Attorneys: Bella Vista Annexation Settlement Near

By Anna Fry The Morning News Parties in a lawsuit challenging Bella Vista's annexation of 12 land parcels have verbally agreed on a proposed settlement, the plaintiffs' attorney said. The settlement is circulating among the more than 20 plaintiffs for them to review and sign, said Rick Hood of Hood and Stacy Law Firm in Bentonville. He said he expects them all to sign, although a couple of plaintiffs said Thursday they would not. Under the proposal, the city will provide assurance the parcels' current land uses will be grandfathered in and the plaintiffs will dismiss their suit, said Jason Kelley, who provides legal services for Bella Vista. Kelley is assisting Mike Mosley, an attorney with the Arkansas Municipal League. Mosley did not return phone messages left at his office on Wednesday and Thursday. The City Council voted... [read full story]