Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026
Bull Shoals City Council Election 2026
1 of 6 council seats are on the ballot, with 2 candidates running. Updated Oct 21, 2026. Every claim links to its source. How we check
How to vote · 11 days left
Early voting ends (Nov 2): the election office's noticeThese links go to official state and county election sites. Hours and rules differ by state; your election office has the final word.
The candidates
Listed alphabetically by last name. Every position links to its source.
Only Ward 1, Position 1 is contested; Michael Howell is unopposed for mayor and five council candidates are unopposed.
Also on your Nov 3 ballot
We research city races only. For these races, go to the state's official guide or a nonpartisan one.
- Governor
- Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders · Republican
- Colt Shelby · Libertarian
- State Senator Fred Love · Democratic
- U.S. Senate
- Hallie Shoffner · Democratic
- Senator Tom Cotton · Republican
- Jeff Wadlin · Libertarian
- Also statewideLieutenant Governor · Attorney General · Secretary of State · State Treasurer · Auditor of State · Commissioner of State Lands
- Statewide measures4 on the ballot: the state's official explanations
Districts come from 2020 Census blocks and the district maps for this election. Your address decides your districts.
Already on the council, not on the ballot
Whoever you elect will govern alongside these members.
- George J. GredeCouncilmember; unopposed for City Council, Ward 1, Position 2 in November 20268sourced
- Michael HowellBull Shoals City Council member for Ward 2, Position 2.8sourced
- Kevin HutchisonCouncilmember, Ward 3, Position 2; unopposed for re-election in November 20268sourced
- Cody JacksonUnopposed for City Council, Ward 3, Position 1 in November 20261sourced
- Edwin R. Martin Sr.Unopposed for City Council, Ward 2, Position 2 in November 20261sourced
- Russell MeinkingBull Shoals City Council member for Ward 2, Position 1.8sourced
What the next council decides
01City finances and audits4 sourced facts
Where it standsCouncil members and residents have questioned the city's financial reports, and in 2026 the council separated the recorder and treasurer jobs.
What's on the tableHow the city checks its books, finishes its audits and sets its budget.
- The city incurred $4,323.78 in IRS penalties for overdue payments in 2025, and an anonymous citizen covered the cost. City of Bull Shoals · Feb 26, 2026
- The council accepted the treasurer's report 4-2 on April 30, 2026, with Councilman Grede and Councilman Howell voting no. City of Bull Shoals · Apr 30, 2026
- Ordinance 2026-06 separated the offices of City Recorder (elected) and City Treasurer (appointed by a two-thirds council vote). City of Bull Shoals · May 28, 2026
- In June 2026 the 2023 audit was still in process, with no updates on the 2024 audit. City of Bull Shoals · Jun 25, 2026
02Sewer and water system4 sourced facts
Where it standsThe city is working with the state on sewer line infiltration and raised its water/sewer maintenance fee in January 2026.
What's on the tableHow the city pays for sewer repairs and whether it does the work itself or hires contractors.
- Ordinance 2026-02 raised the water/sewer maintenance fee from $5 to $10 per month to fund depreciation accounts for water meters and sewer infrastructure. City of Bull Shoals · Jan 29, 2026
- In April 2026 the council approved buying used Macalac equipment for $137,000, $151,000 with other costs, after a 3-3 vote broken by the mayor. City of Bull Shoals · Apr 30, 2026
- Resolution 2026 R-08 raised water and sewer connection fees, with annual increases of 2% or the CPI, whichever is greater. City of Bull Shoals · Apr 30, 2026
- ADEQ is providing an engineer for the sewer work, and the June 2026 minutes say there are grants and loans at 0% interest, some forgivable. City of Bull Shoals · Jun 25, 2026
03Sunday alcohol sales3 sourced facts
Where it standsThe council referred the question of Sunday off-premises alcohol sales, 10 a.m. to midnight, to Bull Shoals voters on Nov. 3, 2026.
What's on the tableHow the city handles alcohol permits and taxes after voters decide the Sunday sales question.
- Ordinance 2026-07 submits the question of Sunday off-premises sales to Bull Shoals voters at the Nov. 3, 2026 general election. City of Bull Shoals · Jun 25, 2026
- The ordinance says Bull Shoals is in a "wet" county, where state law allows Sunday off-premises sales by a vote of the people. City of Bull Shoals · Jun 25, 2026
- In December 2025 the council adopted Ordinance 2025-15, an annual privilege tax and license for the sale of alcohol beverages. City of Bull Shoals · Dec 18, 2025
04Zoning, resorts and rentals4 sourced facts
Where it standsThe council updated the zoning code in April 2026, and residents have disputed whether the Bel Arco resort property is following city zoning rules.
What's on the tableHow the city enforces zoning rules for resorts and rentals and rules on rezoning requests.
- Ordinance 2026-04 amends zoning rules for single-family residences, including short-term rentals, commercial districts, tourist accommodations, parking, signs and fences. City of Bull Shoals · Feb 26, 2026
- The council passed Ordinance 2026-04 on third reading 6-0 on April 30, 2026. City of Bull Shoals · Apr 30, 2026
- The city attorney's opinion discussed in March 2026 was that resorts are for tourist accommodation and should not offer leased apartments. City of Bull Shoals · Mar 26, 2026
- A public hearing on the Bel Arco property's zoning was set for September 10, 2026. City of Bull Shoals · Aug 27, 2026
05Golf carts on city streets2 sourced facts
Where it standsIn March 2026 the council approved Ordinance 2026-03, allowing golf carts on city streets with permits.
What's on the tableHow the city permits and enforces golf cart use on its streets.
- The golf cart ordinance includes requirements for driver's licenses, inspections and insurance, and limits where carts may be operated. City of Bull Shoals · Jan 29, 2026
- The council approved Ordinance 2026-03 on third reading 6-0 on March 26, 2026. City of Bull Shoals · Mar 26, 2026
5 notes on these statements
Travis Fancher was appointed to fill the vacant Ward 1, Position 1 council seat in May 2026. City of Bull Shoals · May 28, 2026
The council accepted the resignation of Mayor Bill Stahlman on July 9, 2026. City of Bull Shoals · Jul 9, 2026
Travis Fancher, the only applicant, was appointed mayor for the remainder of the year, to December 31, 2026. City of Bull Shoals · Jul 30, 2026
Michael Howell is the only candidate for mayor, and George J. Grede, Russell Meinking, Edwin R. Martin Sr., Cody Jackson and Kevin Hutchison are unopposed for the other council seats. Marion County Election Commission
Bull Shoals voters will also decide whether to allow off-premises alcohol sales on Sundays from 10 a.m. to midnight. City of Bull Shoals · Jun 25, 2026
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Key dates
- Voter registration deadlineMarion County Election CommissionOct 5, 2026
- Early voting beginsMarion County Election CommissionOct 19, 2026
- Early voting endsMarion County Election CommissionNov 2, 2026
- Election dayMarion County Election CommissionNov 3, 2026
The seat math
6 stay (not up this year): George J. Grede, Michael Howell, Kevin Hutchison, Cody Jackson, Edwin R. Martin Sr., Russell Meinking1 on this ballot
6 council seats plus a mayor who doesn't vote on council items. The council decides by a 4-vote majority.
- The Bull Shoals City Council has six members, two positions in each of three wards. City of Bull Shoals
- City Council meetings are held on the last Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m., and workshops on the third Tuesday. City of Bull Shoals
- The mayor casts a vote to break a tie, as on the Macalac equipment purchase in April 2026. City of Bull Shoals · Apr 30, 2026
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