From 4029TV.com (emphasis in mine):
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Aside from voting for their favorite candidates in the Arkansas primary election, voters in one local city will also be voting on a tax issue.
The city of Fayetteville will be asking voters to allocate some of its hotel, motel and restaurant tax to pay for park maintenance.
Jennifer Bryant can attest to how "green" the city of Fayetteville truly is. She's been going to the parks for more than seven years.
“Wilson Park is our favorite because it's got the castle and it's got the small and the big playground. There are lots of walking trails,” said Bryant.
And she wants to keep it that way for her kids.
“We want to come to a nice, clean park,” said Bryant.
On the May ballot, voters like her will have the choice to approve using part of the 1 percent HMR tax to maintain the park grounds and facilities.
“Right now, it is difficult enough to keep up with the parks that we have,” said Fayetteville finance director Paul Becker.
The HMR tax, which generates $2.2 million a year, is already used for parks -- but just for development and expansion. Becker said the word "maintenance" was left off the last ballot.
“There wouldn't be additional taxes on citizens. It would be the same amount, the same tax generating the same amount. So it's not an additional burden on citizens,” said Becker.
The city of Fayetteville currently maintains 71 parks, stretching more than 3,700 acres. For years, the city has been using money from its general fun to keep its amenities in top shape.
“That's about $2 million worth of maintenance paid out of the general fund,” said Becker. “As we know, the general fund is declining. Revenue sources are declining. If they continue to decline, it's going to affect all of our programs.”
Becker said by passing the measure, it would give the city the flexibility to use money from the general fund on other things.
It’s something Bryant said she's more than willing to approve.
“I think parks are definitely great for the kids, so I think any money that they offer would be fantastic,” said Bryant.
If the measure is passed, the HMR tax funds would go into effect the next budget year.
City leaders aren't sure yet where money from the general fund could be used if the measure is passed.
It's too bad Neosho city fathers blew away the money from our "bed tax." And no one is telling us what is happening to it now...maybe, Mr. Mayor, you can give us a report on that....and who is deciding how to spend the money we wring out of guests in our town.
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