Overton files for fifth term on Springdale Council

SPRINGDALE — Springdale Council member Mike Overton has filed for a fifth term. Overton, 73, represents Ward 2, which covers the southeastern part of Springdale. He also serves as chairman of the ordinance committee.

Overton is proud of the work the council has done during his tenure to increase public safety through the police department, provide amenities like parks and assist senior citizens through the Senior Center.

Overton said the council needs to continue its work for public safety. He wants to enhance the police department by recruiting new officers.

He also foresees added costs for the city as it closes its jail and transfers all prisoners to the Washington County Detention Center in Fayetteville and the current daily fee for housing inmates increases.

“Eventually, taxpayers are going to have to pay for that,” he said. “And the county is going to have to build a bigger facility.”

Springdale voters approved a $40.8 million bond issue in February to build a city administration building, which will include city offices, municipal courts and the police department, but no jail.

He’d also like to explore other ways to help the community’s senior citizens.

“They do with so few resources,” he said. “We’ve done a lot, but they still have some unmet needs. They have been the backbone of this community.”

Council members earn $10,200 per year, according to Wyman Morgan, the city’s director of finance and administration.

Overton has no announced opponents as of this afternoon. Filing for municipal offices closes at noon Aug. 17. The nonpartisan election is Nov. 6.