By Ray King
Two ordinances, one establishing a one-cent sales and use tax for the City of Pine Bluff, the second setting a date for an election on that tax were read once by the Pine Bluff City Council Monday night.
They were both placed on the calendar for a second reading at the Dec.15 council meeting.
Because they were first readings only, no debate was permitted for the two ordinances, which were both sponsored by Mayor Vivian Flowers.
The council’s Administration Committee previously recommended that the ordinances did not pass, a sentiment Council Member Lanette Frazier expressed after the meeting Monday.
Because the Mayor wants to place the tax proposal on the March 3, 2026 primary election ballot, the ordinance, if approved, would have to be submitted to the County Clerk at least 70 days prior to the election so the proposals would have to be read twice and approved at the December 15 council meeting to even come close to that date.
Council member Steven Mays has repeatedly opposed the tax and did so again after the meeting Monday.
In other businesses, ordinances abolishing the Urban Renewal Agency and changing the command structure of the Police Department were read twice and will be completed Dec. 15.
A resolution amending the 2025 Municipal Budget and reallocating funds so that employees could receive a Christmas bonus was also approved.
Mayor Flowers also announced that because of the freezing rain and ice, city offices will be on an inclement weather schedule Tuesday and will open at 10 a.m.
