PROPOSED HALF-CENT SALES TAX DRAWS FIRE AT COUNCIL MEET

By Erin France/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF

Although Pine Bluff City Council’s pre-set Monday agenda did not cause much controversy, several voices were raised in opposition to the proposed half-cent economic development sales tax during and after the meeting.

Eight residents spoke against the tax proposal and several council members also mentioned their opposition during committee reports.

Early voting on the economic development sales tax measure, proposed by the Committee for Jefferson County’s Future, starts today. The special election will be held Dec. 9.

The tax proposes to offer job training and incentives to businesses to relocate in Jefferson County.

No supporters of the proposed sales tax spoke at the meeting.

Several opponents said the measure would not directly meet the needs of Pine Bluff residents.

Other concerns included the need for a comprehensive tax, both in terms of addressing more than economic development and creating a tax with the input from more city and community leaders.

Although the budget was not directly discussed at the council meeting, aldermen received a new draft of proposed changes to the 2009 budget.

The 3 percent cost-of-living increase for elected city employees has not been approved by Mayor Carl A. Redus Jr. or council members. This fact was incorrect in an article in Sunday’s edition of the newspaper.

The more than $14,000 for the increase is a cost estimate, which was requested during a committee budget meeting. The 2009 budget will not be finalized until the city council votes on it Dec. 15.

In other action, aldermen:

  • Approved a lease with Ford Motor Credit Company for eight new police units which will replace older vehicles.

  • Approved three ordinances to close certain alleys and streets in Pine Bluff.

  • Approved a resolution, with amendments, placing the correction of certain nuisances, such as the city cutting grass or weeds, as delinquent taxes.

  • Heard for the first time a proposed ordinance to close the alley located between Main and State streets and between 2nd and 3rd avenues.

  • Heard for the second time a proposed ordinance to limit the time and duration of rummage or yard sales.

  • Passed seven budget adjustments including funding the Pine Bluff Downtown Development by $10,000. The funds come from surplus in the city’s unused workers’ compensation. Council members also approved $85,000 in overtime for the police department from funds unused in salaries and gas, oil and lube expenses.

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