University sues Washington County and officials

The University of Arkansas filed a lawsuit last week against Washington County disputing real and personal property taxes levied by Assessor Jeff Williams and received by Tax Collector David Ruff.

The lawsuit, filed Friday, states the university seeks a refund for all real and personal taxes paid by the university for the years 2010 and 2011. It also asks a circuit court judge to declare the university's real and personal property be immune and/or exempt from property taxes and to prohibit any county official from levying taxes in the future.

Williams and Ruff are named in the lawsuit.

University officials appealed last year to the county's Board of Equalization over the taxes assessed by Williams for rental properties owned by the university and also taxes related to equipment at fast food chains and other retailers on campus.

The Board of Equalization denied the university's appeal. Washington County Judge Marilyn Edwards also denied the university's second appeal.

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