A proposed ordinance to send a one-cent city sales tax to voters was pulled from Tuesday night’s Pine Bluff City Council agenda after it became clear the measure lacked support from both council members and the public.
Mayor Vivian Flowers withdrew the proposal prior to a vote, saying she had listened to concerns from residents and city leaders about the need for more clarity on how the tax revenue would be used.
“I have always said that we need a tax, but we also need clarity,” Flowers told the council. “I have heard the citizens loud and clear, with many saying they don’t know what we are doing. This is not a proposal for a windfall. We cannot continue to lose population while not investing into our city.”
Councilmember Steven Mays said after the meeting that he is among those who do not support a new tax.
The proposal, if advanced, would have sent the sales tax question to voters for approval. Flowers did not say whether she would bring the measure back at a later date.
A resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract with CARD, Inc., a proposed new sanitation provider for the City of Pine Bluff, was tabled Tuesday night after several council members said they lacked sufficient information about the agreement.
The resolution will be reconsidered during a special meeting Thursday at 6 p.m.
Council members raised questions about the terms of the proposed contract and whether they had been given enough time to review details before voting.
Alderman Bruce Lockett told Deltaplex News after the meeting that the council needs more clarity before moving forward.
In other business, the council approved a resolution authorizing Martin D. Scott to submit paperwork to the Arkansas Beverage Control Board for a liquor license to open a private club at 201 Main Street.
