BETHEL HEIGHTS, Ark. — Bethel Heights could soon become part of Springdale if approved by voters.
It all started over a sewer problem in Bethel Heights, which some residents hope will be fixed if annexed into a bigger city.
Several homeowners in Bethel Heights have been battling the city over its sewage management for years. The state got involved and issued fines, but it's still not fixed, and some say enough is enough. They want to be a part of Springdale.
"The city government here in Bethel Heights is the most immoral and unethical bunch of people that I've ever seen in my life," Bethel Heights resident Al Drinkwater said.
Some residents want a new local government because they are tired of the alleged mismanagement of the city's sewage system. They say from December of 2019 to May of this year; nearby fields have been covered with sewage.
"It was nothing but a flood, nothing but a sea of water. Nothing but sewage running down the creek," Drinkwater told 5NEWS.
Next Tuesday's (Aug. 11) election could potentially consolidate Bethel Heights with Springdale.
In March of this year, the State of Arkansas sued Bethel Heights for not complying with the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality permits.
Residents in favor of consolidation say sewage bills will increase if nothing changes.
"The sewer bills are going to go up to about $100 and $120 a month just for sewer," Drinkwater said.
Those residents opposed are saying they want to keep the small community feeling.
"It's only a population of a few thousand people in, so that's what I enjoy," Bethel Heights resident Karen Fitzgerald said.
Residents against the consolidation say they want city employees to keep their jobs, and they want to keep their emergency responders nearby. While residents in favor of consolidation say Springdale already helps with a lot of fire and police calls.
For more information about early voting in Benton County, follow this link.