An issue that was voted down earlier this year will return to the ballot in Marion County. According to the Harrison Daily Times, the Marion County Quorum Court unanimously approved a proposal to put a half-cent sales tax for a new jail up for a vote in the November general election during Tuesday's regular session.
Marion County officials have been informed by the state of Arkansas the current detention center is out of compliance and might have to be shut down. If the bond issue is passed by the voters, the increase would provide nearly $8.25 million allowing the county to build a new 60-bed jail and sheriff's office facility.
In the March primary, voters rejected a three-quarter cent sales tax to fund a new jail, but they did approve a quarter cent tax increase to fund the maintenance of the new jail. The current bond issue is asking for a smaller increase than in the spring, but Marion County Civil Attorney Sam Pasthing says it's still be a big issue for the voters.
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The general election is scheduled for November 8th.
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