Trial Set for Tontitown Property’s Annexation into Springdale

It looks as if First Security Bank of Searcy will finally have its day in court, and if things go the bank’s way, its 38-acre foreclosure on U.S. 412 in Tontitown will be cleared for annexation into Springdale.

As you recall, the bank filed suit in December asking the court to detach the property because Tontitown, mired in a protracted war over the fate of its fire department, was unable or unwilling to provide the property with adequate municipal services, including fire protection.

The case goes to non-jury trial on Sept. 22 in judge Stacey Zimmerman’s court.

In an April 16 sworn deposition, former mayor Jack Beckford was grilled about the inner workings of Tontitown. Beckford kept his cards close to his vest, but late in the deposition with First Security attorney Gary D. Jiles, he made a telling remark about the bank’s desire to move its multimillion-dollar property into Springdale. 

“I would let them have their annexation at this point,” Beckford said. “I would say that the city of Tontitown is not going to do what they want and as a private citizen, I think they’re right. It will benefit them a whole lot more to be in Springdale.”

Enough said.