Fort Smith works to fund convention center

— Fort Smith officials may ask voters to approve a sales tax on prepared foods as a way to close the $1 million annual deficit for the city's convention center.

State turnback money used to cover the convention center's deficit, which has ranged from $650,000 to $1.1 million. That money stopped flowing on June 30, leaving Fort Smith and other cities to find new ways to make up the revenue.

Some Fort Smith aldermen suggest taking 10 percent of a tax for roads and applying it to the convention center.

A special election that would create a 1 percent tax on prepared-food tax may be held next year to help support the convention center.

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