After months of study, the Walnut Ridge Mayor says consolidating with Hoxie "MUST wait."
Mayor Charles Snapp released a statement yesterday officially opposing a merger of the two cities after reviewing the study conducted by the Economic Impact Committee. Snapp created the committee to analyze how a potential merger would impact the quality of life and economy for the city. The EIC held two public meetings to discuss the findings which Snapp used to make his decision.
According to the official statement released to local media, Snapp says the merger would have a negative impact on Walnut Ridge. He cites Hoxie's unstable revenue and infrastructure, in addition to strong opposition from Hoxie residents and leadership, including Mayor Lanny Tinker.
Tinker told the Jonesboro Sun that he supported Snapp's opposition of the merger, but disputed the unstable revenue claim. He said Hoxie saw an increase in its general fund revenues in 2016.