Jeff Hendren will remain on the Bella Vista Property Owners Association Board of Directors after winning re-election this month, alongside two newcomers — Kim Carlson and Dave Armstrong — who will take their seats on the nine-member board.
Hendren was the only incumbent running in the latest election, with board members Sandy Fosdick and David Brandenburg choosing not to seek re-election. The three open seats drew five candidates, with Hendren, Carlson, and Armstrong finishing in the top three. Steve McKee came in fourth, falling 365 votes short of a seat.
Vote totals showed Hendren leading with 5,381 votes. Carlson followed with 4,741, and Armstrong received 4,706. McKee garnered 4,341 votes. In all, 19.9% of registered voters in the association participated in the election, which ran from early April through May 19.
Board Structure and Terms
The Bella Vista Property Owners Association board is made up of nine volunteer property owners, each serving a three-year term. Every year, three seats rotate off the board and are filled through elections. All association members in good standing were eligible to vote and could cast ballots for up to three candidates.
The board oversees the association’s operations, which include maintaining common areas, managing architectural guidelines, and supporting community amenities throughout Bella Vista. The association also manages a substantial budget funded by annual dues paid by homeowners within the Bella Vista community.
Bella Vista, located in Benton County, is known for its planned community layout and high rate of resident-owned homes. The association plays a central role in maintaining the area’s aesthetic and quality of life, particularly in neighborhoods like The Trails, Sundance, and The Enclave.
For some residents, the association’s influence is a key reason they chose to move to Bella Vista. For others, it’s a point of ongoing discussion — particularly around dues, rule enforcement, and transparency in decision-making. Board elections tend to reflect those priorities, with candidates often running on platforms that include fiscal oversight, community engagement, and infrastructure improvements.
New Faces, Continuing Role
Kim Carlson and Dave Armstrong bring fresh perspectives to the board. Neither has previously served in an official capacity with the association, though both have been active in community groups and neighborhood initiatives. Their election suggests a shift in the board’s makeup, with more new members than returning ones as the association moves into its next fiscal year.
Carlson, a retired educator, has lived in Bella Vista for over a decade and has volunteered with local youth programs and neighborhood watch groups. Armstrong, a financial consultant, recently relocated to Bella Vista from Rogers and has expressed interest in long-term planning and budget transparency.
Jeff Hendren, who has served on the board since 2023, ran on a platform of continuity and stewardship. His re-election signals that a segment of the community supports the board’s recent direction, including its approach to capital improvements and communication with residents.
Steve McKee, who narrowly missed a seat, ran as a write-in candidate after initially being left off the ballot due to a filing error. Despite the setback, McKee garnered significant support, and his campaign highlighted growing interest in board-level debate around association spending and policy enforcement.
Voter turnout, while modest, was in line with previous years. Association leaders say they continue to look for ways to boost engagement, including more accessible voting methods and clearer communication about candidate platforms.
With the new board set to take office in June, attention now turns to how the group will address upcoming decisions — from infrastructure upgrades to long-term budget planning. The association’s annual meeting, typically held in July, will offer the first public opportunity to hear the new members’ priorities.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
