Little Rock Voters to Decide on One-Cent Sales Tax Increase in November
For the second time, Little Rock residents will have the opportunity to vote on a one-cent sales tax increase this November. If approved, this increase will bring the city’s sales tax rate from 8.625% to 9.625%. Of the current rate, 1% is already levied by the city, with the remaining 7.625% distributed between the state and Pulaski County.
Mayor Frank Scott Jr. has been actively pushing for this increase, presenting it to the city board and engaging the community through public meetings. The mayor’s efforts aim to address key areas in the city that will benefit from the additional funding, including Public Safety, Public Infrastructure, Parks and Recreation, and Port and Economic Development.
In these community meetings, officials have detailed various projects that would be financed by the additional tax revenue. These include improvements to Hindman Park, War Memorial Park, and Downtown Park, as well as upgrades to community centers, senior programming, and indoor recreational facilities. Additionally, the increased sales tax would help enhance outdoor recreation facilities, including aquatics and existing facility improvements.
Despite the Mayor’s efforts, not everyone in the community is in favor of the tax increase. Some residents believe these improvements can wait, which will make the November vote crucial in deciding the city’s future funding and development priorities.
As the proposal moves forward, the city’s residents will continue to weigh the benefits of this one-cent increase against potential added financial burdens. The outcome of the vote will ultimately determine the direction of Little Rock’s development and growth in the coming years.