WM Police Chief advocates for new tax, police department

Proposed sales tax would also be used for new fire department, parks and drainage

By Ralph Hardin

news@theeveningtimes.com

West Memphis Police Chief Robbin Campbell has been a leading voice in advocating for voters to pass the temporary or “sunset” tax, a 0.75 percent tax that would help fund the construction of a much-needed new police station. Campbell, who has led the West Memphis Police Department since 2022, is adamant that the nearly 100year-old building the department currently occupies is beyond repair and poses serious safety and health concerns for the officers and staff.

“The building is old, antiquated, and has mold in the air ducts along with other harmful irritants,” Campbell said. “We’ve made a lot of cosmetic repairs, but it’s essentially falling apart. The roof leaks consistently, and we’ve replaced the air conditioning multiple times. It’s an embarrassing eyesore.”

Campbell also emphasized that the building was never designed to be a police station— it originally served as a bank. As a result, it lacks sufficient space for the department’s growing needs.

“We’ve added more than 20 officers over the past few years, and we’re aiming for a force of 100 officers,” he said. “But we’ve outgrown the space. We need room for new equipment, better evidence storage, and easier access for both officers and the public.”

The proposed temporary tax would fund several important city projects, including the new police station, which is estimated to cost $8.6 million. Other projects include renovating the original fire station, new parks facilities, and improvements to drainage and flood control. In total, these projects are expected to cost nearly $50 million. If passed, the tax would expire in seven years, making it a temporary measure to address immediate city needs.

Campbell believes that the new station would not only serve as a better workspace for officers but would also foster a stronger relationship between the department and the community. “The new station would be open to the public 24 hours a day,” he said. “It would be more community- friendly, allowing us to host neighborhood watch meetings and other community events, increasing engagement and accessibility.”

Mayor Marco McClendon echoes Chief Campbell’s concerns about the current facility and the importance of community access. “Right now, if you need to file an accident report, you have to press a button and wait to be let in,” McClendon explained. “Law enforcement should be 24/7, and when you need them, they should be there immediately.”

McClendon also highlighted the poor conditions of the existing station, which he described as mold-infested and ill-equipped for the growing demands of the department.

“These officers put their lives on the line every day, and they deserve a facility that takes care of them,” he said.

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“We’re looking forward to citizen support,” Campbell said. “This isn’t just about the police department. It’s about the future of West Memphis and ensuring that we have the infrastructure in place to serve the people.”

West Memphis residents can vote early on this issue as well as other measures and races now through 5 p.m. Monday.

The General Election will be on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Polls will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.