5/8th-cent sales tax up for vote

The public will vote whether or not to continue the 5/8th-cent sales and use tax during the May 22 primary election.

The tax was originally approved by voters in 2006 for waste water treatment plant upgrade, but the city paid off the 20-year bonds for the $20 million debt in just 12 years.

If continued, revenue from the tax will be used to give the water treatment plant a $31 million upgrade. Planned improvements include a new water line from the Illinois River to the plant and newer technology to increase the efficiency of treating water and make it safer for the community.

The existing 5/8th-cent tax is collected on retail sales, restaurant sales and services. Non-residents who come to Siloam Springs to shop pay a share of the tax. If the tax is not extended, the upgrade will be paid for by increasing water rates for residents and businesses by approximately 50 percent.

Other issues on the Republican primary ballot include the race for U.S. Congress District 3, governor, secretary of state, State Supreme Court, county sheriff and county surveyor. Other issues on the Democratic primary ballot include the race for governor and State Supreme Court.

Siloam Springs School Board member Audra Ferrell will also be on the local ballot running uncontested for Zone 3.

Early voting for the election began on Saturday and will continue on Monday. The County Clerk's Office in Siloam Springs, located at 707 S. Lincoln, will be open for early voting from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, May 21.

Voting will begin at 7:30 a.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22. Siloam Springs voting centers include:

• First Christian Church, 1405 W. Jefferson St.

• St. Mary's Catholic Church Parish Hall, 1998 U.S. Highway 412

• Logan Community Building, 15249 Logan Rd.

• Siloam Springs Community Building, 110 N. Mt. Olive St.

General News on 05/20/2018