Protect Eureka Springs

Investing in Our Infrastructure. Protecting Our Future.

This November, Eureka Springs voters will have the opportunity to make one of the most important investments in our community's future.

The Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has officially endorsed the proposed 1% Sales Tax and both Water & Sewer Bond Issues.

After careful consideration, the Board concluded these measures represent one of the most significant opportunities in decades to invest in the infrastructure that supports our residents, businesses, and visitors.

Reliable water and sewer systems are essential to public health, economic development, tourism, and the continued success of Eureka Springs. By approving these measures, voters have the opportunity to address critical infrastructure needs while allowing millions of dollars in visitor spending to help fund improvements that benefit our entire community.

We encourage every voter to learn about the proposal, review the facts, and join us in supporting all three measures this November.

Why the Chamber Supports These Measures

Reliable infrastructure is essential to a healthy local economy.

Businesses depend on dependable water and sewer service to operate. Residents deserve safe, reliable infrastructure. Visitors expect the same quality of services they enjoy in every destination they visit.

These ballot measures represent an opportunity to address long-term infrastructure needs while sharing the cost with the visitors who benefit from our community every day.

The Chamber believes investing in infrastructure is investing in the future of Eureka Springs.

What's on the Ballot?

Voters will consider three separate ballot questions:

1% Local Sales Tax

A twenty-year local sales tax dedicated exclusively to water and sewer infrastructure improvements and repayment of the bonds used to complete those projects. According to the City, the revenue generated by this tax cannot be diverted to unrelated City projects.

Water Infrastructure Bond

Provides immediate funding for water system improvements, including water line repairs, replacement of aging infrastructure, new water lines, and future expansion.

Sewer Infrastructure Bond

Provides immediate funding for sewer treatment plant improvements, sewer line repairs, and expansion of the City's sewer system.

Why All Three Matter

Although voters will see three separate questions on the ballot, the City has explained that the measures are designed to work together.

The bond issues provide the funding needed to begin projects immediately.

The sales tax provides the revenue needed to repay those bonds over time.

If approved together, the City states improvements can begin sooner while creating a long-term funding source for repayment.

Visitors Help Share the Cost

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people visit Eureka Springs.

They stay in our lodging properties.

They dine in our restaurants.

They shop in our stores.

They enjoy our attractions.

Like residents, they also rely on the City's water and sewer systems.

Because the proposed funding comes from a local sales tax rather than relying solely on utility customers, visitors will help contribute to the infrastructure they use during their stay. According to the City's materials, this helps reduce the financial burden placed exclusively on local residents. 

Protecting Our Future

Previous generations built the infrastructure we rely on today.

Now it is our turn to ensure Eureka Springs has the water and sewer systems necessary to support our homes, our businesses, our visitors, and future generations.

Strong infrastructure strengthens economic development, protects public health, supports tourism, and helps preserve the unique character that makes Eureka Springs unlike anywhere else.

Learn More

Explore the resources below to learn more about these important ballot measures.

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Sample Ballot Language
• Project Information
• City Presentations
• Downloadable Resources
• Election Information

Join Us in Protecting Eureka Springs

The Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce encourages every registered voter to learn about these measures, ask questions, and make an informed decision this November.

Together, we can invest in the infrastructure that supports our homes, our businesses, and the future of Eureka Springs.