BENTONVILLE, Ark. (AP) Benton County voters have rejected a sales tax hike that would have funded a new courthouse and the renovation of the current court building.Benton County Judge Barry Moehring says the 0.125 percent sales tax increase would have funded the construction of a $30 million 87,000-square-foot courthouse.
Under the proposed 54-month tax increase, county courts would have been consolidated under one roof, making court visits more convenient and secure.
The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports the unofficial results from Tuesday’s poll show 62 percent of voters oppose the proposal versus 38 percent who approve. Turnout was 6 percent of 161,802 registered voters.
The results will be verified March 22nd.
Some residents say they could see the need for a new court facility, but disagreed with how it would be funded.
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