CROSSETT - Crossett Mayor Scott McCormick looks at his town of 5,507 residents and sees a bright future.
It will be even better, he said, if voters approve a 20-year, $20.2 million bond issue Aug. 13 to fund construction of two new fire stations and a community center, among other projects.
A 1 percent sales tax would be used to pay for the construction bonds, with an additional half percent tax for maintenance and operation of the facilities - particularly the community center.
If the measures pass, Crossett’s sales tax rate would be pushed to 10.75 percent.
A public hearing on the matter is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday in the First BaptistChurch’s multipurpose ministry building.
The mayor said the tax increase and bond issue are needed to help the city thrive.
“We have been in pretty good shape over the past few years, but we really feel like these new projects will help us shine a lot brighter,” McCormick said. “I think our voters will agree.”
McCormick describedthe city’s current fire station as “cramped,” adding that “we have enough equipment crammed in there to staff two stations.”
The mayor also said firefighters are using meeting rooms as makeshift bunk rooms because of the lack of space.
One of the new stations would be on Main Street about four blocks from thecurrent station. A second, smaller station, would be constructed on the city’s east side.
The crown jewel of the project would be a multimillion-dollar community center, which would include a pool and basketball courts. Its proposed location is at the city’s sports complex, where 35 acres are prepared for construction.
At 52,000 square feet, the facility would include two indoor basketball courts, a walking track, exercise room, a racquetball court and a 20-by-25-meter pool with a retractable roof.
A picnic area near the pool would feature tables with umbrellas “so parents can sit and enjoy watching their children play,” the mayor said. A splash pad would be built outdoors, he said, adding that the entire community center project is expected to cost about $11 million.
“Folks here in Crossett complain that we don’t have anything to do, and there is a big push for communities to improve the health of its citizens, so this is one way we can help with all of that,” McCormick said.
The bonds would also pay for a renovation of the police and jail facility, the mayor said.
A new heating-and-air system is set for installation, along with new windows and a new roof. In addition, a small courtroom would be built after the Fire Department relocated. Police Department offices will also be expanded.
McCormick said the improvements will allow the police building - constructed in 1953 - to be used for decades to come.
“It’s a good building, but there is quite a bit that needs improving,” he said. He added that making it more energy-efficient would save money on utility bills.
There is no organized opposition to the proposals, but some residents say a tax raise isn’t the best idea in such tight economic times.
Loading bags of groceries into his faded blue pickup Friday morning at a local store, Crossett resident Henry Sanders said he doesn’t want additional taxes because he’s on a fixed income.
Adding extra taxes would “just be less money in my pocket,” Sanders said. “You see these bags right here? This has to last me the rest of the month, and it’s tough. I am not really against city improvements, but I just don’t think we as taxpayers can afford it right now.”
Lou Blevins of Crossett disagreed.
“In order to improve our city, we are going to have to step up and pay a little for it,” Blevins said. “A cent-and-ahalf in sales taxes isn’t going to bankrupt anyone, and just look at how our city will benefit. It’s a no-brainer, and I am all for it.”
Northwest Arkansas, Pages 7 on 07/29/2013