QC Meets Again to Discuss 1¢ Road Tax Vote
March 20th, 2013 by Joe Burgess
The Drew County Quorum Court called a special meeting, Tuesday night, to discuss the proposed continuation of the county’s one cent road tax, which will be set for July 9.
The main discussion topics were whether to designate a 75/25 or 80/20 split to be designated for the Quorum Court to be able to direct to shortfalls in other budget areas, would thee be a better chance of voter passage if it were divided into two questions, and should the proposed continuation should be for 4 or 6 years.
After an hour of discussion, they agreed on a 75/25 arrangement. The county roads will get 75% of he income. The quorum court will be able to designate the remaining 25% to any county department that has a financial shortfall.
The ballot will have one issue on it. The 75% and 25% questions will be one question’ not divided into two issues.
The tax, if passed, will last for six years.
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It’s a ‘Road Tax’. It should be used as such. We still have too many roads in our county that need a lot of work, there are some that still flood that could be fixed, some have pot-holes that are unbelievable, some are so narrow you are afraid to meet another vehicle on, among other issues. If other departments in the county are having shortfalls, then those departments need to adjust their annual budget and work within their budget, don’t depend on someone else’s funds.
It’s time to increase the mileage tax, we’ve waiting to long and y’all are missing with fire by toying with the road tax to pay for the jail. You are jeopardizing the road tax. I and many others will not vote”yes” for a road tax that pays for the care of some irresponsible people who do not obey the law and don’t pay any taxes. Collect the fines do to the courts and pay for the jail, or ask the people to pass a jail tax and see what happens. Don’t mess with the “road tax” to take care of the other business of the county. Duh
I agree that a lot of the roads in the county need repaired, but it seems the new Judge spends to much time in meetings and in the office than out in the county trying to find the roads that need it most. Bu to- Taxpayer, you need to do your homework before you start talking about the jail because you will be the first person to comment on here when they have to start letting offenders go because they don’t have the money or staff to take care of them, let them use the money where they need to, we don’t need another tax.
Is Obama running our county bail one department out at another’s expense. Naw I don’t think so jack.
Without raising the millage, it is an impossible feat for Drew County to maintain their budget. This county is running on the same money it had in 1983…the last two years $250,000 has been taken out of County General to meet all the bills. There is no easy fix….fuel costs have skyrocketed as well as all other aspects of taking care of our county. This money will be used to meet shortfalls wherever they are needed….and as far as the jail goes, go to Dermott and see what kind of town they have. Then tell me you don’t want Drew County to have a jail. Is it expensive…sure is. But the alternative is not something I want to imagine. The bottom line is this….there is no easy fix and not everyone will agree with the decisions that are made. But hard decisions or not, a plan has to be put into place to keep our county solvent. If you feel strongly enough about the process, please run for office and help our county stay the leader in Southeast Arkansas.
I am real concerned about dividing the tax. I have voted for the tax every time but am not sure I would if it is going to be divided. There are still to many roads in our County that need work on them so people will have a safe road to travel over. Please do not divide the tax and ruin it.
LEAVE THE ROAD TAX ALONE… I KNOW THE COST IS HIGH IN OTHER AREAS. SOMETHING DO NOT NEED TO BE CHANGED. IF THE ROAD TAX IS DIVIDED, I CAN NOT SUPPORT IT. THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO CUT COST, YES THEY WILL BE HARD, BUT WILL BE NEEDED TO BE CUT.
LOOK VERY HARD AT WHAT THE VOTERS WANT…..
JESSIE GRIFFIN
For just my opinion, I have studied the problems and issues that face our county. I said nothing about turning out criminals, I said collect the fees and fines owed to the county (several hundred thousand dollars). And I said “don’t mess with the “road tax” and if they do, I and others will not vote for it. Duh
As far as dividing the road tax….if our county general fund is not taken care of, you won’t have to worry about a road tax because the county will have lots worse problems than their roads!! For the next 10 years, Drew County will be receiving upwards of $350,000 from the state for their roads. This upcoming road tax is for 6 years, if it passes, which I am confident it will! So the 25% which will be going to ease the strain on county general will be met and then some with the tax money from the state. The county will be able to get their reserve built back up and be in a much less precarious position in regards to their bills. For our county to stay ahead of the steady march of inflation and ever increasing prices, it will need to keep a substantial reserve to fall back on when needed. The only other alternative would be to raise the millage….the road tax is paid by more than just the county residents….it is paid by anyone who shops in Drew County. So, a win win would be to pass the road tax…..which is a continuation of the same tax we have been paying, not any more…and receive money from the state. Our roads in Drew County will not suffer any decrease in funds when we renew our road tax!!
True enough our millage has not been increased in many years however through re-accessment my taxes have increased several times over the same span of years as commented in an earlier post. It seems that certain people do not want to acknowledge that an increase through re-acessment is a increase of funds to Drew County. The citizens of Drew County voted for a one percent road tax. Our Quorum Court members should respect this decision. Over the last several years there have been several groups wanting to get a piece of this pie. I do not think this is right. Our roads will suffer if we allow special interest to chip away at these funds. Most households are already bringing less money home with new taxes this year. I would encourage the registered voters to contact their Quorum Court Members and express that there has been several increases due to re-accessment, this is not the time to increase the millage, tighten your belt we are already taxed to death. Agreeing with this issue is taking the easy way out. Please stand up for the people your are representing! Apparently there are two choices offered and both are to split the tax. My wife and I will vote against a road tax if it is to be split when it comes up for renewal.
To those not in agreement with the 25% discretionary tax amount, I am curious as to where you would suggest that the County cut back? The 25% portion of tax can be used for roads, but can also be used, as seen fit, for shortfalls and emergencies. It is just not feasible to think this county can operate on a millage that hasn’t been increased since 1983. With the 25% discretionary tax, it is a win/win situation for Drew County Citizens, no millage increase, the County can maintain the roads and will also have money to use for any emergencies which may occur. Approx. $250,000 has been taken from the County General to cover short falls, this cannot continue. Also, this is not costing anyone anything other that what they have already been paying. This is NOT a new tax, but an extension of what we have already been paying.