Preparations are underway for the September 12 special election when voters will go to the polls to consider funding measures for two public safety entities.
On Tuesday evening, the Baxter County Quorum Court will consider a request from the Election Commission to re-appropriate $10,000 within the commission’s budget for properly assigning anticipated expenditures for the upcoming special election. Those funds will be used to cover the expense for poll workers. The total cost of the special election is estimated to run between $20-$25,000.
Election Commission Chairman Judy Garner says five poll workers will be assigned to each precinct, with 22 precincts open for the special election. Poll workers receive about $125 in compensation for the day that begins at 6:30 for them on the morning of the election.
Garner says the Election Commission is not charged for any of the facilities used for polling locations, which helps to keep down election overhead costs.
Garner says a sufficient number of poll workers have been secured for the special election and their training has already been completed.
Garner says there is one significiant change for those who normally would vote at the Baxter County Fairgrounds. With the special election falling during the annual fair week, that polling location has been moved to East Side Baptist Church.
Another significant change for the special election will be the use of paper ballots instead of the usual electronic voting machines.
Voters countywide will consider levying a 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. Voters will also be asked to 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.
In addition, voters in Mountain Home will be asked to consider levying a 3/8 percent sales and use tax that would benefit the city’s fire and police departments.
Voting for the two measures was combined to the September 12 special election earlier this month when the Baxter County Quorum Court moved the date for the jail expansion initiative.
Early voting will begin on Tuesday, September 5 in the basement of the Baxter County Courthouse.
Polls will be open from 7 to 7 for the special election on September 12.
September 12 also kicks off the early voting period for the annual school election.
Voters will return to the polls on September 19 for the annual school election.
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