Arkansas cities say ‘no’ to tax hikes in special elections

Little Rock, Arkansas – Tuesday’s special elections in two Arkansas cities resulted in the rejection of plans that would have increased local residents’ taxes.

The city rejected a five-eighths cent sales tax plan put out by the organization Go Forward Pine Bluff in order to finance a number of community projects, with 57% of voters opposing the bill.

A different proposal that would have guaranteed a three-eighths cent sales tax to support public safety organizations like the police and fire department was barely defeated by voters, with 53% voting against the long-term policy. The initiative, if approved, would have awarded Pine Bluff’s firefighters and police officers an annual bonus.

Similar tax proposals supported by Go Forward Pine Bluff were unsuccessful in May.

When it came to imposing an advertising and promotion tax in Bryant, 68% of voters voted “no.” The proposal would have imposed a 2% tax on eateries and a 3% levy on lodging facilities in the city.

71% of voters opposed the idea of using a capital improvement bond to pay the Bryant Parks Department.