The Fulton County Quorum Court is poised to act on a proposed ordinance calling for a special sales tax election following a special session Tuesday. The justices met to review the proposed verbiage of an ordinance calling for a special election December 11th to raise funds for the sheriffs department from the implementation of a one percent sales tax.Areawide Media newspaper of Salem reports an audience member asked the court to explain the amount of money expected to be generated from a one percent sales tax.
County Judge Darrell Zimmer said half-percent sales taxes being collected for both the fire departments and the hospital over the last three years have generated approximately $350,000, meaning a one percent sales tax could bring in approximately $700,000. He went on to say the current budget for the sheriffs department is $629,000.
The proposed ordinance calls for the collection of a one percent sales and use tax to begin January 1st. Proceeds would be used to improve, equip, staff and provide for the operation and maintenance of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and the Fulton County Detention Facility, as well as pay for the costs associated with the housing of prisoners.
Sheriff Al Roork told the court his department needs close to $1 million annually to operate, noting the Izard County Sheriff’s Department has a budget of $1.6 million. To reach the needed level of funding would require $300,000 from the county, along with the money brought in from the proposed sales tax.
Roork said with that budget, he can hire an investigator, which he said he desperately needs, and give his employees pay raises.
He also told the justices the cost of the required overtime until the end of the year would be around $10,000 for between 600 and 650 hours, although the amount could increase depending if another deputy becomes injured.
Roork also mentioned jail standards reviewers recently inspected the jail and have brought up a lack of staffing, which could also impact cost.
The quorum court is set to vote on the proposed resolution at its September 10th meeting.
The actions by the court to pursue the sales tax through the special election follow a passionate plea from Roork in early August regarding compensation for the employees in his department.
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