Many of El Dorado's political and business leaders expressed jubilation Wednesday after voters approved a 1 percent sales tax that is scheduled to fund multiple economic development projects over the next decade.
According to the Union County clerk's office, complete but unofficial results for Tuesday's election are:
For 789
Against 407
The tax has been marketed to voters as an extension of a 1 percent levy that voters approved in 2007 that is set to expire June 30. According to city documents, the proposed new tax would span 10 years, with revenue projected at $40 million.
There was no organized opposition to the measure. But El Dorado Works -- a group of residents dedicated to community and economic development -- heavily promoted the tax through a series of town-hall meetings and yard signs. The group also drafted its proposal based on community feedback shared at public meetings held earlier this year.
El Dorado Mayor Frank Hash praised the group for its dedication.
"I'm just very pleased that folks continue to have confidence in us to use the tax money wisely," the mayor said. "I think we're going to be able to do a lot for people over the next several years."
Brett Williamson, who is one of the directors of the El Dorado Works initiative, said the tax proposal's passage is vital for El Dorado to continue its momentum.
"I'm very excited that the city wants to continue in the progress," Williamson said. "I'm very encouraged, very excited about El Dorado's future because everybody got behind it and passed it."
One of the biggest projects funded from the soon-to-be-retired 1 percent sales tax was a large conference and events center near downtown across from South Arkansas Community College.
The center has held numerous events since 2011 and is considered an important economic development tool for the city. The tax also helped attract about 70 full-time jobs, provided funds to renovate the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium and created funds to market the city throughout the region.
As for the new tax, 15 percent of the revenue will go toward community development for quality-of-life incentives; 32 percent will be allotted for the improvements of streets, water, infrastructure and other projects associated with municipal property; and 20 percent will be committed to parking expansion, sidewalk improvements and transportation-related projects.
Fifteen percent of the tax revenue will be directed toward economic development for targeted projects to increase enjoyment opportunities and to assist with commercial and retail development projects; 12 percent will be used for contractual services and infrastructure related to promoting the downtown entertainment district; and 6 percent would go for nondesignated needs, unanticipated needs and needs without classification.
While the tax's supporters were eager to boast Wednesday, others who opposed it grumbled at the thought of its passage.
El Dorado resident Trudy Long said she couldn't support the tax.
"I don't feel like the tax we already have in place has helped me one bit," she said. "It certainly didn't help put food in the mouths of my kids. I think we are taxed enough already."
Other residents who didn't necessarily support the idea of being taxed but helped approve it said they held their noses and checked the "for" box at the polls.
"Taxes are a dirty part of living in a society," El Dorado resident Ray Cranford said. "You have to pay for things if you want your city to thrive, and that's just how it is."
State Desk on 06/11/2015