Harrison Council Reviews Tax and Land Ordinances

HARRISON, AR. - The Harrison City Council met on Thursday to discuss several key ordinances. With all members present except Mitch Magness, the brief meeting focused on updating a proposed sales tax and a local land request.

The primary focus of the session involved Ordinances 1552 and 1553, which concern a proposed 0.25% sales and use tax likely to appear on the November ballot. Because these ordinances were modified within the last month, the council began the required three-reading process over again. A specific amendment changed the phrase "cemetery management" to "cemetery maintenance". Officials explained that since the cemetery is now full, the city's responsibility has shifted from managing new plots to maintaining the existing grounds.

Councilman Reed Petty emphasized that the tax is vital for the continued support of Harrison's emergency services. Under the current proposal, 65% of the generated revenue would be allocated to police and fire services, with the remaining 35% dedicated to general municipal services. These services include city administration, IT, human resources, and cemetery maintenance. Notably, the proposed tax does not include a sunset clause, meaning it would not have a set expiration date.

Additionally, the council conducted a second reading of Ordinance 1551. This ordinance proposes vacating an alley right-of-way within the Highland Park subdivision. The request was made by property owners whose land is currently bisected by the alley. As there were no objections from the planning commission or the general public, the council determined that vacating the lot would not negatively impact the public interest.

If approved by voters in November, the sales tax will provide a dedicated funding stream for the city's essential safety and administrative operations.

Share this article...