New county committee seeks 'long-range' plans

The recently formed Faulkner County Long-Range Planning and Economic Development Committee held its fourth meeting Monday evening.

Still in its early stages, the committee continues to take "baby steps," Faulkner County Judge Preston Scroggin said, but members commented frequently on the need for quick action to stay ahead of issues that have risen and will continue rise with the county's growing population.

The five committee members are continuing to study six counties with broadly similar population and economic traits Washington, Sebastian, Garland, Craighead, Saline and Benton counties. The committee plans to compile lists of "best practices" observed in these counties that could be feasibly applied to Faulkner County.

There was also discussion of how to best compile reams of Faulkner County-specific data sent yearly from Little Rock-based metropolitan planning and consultancy firm Metroplan.

According to committee member Johnny Wells, this data has, for the first time, "given us an accurate picture of the county," in that it provides current factual data that, with an effective means to digest it, can form the basis for long-term planning decisions.

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Faulkner County pays about $18,000 yearly in Metroplan dues, which all committee members and Scroggin said represents good value for the services rendered.

Other discussion centered on the likely impact a planned Hewlett-Packard customer service and technical support center will have and ways to continue and further develop the spirit of cooperation between county and Conway government and entities like Conway Development Corp. Such cooperation last year led to the installation of a large natural gas-related facility built by Cudd Pumping Services Inc. in Vilonia, which Vilonia Mayor Ken Belote has said was among the most beneficial developments in the town's history.

There is a tipping point at which population growth and the potential for extensive and rapid economic development outstrip the capability of a government to plan for it, Scroggin said after the meeting, and the county has reached it. This committee, he continued, is charged with finding ways to keep the county ahead of the every-changing curve, and he is optimistic that it can find success.

"It's like I've always said: change is inevitable," Scroggin said. "You'll either embrace it, or it'll embrace you."

(Staff writer Joe Lamb can be reached by e-mail at joe.lamb@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1238. Send us your news at www.thecabin.net/submit)