Judge combines two UA tax challenges

FAYETTEVILLE — A judge in Washington County has combined two lawsuits that question whether the University of Arkansas has to pay taxes on more than $10 million of real and personal property to the county and the Fayetteville School District.

The UA Board of Trustees filed the suits against Washington County, Assessor Jeff Williams, Collector David Ruff and the Fayetteville School District in 2012 and 2013 over taxes paid for real estate property and university-owned equipment at fast food chains and other retailers on campus.

The lawsuits seek a refund for taxes paid and wants to stop Washington County from taxing the university again.

Circuit Judge William Storey combined the two cases, saying they involve the same facts, legal issues and parties and judicial economy will best be served by consolidating the cases.

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