Doug Sprouse is the mayor of Springdale, AR, a position he has held since 2009 and now occupies in his fifth consecutive term after running unopposed in the November 2024 general election. Springdale operates under a mayor-council form of government, which makes the mayor the chief executive officer of the city with veto power over council actions and direct oversight of city departments.1Justia. Arkansas Code 14-43-504 – Powers and Duties of Mayor
What the Mayor Does
Arkansas law designates the mayor of a first-class city as its chief executive officer and conservator of the peace, and Springdale qualifies as a first-class city with a population above 91,000.2Justia. Arkansas Code 14-37-104 – Cities of the First Class The mayor’s central duty is to see that city ordinances and regulations are faithfully carried out. The office also supervises the conduct of all city officers, investigates complaints against them, and carries the same peace-keeping powers as a county sheriff within city limits. Within the first 90 days of each year, the mayor must report to the city council on the state of municipal affairs and recommend any measures the mayor considers advisable.1Justia. Arkansas Code 14-43-504 – Powers and Duties of Mayor
Departments and Appointments
Executive authority extends to direct supervision of all municipal departments, including the Springdale Police Department, Springdale Fire Department, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation. In 2019, the city council formally transferred hiring authority over the police chief and fire chief to the mayor’s office. Department heads report to the mayor, who is responsible for recruiting, appointing, and when necessary removing those leaders. The mayor also appoints members to various city boards and commissions, including the Planning Commission, which shapes long-term policy on land use, zoning, and development.
The Budget
As chief executive, the mayor proposes the city’s annual budget, allocating funding across every department and service the city provides. That covers police and fire operations, road maintenance, parks programming, and the rest of city government. The council approves the final budget, but the mayor sets the starting framework and controls day-to-day spending decisions within the approved appropriations.
Veto Power
The mayor can veto any ordinance, resolution, or order passed by the city council within five days of the council’s action, not counting Sundays. To exercise the veto, the mayor must file a written explanation with the city clerk before the next regular council meeting. A vetoed measure has no legal effect unless the council overrides it by a two-thirds vote of all elected council members.1Justia. Arkansas Code 14-43-504 – Powers and Duties of Mayor
How the Mayor Is Elected
The mayor is elected in an at-large citywide vote, meaning every registered voter in Springdale participates rather than voting by ward. The office carries a four-year term with no term limits, so an incumbent can run for reelection indefinitely.3City of Springdale. About Your Government Springdale’s mayoral elections fall in even-numbered years, typically coinciding with presidential or gubernatorial races.
To run, a candidate must meet the qualifications set by Arkansas Code ยง 14-42-201. You must be a qualified elector of the city, meaning a registered voter at least 18 years old. You must live within Springdale city limits when you file and continue to live there throughout your term.4Justia. Arkansas Code 14-42-201 – Election of Municipal Officers Certain criminal convictions can disqualify a candidate under state law, particularly felonies or offenses involving a breach of public trust.
For the 2026 election cycle, the party filing period runs from November 3, 2025, at noon to November 11, 2025, at noon. Nonpartisan candidates file during the same window but with shifted hours, starting and ending at 3:00 p.m. Candidates file eligibility affidavits and political practice pledges with the county clerk, along with any required filing fees.5Arkansas Secretary of State. 2026 Election Dates
If the Office Becomes Vacant
If the mayor’s office becomes vacant mid-term, Arkansas Act 995 of 2025 sets the procedure. For mayor-council cities like Springdale, the rules depend on how much time remains on the unexpired term. If more than one year remains, the vacancy must be filled through a special election.6Arkansas State Legislature. Act 995 of 2025 – HB1555
The city council has two options when a vacancy occurs. It can appoint a qualified elector by majority vote at the first council meeting after the vacancy is declared, to serve the unexpired term. Alternatively, the council can call a special election for the next available special election date and appoint someone on an interim basis until the election takes place. Either appointment is not subject to a mayoral veto. In municipalities with 50,000 or more residents, which includes Springdale, a sitting council member cannot be appointed to fill the vacancy.6Arkansas State Legislature. Act 995 of 2025 – HB1555