Searcy Bypass Tax Passes

The sales tax proposal to fund the $3 million match for the Searcy Bypass and other road improvements passed 1,531 to 646. The election victory is a win in Mayor David Morris' efforts to restore the voters trust in our city government following the poorly designed tax proposals the city and county have put forward since the city's fire station tax.

City 1 Percent Sales Tax Proposal

On December 13 from 7:30 A.M. to 7:30 P.M., voters in Ward 2 will have the opportunity to vote on the Searcy 1 percent sales tax increase at the West Race Baptist Church. If passed, the tax will be collected in Searcy from April 1, 2012, through June 30, 2013. This tax is anticipated to raise about $7.5 million.

This tax differs from the White County sales tax increase voted down in September in many respects including:

• This tax will only be collected in Searcy instead of county-wide
• This tax is for 15 months
• This tax is specifically allocated in Ordinance 2011-29 to be for road improvements in Searcy including the $3 million match for the northern portion of the Searcy bypass

 If you have not had the opportunity to early vote, take some time today to vote on this tax proposal.

2011 Uncontested School Board Election Races

Most of the school board races in White County are uncontested this year, and it is the Position 5 race in Bald Knob between Phillip Helms and Novy Newkirk. The election will be September 20. Early voting started September 13 at the White County Clerk's office, and it ends September 19. The Clerk's office is open 8 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday.

For those of you interested in who is running for each of the school board positions, you may download a copy here.