City council puts tax increase on November ballot
Citizens pack city hall for third reading and passage of ordinance
By DONALD WILBURN
donaldfwilburn@gmail.com
The West Memphis City Council made a bold decision during their latest meeting, passing an ordinance to put a contentious tax hike on the November ballot. This move comes after weeks, or years depending on some viewpoints, of discussions and deliberations regarding the need for additional funding to support crucial projects in the city.
The third reading and passage of the ordinance were met with a significant increase in citizen participation, with many West Memphians showing up in large numbers. This was in stark contrast to the first two readings, where few residents were in attendance. The room was packed nearly to capacity during the third reading, with many citizens standing in the back to catch a glimpse of the proceedings. News cameras from various outlets in Memphis were also present to cover the event.
Despite the high turnout, no citizens signed up in time to be placed on the agenda to voice their opinions for or against the ordinance. Many residents have expressed their frustrations at not being able to participate in the meetings due to work and family obligations. Some feel that moving at least one of the meetings from 5p.m. to 6p.m. could encourage more citizen involvement. Comparisons were made to other local cities, such as Earle, Walnut Ridge and Jonesboro, whose meetings begin between 6 and 6:30p.m. allowing more people to attend after work.
The proposed tax increase, totaling $49,830,000, aims to fund several significant projects in West Memphis. The temporary tax, also known as a sunset tax, would expire in seven years if the bond issue passes. A permanent tax increase of 0.25 percent is being considered to repay the bonds for these improvements, including a $9 million bond for the revitalization of West Memphis Parks. The current sales tax in West Memphis stands at 9.75 percent, with the addition of the “Hamburger Tax” bringing the total to 12.75 percent for dining out. These taxes would be raised to 10.75 and 13.75 if the increases passes in November.
Many city councilpersons also made it clear that this vote itself is not to raise the
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tax but simply to allow the citizens the chance to vote on which portions of the tax they think should pass. While many are divided on the aquatic center and fire station and no one has really expressed their views on the flood mitigation improvements (wait until the rainy season starts), most West Memphians agree that a new police station is severely needed. Mayor Mc-Clendon invited any doubtful citizens to take a tour themselves of the current station and see for themselves the dilapidated state it is in.
As for the voting to put the ordinance on the November ballot, councilpersons Bruce, Harris, Mohammed, Murray, Wheeless, Mondy, and Hutchinson voted in favor of its passage. Councilpersons Croom and Catt voted against the measure. James Holt, who had previously opposed fast-tracking the ordinance along with Croom and Catt after its first reading on August 1, also voted in favor of putting the measure on the November ballot.
