Retirement Community Incorporates - Seniors Rule

Bella Vista Village, developed in 1965 by Cooper Communities, Inc., is a retirement community in the northwest region of Arkansas.  This  community is located on 36,326 acres and has a population of  16,000 plus residents.  Though some younger families have now made Bella Vista their home, the majority of the residents are 55+.  At last census, the average age of the residents within the community is 61.2. 

Bella Vista Village has within its borders around 9,000 acres of common property, eight golf courses, four country clubs, five recreational centers, over 100 social clubs, eight lakes, fourteen tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming, and the list goes on.  Bella Vista even has a kids’ day camp that runs in the summer for those wanting to enjoy having their grandchildren visit for the summer.

 Rather than a retirement community, it almost sounds like a town, doesn’t it?  Well, that’s what a majority of the residents of Bella Vista Village thought, too.  And on November 7th of 2006, this community, by an overwhelming majority vote, decided to incorporate.  At this election, a mayor, a treasurer/recorder, five aldermen, and a city attorney were also elected, and on December 7th, 2006, Bella Vista was declared a town.

Bella Vista will continue to have an organized POA, which will still operate and control the amenities.  As with any incorporated town, there will be new and additional expenses arising that are not under POA control, and for those expenses Bella Vista can expect to receive turnback funds from the State and County of Benton.  These funds are expected to be available sometime in April of 2007, as soon as an updated Bella Vista census is completed. 

Prior to that time, the town of Bella Vista will be operating on a very limited budget.  The Benton County Sheriff department will continue to provide police protection until the town can independently assume that responsibility and Cooper Communities, Inc., has agreed to provide some office space and computers for the town’s use as well.  There was also an interest-free revolving line of credit in the amount of $40,000 for the town from the community POA funds that was drawn up to help with start-up expenses. 

The initial expenses involved in the administration of a newly-incorporated town can be high, and no doubt Bella Vista will experience some growing pangs.  It will be interesting to monitor Bella Vista’s successes and moments of challenge in the months and even years ahead.  For communities who in time may similarly consider incorporation, there will be much to be learned.