On Monday, the city of Pine Bluff hosted a Town Hall Meeting to Address the Public on Go Forward Pine Bluff endeavors and future plans. Mayor Washington shared an update on the Go Forward initiative, and the series of events that have transpired up to Monday evening’s Town Hall. Councilman Brown Jr. after Mayor Washington concluded her summary took the podium to explain the 5/8 of a cent general use tax commonly referred to as the Go Forward Sales tax and what has changed. Some of the more notable updates from the Town Hall Meeting was an announcement that Code Enforcement will be taking over a combination of properties while Urban Renewal will take on a different role. Plans for clean-up efforts and removal of condemned property throughout Pine Bluff were announced during the meeting as well. $400,000,000 will be invested into each ward to start work on those two areas of focus. Councilman Brown Jr. also spoke about the Delta Celebration Series (King Cotton Classic, Mistletoe Magic, Homecoming Showcase, and more) and the role private sponsorships will have to play to continue hosting events.
Councilman Holcomb followed by Glen Brown Jr. had the opportunity to explain the 3/8 of a cent Public Safety. This sales tax, which doesn’t have a sunset is projected to yield $3,000,000.00 annually. Holcomb mentioned that the purpose behind the 3/8 Public Safety tax is to financially support the city of Pine Bluff Fire and Police Department through enhanced training, equipment, and adopted salary schedule.
After Councilman Holcomb took his seat, Go Forward Pine Bluff’s Ryan Watley conducted a pictorial presentation regarding projects that Go Forward Pine Bluff has completed, and also upcoming projects.
Attendees were encouraged to ask questions or give input on the Go Forward Sales tax, and the current state of Pine Bluff.
Former Dollarway Superintendent Thomas Gathen spoke with Deltaplex News about his outlook on the Go Forward PB Sales Tax:
Former councilman Jack Foster provided input on both 3/8 and the 5/8 Go Forward PB Sales Tax:
Go Forward Pine Bluff CEO Ryan Watley gave his thoughts on if the attendees were able to gain more clarity on the progress and funding that are utilized to take on Go Forward projects now and in the future.
