Benton council hears pitch on tax referendum

Crocker detailed information about the referendum that will appear on the April 7 ballot, noting the resolution approved by the county board last week states the sales tax can't be used for anything but the courthouse project.

Crocker estimated the sales tax could pay for the courthouse within 15 years, based on the history of a 1 percent sales tax now in place for the Benton school districts. Crocker said the sales tax should generate $2.2 million per year. He promised the sales tax would "go away" after the funds have been raised to pay for the courthouse, including principal and interest payments.

Crocker also explained the need for the courthouse, indicating the 140-year-old building has structural and mechanical issues, along with court system deficiencies.

"There is no good tax, but a sales tax is the most fair tax," Muir said. "Franklin County residents won't feel it totally."

Muir pointed out that he and his family dined out at a local pizza business recently and the bill came to $22.08. He said under the proposed tax, the bill would have been 22 cents higher, or $22.30.

"There are people who would argue that bigger-ticket items would cost more," Muir said. "My argument is there are a lot more $5 items purchased than $10,000 items."

The men were asked about where the new courthouse will be constructed. Crocker said several locations have been proposed, including South Main and East Main locations. He said the latter location would be more feasible for the county since the county owns the property. However, Crocker said he would be looking for public input on that issue if the referendum is approved.

Crocker said the county also is looking at several options on what to do with the current courthouse, including keeping it, selling it to prospective buyers who will renovate it or demolition.