Voters to consider merging cities

By The Associated Press

Voters in Arkadelphia and Caddo Valley are preparing to decide if they want to merge their southwestern Arkansas cities.

Early voting will open in the Clark County Courthouse on Tuesday and will run through July 13. Regular voting will take place on July 14.

The issue of consolidation has received much debate between officials in both cities. While the Arkadelphia City Board of Directors voted unanimously for an ordinance in favor of consolidation, the Caddo Valley City Council passed a unanimous voice vote against the merger.

If the measure passes, the City of Caddo Valley will no longer be governed under a mayoral form of government. The citys name will be changed to Arkadelphia and will be governed under Arkadelphias city manager form of government.