At Monday’s city council meeting, Billy Deatherage represented Ambassador Transportation to operate a taxi service in Eureka Springs. Alderman Mickey Schneider asked him how much research he had done about Eureka Springs, and Deatherage answered, “Not much.” He said he received numerous calls for rides, and hoped to find a driver in town who would be available to grow the business as the town grows.
City Attorney Tim Weaver said City Code requires council to grant a Certificate of Necessity for a taxi company to operate in the city, and alderman Kristi Kendrick said she was opposed to monopolies, so would vote to approve the application.
Alderman David Mitchell wondered why council would grant a Certificate of Necessity without knowing if there were a need, and alderman Terry McClung responded if there were not a need, no company would stick around.
Mitchell agreed with Kendrick’s sentiment about monopolies, but wanted to be convinced the town needed another taxi service. McClung insisted council had approved the last application, and it would not be fair to deny this one. “Either they make it or they leave,” he said.
David White of Eureka Taxi said he has served the city seven days a week for 29 years, and his opinion was that need for taxi service in town was being met. He said he should have been notified if the need was not being met, and he has earned respect in town for his continued service when others did not remain.
Anthony McBride of Abundant Taxi stated it is mostly a weekend business in Eureka Springs, but otherwise there was not a great enough need for another taxi company in town.
Mitchell observed he would go against his “raging capitalist” instincts and oppose the application, and vote to deny the application was 4-2, Kendrick and alderman Melissa Greene voting No.