Benton County election officials begin new terms

BENTONVILLE -- Benton County's elections will be guided over next two years by the same officials who have overseen the most recent elections.

The three members of the Election Commission were sworn in for two-year terms Friday, with Russ Anzalone, representing the Republican Party, being nominated to serve another term as chairman and John Brown Jr., representing the Democratic Party, being chosen to serve as secretary. Mike Sevak, also a Republican, returns to the commission. Election commissions are made up of representatives of the two major political parties, with the party holding the majority of the state's Constitutional offices having two members.

The commissioners approved an order Friday setting May 9 as the date for a special election sought by the Bentonville School District.

The Bentonville School Board recently agreed to seek voters' approval of a 1.9-mill tax increase. The district would use $4.5 million of the increase to buy about 217 acres for several schools it intends to build over the next 10 years.

The millage increase would raise the district's millage rate from 46.6 to 48.5, costing residents an additional $76 per year for every $200,000 in appraised value.

Kim Dennison, election coordinator, told the commission the Rogers School District also is considering a millage increase with the same May date.

The Rogers School Board recently heard a report on two millage request options. A plan to build two elementary schools and a middle school and provide for additional technology and security, along with other operational needs, would require 4.2 mills more. The increase would provide the district nearly $7 million per year in additional revenue.

The owner of a $200,000 home would pay $167 extra in taxes each year.

The second option removes the middle school. It would require 2.9 additional mills that would provide $4.9 million per year.

The owner of a $200,000 home would pay $116 extra in taxes. The board is expected to decide on a millage increase by its Feb. 21 meeting, if a May election remains the goal.

Dennison said she also has heard city officials in Avoca and Garfield are considering special elections on proposals to allow Sunday liquor sales. The cities have a different process to go through than school districts for a special election, and she hasn't heard anything definite from either, Dennison said.

NW News on 01/28/2017

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