County eyes tax referendum

BENTON — County officials are considering placing a referendum on the ballot for a new courthouse.
In April 2015, voters defeated a sales tax referendum that would've funneled money into fixing the Campbell Building — adjacent from the courthouse — doing away with the Annex Building and making improvements to the courthouse. A one-quarter cent sales tax was proposed.
During Monday's Health & Environment Committee meeting, Chairman Randall Crocker brought the topic to the forefront.
"I think it might be time that we start looking in that direction," said Crocker. "It's going to be a pretty ambitious undertaking."
Before the election in 2015, county officials allowed voters to tour the Campbell Building, although board members admitted they didn't do a good job of selling the idea to voters.
Treasurer John Gulley suggested that if the county is interested in promoting the newest referendum proposal, a series of town hall meetings should be held to educate the public.
"In a perfect world, you would be able to present options and get public input. I think the way to do it … have some town hall meetings now and get input. You can present options. Option one is to not do anything; option two is building a new courthouse; three would be to try again with the Campbell Building. When you get an idea of what the public consensus is, then put that on the ballot."
Board member Neil Hargis, who represents the western part of the county, agreed.
"I think it's smart to start now too. The longer you have to put it together, the better you are. I think that was a problem the last time too. They didn't have enough time."
He added the majority of the constituents in his district are not in favor of renovations at the Campbell Building, which is vacant and county owned.
"I heard over and over again, 'I'd vote for this if it was for something new.' I think that would be an easier sell," Hargis said.
Crocker said he is in favor of a sales tax, which is based on purchases made in the county — from local customers and those living out of county. Crocker suggested a referendum question be placed on the ballot during the April 2017 municipal election.
When the county presented the referendum in 2015, a one-quarter cent sales tax was proposed. The county had placed a 15-year sunset on the referendum, which was expected to generate about $500,000 per year.
Obviously, the sunset period would have to be longer or a higher percentage of tax would have to be collected if a new courthouse is proposed.
General estimates for new construction have been placed between $6 and $7 million.
"To me, the Campbell Building is a lot better than this (courthouse). This building here, when you get underneath it, it's scary," Crocker said.
"There is something wrong with this building every morning," said board member David Rea. "It may not be much, but there's something wrong with it, and some times it's pretty serious."
Rea brought before the committee estimates of what it cost to fix the courthouse roof and annex building — ranging from $39,000 to $53,000. The committee as a whole recommended bids come from several sources.
Board member Ken Hungate was adamant that no funds be used at the Annex Building.
"I wouldn't spend a penny on the annex building. We need to get out of it," Hungate said. "If we're setting priorities on buildings, we need to get out of that building."