LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. once again hopes to convince voters to support a sales tax increase.
On Thursday, Scott hosted the first of several meetings to share his vision.
Scott said the proposed one-cent sales tax increase would generate more than $650 million over the next 10 years.
The proposal focuses on four P's: public safety, public infrastructure, parks and recreation and port/economic development.
Public safety would focus on fleet expansion and more technology for police and fire departments. Money could also go towards the new fire station on Highway 10.
Public infrastructure would help improve drainage, sidewalks and repaving roads.
Parks and recreation would use the money for several projects, including three new sports complexes, a senior center and War Memorial Park.
The proposed sales tax increase would also contribute to port/economic development and help generate revenue for the Little Rock Port Authority. Scott hopes to expand the area to create more economic opportunities.
There is also $30 million allocated for the Little Rock Zoo's master plan.
The proposal will split the sales tax into two: 5/8ths percent will go towards capital projects. It would sunset in 10 years. The other 3/8ths percent will go towards maintenance of the city operations.
This isn't the first time Scott has proposed a sales tax increase; voters turned down a previous sales tax proposal in 2021.
"I come from a standpoint that failure is not final," Scott said. "When you lose, you get a lesson...we've been able to listen to residents over the past year, and we've brought back a better package that truly reflects their thoughts.
One of the biggest opponents of the sales tax when it was first proposed in 2021 was Director Lance Hines.
Hines said he is cautiously optimistic about the new proposal and wants more feedback from people.
"I think there could be some adjustments," Hines said. "Making sure it's the right thing for what users will support."
There will be six more meetings to hear Scott introduce his sales tax proposal:
- Thursday, May 9: Ward 3, Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn Drive
- Monday, May 13: Ward 4, Unitarian Universalist Church, 1818 Reservoir Road
- Wednesday, May 15: Ward 2, Southwest Community Center, 6401 Baseline Road
- Thursday, May 16: Ward 1, Dunbar Community Center, 1001 W. 16th St.
- Monday, May 20: Ward 6, The Centre at University Park, 6401 W. 12th St.
- Thursday, May 30: Ward 7, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 5300 Stagecoach Road