On top of the agenda Monday night were three ordinances putting three separate issues on the March 5 ballot. Two issues will be to add an additional sales tax for Calhoun County. The third is a bond issue to secure the funds to put a roof over the Hogskin Arena. The proposal and ordinances related was prepared by Stephens Public Finance as requested by Judge Floyd Nutt.
The taxes totaling one half cent is in two parts. The separate taxes (a 1/8 and 3/8 cent) was necessary in order to secure the total amount needed for construction, estimated to be $3,000,000.00.
The 1/8 cent tax would be a permanent tax for parks and recreation while at the same time being a backup payment supplement for the primary bond. This tax would also be available for maintenance and other construction projects related to the county parks and recreation areas. The annual tax revenue for the 1/8 tax, based on the past 12 months, is estimated to be $102,522.
The 3/8 cent tax would be temporary, eliminated after the bonds have been paid in full. The estimated total cost including fees and interest for a 20 year bond comes to approximately $4,300,00 The annual tax revenue for the 3/8 tax, based on the past 12 months, is estimated to be $307,567.
In attendance at the meeting were concerned citizens which were afforded the time to respond before the final vote. Concern was noted about t actual the cost, which had not been released at that time. Also, a concern about the actual economic impact as a result of covering the arena could not be exacted and noted the cost was high compared to the current population and current overall needs of the community.
The ordinances referring the issues to the public for vote is found on page 5. They included the wording for the ballot and the approval for the bonds not to exceed $3,050,000.
An ordinance (2023-43) setting pay for jurors was passed along with several others including the purchase of an excavator at the cost of $156,000. Ordinance 2023-45 details the loan and payback. Incentive pay 2023 for County employees is found in Ordinance 2023-41. The annual tax millage for personal and real estate is found in Ordinance 2023-40. These along with a few others can be found on pages 5-6 of this publication.
Concluding the meeting was the surprise announcement by Calhoun County Agricultural Agent Jaret Rushing that he had been offered another job in the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Rushing said he would not be moving and could be called upon anytime. He shared with the court the past year's accomplishments and goals.
