Jail expansion efforts take a step forward

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The effort to secure a revenue stream for a proposed expansion of the Baxter County Detention Center took another step forward Thursday when the five-member county budget committee gave its approval to four ordinances. Those ordinances will go before the full quorum court at its meeting on July 11.

Two of the ordinances call for a special election on October 10. With court approval of the first ordinance, county voters would consider levying a countywide one cent sales and use tax for eight months beginning March 1, 2018. Net proceeds from the tax would be used to expand the Baxter County Detention Center, as well as furnish and equip the new portion, and provide for the operation and maintenance of the jail.

With court passage of the second ordinance, voters would consider levying a countywide one-quarter cent sales and use tax beginning November 1, 2018, following the expiration of the one cent sales and use tax. The one-quarter cent tax would be ongoing.

At the county budget committee meeting, there was some discussion on the projected cost of a special election. Election Committee member Bob Bodenhamer advised if all polling sites were required to be open, the cost is estimated at $25,000. However, it has not been determined if all sites will be required to be open.

The committee also gave its approval to two ordinances that would levy the two taxes if passed in the special election.

In other business, the committee approved a resolution supporting the Marketplace Fairness and Remote Transactions Parity Act for the collection of sales tax from out-of-state online retailers. The resolution requests Governor Hutchinson to call a special session of the legislature to address this matter. County judges across the state have been requested to bring the resolution before their quorum courts to gather feedback.

Office of Emergency Management Director Jim Sierzchula was given committee approval to transfer funding within his budget for the purposes of purchasing $183,000 in new hardware and software for the county 9-1-1 operation. The area rural fire departments have offered $15,000 towards the cost of the new technology. $25,000 is coming from a maintenance line item. The other $143,000 is being transferred within the 9-1-1 budget.

In one final item, the committee approved a request presented by Judge Mickey Pendergrass and Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jeff Pipkin in behalf of Midway Industries, a metal working shop located in the industrial park. Midway Industries employs 12 people and is proposing an expansion of almost $600,000 that could lead to 12 new positions. The expansion proposal calls for $355,000 in materials. With an approved resolution from the quorum court, Midway Industries could apply for the Arkansas Department of Economic Development’s Tax Back Program.

With state approval, Midway Industries would then be eligible for a refund from the sales and use taxes paid on the materials. If all items were purchased in Baxter County, the rebate could reach $3,500. In voicing their support of the resolution, the members said the loss of the revenue would be offset by the economic impact of the additional jobs. Judge Pendergrass said the court has approved similar requests for other local industries.

Members of the committee are Gary Smith, chair, and Tink Albright, Edna Fusco, Neal Pendergrass and Lucille Soltysik. All were present for Thursday’s meeting.

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