the Bentonville Planning Commission are:

•  Douglas Bryant: Term expires July 1, 2029
• Reginald Wright (Chairperson): Term expires July 1, 2025
• Eric Hipp: Term expires July 1, 2025
• Ifeoma Ibekwe: Term expires July 1, 2029
• Danny Bennet: Term expires July 1, 2027
• Elaine Kerr: Term expires July 1, 2027
• Dana Davis (Vice-Chairperson): Term expires July 1, 2028

These members are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council.

Bentonville Tree and Landscape Advisory Committee

The Bentonville Tree and Landscape Advisory Committee is an advisory body that collaborates with the Planning Commission, City Council, and city staff to maintain, enhance, and protect the urban forest within public rights-of-way. The committee also educates the public, promotes proper tree care, and encourages community involvement in developing Bentonville’s urban forest.

The committee comprises seven members, appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. Members serve three-year terms and are expected to attend regular monthly meetings, as well as occasional special meetings. Preferred applicants are professionals in fields such as forestry, botany, horticulture, and landscape architecture.

As of October 2024, the committee members are:

• Reagan Roth: Term expires December 31, 2026
• Gulizar Baggson: Term expires December 31, 2026
• Ashley Harris: Term expires December 31, 2025
• Nathan Lembke: Term expires December 31, 2026
• Ralph Weber: Term expires December 31, 2024
• Jeannie McIntire: Term expires December 31, 2026
• Mark Lankford (Vice Chair): Term expires December 31, 2025

For more information or to express interest in serving on the committee, please contact Taylor Allen, Community & Economic Development Planner, at [email protected] or (479) 271-3122.

Board of Adjustment

Board of Adjustments hears and decides on requests for variances from zoning regulations or appeals from a staff interpretation.

Housing Affordability Workgroup

The role of The Work Group is to conduct a review of housing needs, availability, and affordability in Bentonville by:

a)    Defining affordable housing, workforce housing, and any distinctions between the two;

b)    Analyzing the cost, availability, and application requirements for affordable and workforce housing, both existing and planned in the City; and

c)    Assessing the ways the City might have an effect on the availability, affordability, and application requirements of affordable and workforce housing.

The Work Group will consist of 7 non-compensated members who shall be appointed by the Mayor, and affirmed by the City Council, to serve in this voluntary role. The membership should reflect representation from various community stakeholders, for example:  local non-profit housing authorities, local developers or builders, ULI or NWAHBA members, private citizens, etc. this suggested list is non-exhaustive. The Mayor shall appoint the Chairperson and Secretary from the 7 members appointed. The Mayor shall appoint 1 City Council member to serve as part of the 7 member Work Group. The Mayor shall appoint at least 3 City staff members to serve in an advisory and informational capacity.

The meetings for the Work Group will be open to the public and the Work Group will host at least two public workshops specifically for public comment;

The Work Group will serve under the guidance of the Planning Department for administrative purposes; and

The Work Group will prepare a written report outlining a plan of action responsive to the tasks contained in Section 2, summarizing the public input and data analysis, and providing recommendations for further study if needed. These findings shall be presented to City Council by June 30, 2022, at which time more tasks may be assigned to the Work Group, at the discretion of the Mayor or the City Council, for its final report due by November 30, 2022.

• Members

• Awais Amin
• Debbie Martin
• Jeff Webster, Chairperson
• John “Ben” Van Kleef
• Paige Sauerwein
• Patti Constantakis
• Gayatri Agnew, City Council – Ex Officio
• Bill Burckart, City Council – Ex Officio

Library Advisory Board

• Members
• Awais Amin

Municipal Airport Advisory Board

• Members
• Awais Amin

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board

• Members
• Awais Amin

Planning Commission

• Members
• Awais Amin

Public Art Advisory Committee

• Members
• Awais Amin

Tree & Landscape Committee

• Members
• Awais Amin

Utility Board

Elections

• The mayor and City Council members are elected by the residents of Bentonville. Elections typically occur every four years.

Public Involvement

Ways citizens can influence Bentonville government:

Vote

Become Familiar with Municipal Government Actions

Bentonville’s city website usually lists upcoming changes to municipal codes. You can comment on these proposals before they become law.

• Meeting Information
• City CouncilBentonville’s City Website has an agenda packet, meeting minutes, and video for each meeting here: https://bentonvillear.com/592/Agendas-Minutes

Engage with Elected Officials

• Mayor
• City Council Members
• School Board Members

Publically Comment at City Council Meetings

Bentonville residents can make public comments in the following ways:

Email

Spend your comments by email to [email protected] by at least 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. This email includes the Mayor and City Council members.

Speak at a Meeting Online

Public comments can be made virtually by registering for the Council meeting using the Zoom link in the meeting agenda file at https://bentonvillear.com/592/Agendas-Minutes

Speak at a Meeting in Person

Speak in person at the meeting

Location

Council Chambers at:
305 SW A St.
Bentonville, AR 72712

City Council Meeting Dates

1/14/2025

1/28/2025

2/11/2025

2/25/2025

3/11/2025

3/25/2025

4/8/2025

4/22/2025

5/13/2025

5/27/2025

6/10/2025

6/24/2025

7/8/2025

7/22/2025

8/12/2025

8/26/2025

9/9/2025

9/23/2025

10/14/2025

10/28/2025

11/11/2025

11/25/2025

Tips for Speaking at a City Council Meeting

A comprehensive guide can be found here.

Share Your Views with the Public

Post and Comment in Online Forums

• Bentonville SubReddit
• Posts often get 10-20k views
• Bentonville Community Forum Facebook Group

Write Letter to the Editor of NWA Democrat Gazette Newspaper

Submit Online or Mail

• Online: https://www.nwaonline.com/submit/letter/
• Email: [email protected]
• Mail to: Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Attention: NWA Letters, P.O. Box 1607, Fayetteville, AR 72702; e-mailed directly to [email protected].

Submission Guidelines

• Letters should address a topic of general interest or public policy. Letters about individual or business disputes will not be published.
• Letters are limited to 500 words but may be edited as necessary for space. Letters about local issues will receive preferred treatment.
• Letters of a defamatory or libelous nature will not be published.
• Submissions must include the author’s name, home address and telephone number for verification purposes.
• If selected for publication, letters will include the name of the writer and the writer’s town of residence. No anonymous or unsigned letters will be considered nor will names be withheld from publication.
• You must answer the phone when they call to verify.

Run for Office

Run for Mayor

Run for City Council

• Elected at-large, but representing wards
• Two members from each ward
• Members must live in the ward they represent, otherwise same qualifications as mayor
• Part-time
• Two regularly scheduled council meetings per month; receives $808.16 per month

To run for a City Council seat in Bentonville, Arkansas, follow these steps:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a registered voter in Bentonville.
• Reside in the ward you intend to represent.
• Have no felony convictions.

2. Gather Signatures: Collect signatures from at least 30 qualified electors within your ward. This requirement is specified in the 2024 filing information provided by the Benton County Clerk’s Office.
    Benton County Voting
3. Prepare Necessary Documents: Complete the following forms:

• Nominating Petition.
• Affidavit of Eligibility.
• Political Practices Pledge.
• Statement of Financial Interest.

4. Submit Filing: File all completed documents with the Benton County Clerk’s Office during the designated filing period. For the 2024 election cycle, the filing period was from July 31 to August 7, 2024.
    Benton County Voting
5. Campaign Finance Compliance: If your campaign receives or spends over $500, file a Pre-election Report by October 29, 2024. All candidates must submit a Final Report by December 30, 2024.
    Benton County Voting

Run for School Board

Requirements to Run for School Board:

• Must be a qualified registered voter of the school district and the electoral zone, if applicable A.C.A. §§6-13-616(a), 6-14-111(h), (i)(1), Article 3, §1
• Must be a U.S. citizen Article 3, §1
• Must be an Arkansas resident Article 3, §1
• Must be a resident of the school district and, if elected from zones, the respective electoral zone A.C.A. §§6-13-631(d)(1), 6-14-111(i)(1)
• Must not be an employee of the school district served A.C.A. §6-13-616(b) • Must be lawfully registered to vote Article 3, §1
• Must never have been convicted of fraud, embezzlement of public money, bribery, forgery, or other infamous crime Article 3 § 6; Article 5 § 9

How to File by Petition:

• Must file a political practices pledge, an affidavit of eligibility, and a petition with the county clerk of the county in which the school district’s administration building is located at the appropriate filing period described below:
• Spring School Elections in Even-Numbered Years: Candidates for School Board file during the party filing period.

• In a year when the President of the United States is on the ballot, the party filing period begins at noon on the first Monday in November of the year prior to the election and closes at noon eight days later.
• In a year when the Governor is on the ballot, the party filing period begins at noon on February 22nd* and ends at noon on March 2nd

• Spring School Elections in Odd-Numbered Years: Candidates for school board file during the one week filing period beginning at noon on February 22nd* and ending at noon on March 2nd
• Fall School Elections: Candidates for school board file during the one week period ending at noon 90 days before a school election.

• A petition may be circulated no earlier than 90 calendar days before the filing deadline for candidates set for above. The petition must contain the names of at least 20 registered voters who are residents of the school district and, if applicable, the electoral zone for the position.
• The petition must state the name and title of the candidate as proposed by the candidate to appear on the ballot and identify the position sought, position number, and other identifying information, if applicable.
• The position sought cannot be changed once identified on the petition. The petition must be withdrawn and a new petition designating a different position filed before the filing deadline.
• School districts have the option whether to hold their annual school election in the spring or in the fall. A district will continue to hold its election in the same half of the year as it did in the prior year unless the district files notice that it is changing its election date with the county clerk at least 100 days prior to the first day of the candidate filing period.

∗ In a leap year the filing period begins on February 23rd.

• The petition must state the name and title of the candidate as proposed by the candidate to appear on the ballot and identify the position sought, position number, and other identifying information, if applicable.
• The position sought cannot be changed once identified on the petition. The petition must be withdrawn and a new petition designating a different position filed before the filing deadline.
• School districts have the option whether to hold their annual school election in the spring or in the fall. A district will continue to hold its election in the same half of the year as it did in the prior year unless the district files notice that it is changing its election date with the county clerk at least 100 days prior to the first day of the candidate filing period.

Serve on Advisory Boards, Commissions, or Committees

NWACC Board Of Trustees

NWACC is governed by a local board of trustees composed of nine members who are residents and qualified electors of the NWACC taxing district, the Rogers and Bentonville public school districts. Trustees are elected on a nonpartisan basis.

Trustees are elected by zones for terms of up to six years by the qualified electors of each particular NWACC zone at the general election. All nine trustee positions were elected in 2022 due to the decennial census, and trustees drew by lot for two, four and six-year terms.

At the time of filing the statement of candidacy, the candidates file a petition containing the signatures of at least twenty-five (25) qualified electors from their own particular zone. Petition forms and notarized statements are available at the Benton County Clerk’s Office, 215 E Central Ave, Bentonville, AR, Room 217.

For more information on NWACC’s Board of Trustees, contact NWACC Chief of Staff Grant Hodges, [email protected] or 479-619-2227.

Zone Map

Bentonville Municipal Code

Description

Think of municipal code as your city’s rulebook – it’s the collection of local laws and regulations that govern everyday life in your community. Just like a household has rules about noise levels and keeping the yard tidy, municipal codes set similar rules for the entire city.

These codes cover things you encounter daily, like:

• Whether you can have chickens in your backyard
• How late construction work can continue
• Where you can park your car
• What kinds of businesses can open in different neighborhoods
• How tall fences can be
• When and where you can water your lawn

You can view Bentonville’s municipal code online: https://bentonville.municipalcodeonline.com/book?type=ordinances#name=CHAPTER_1_GENERAL_PROVISIONS