Benton County Commissioner raises concerns over First Bank building purchase legality

The Benton County Commission meeting held on March 17, 2025, focused on significant issues regarding the county's financial management and property tax assessments. Key discussions included concerns about the purchase of the First Bank building and the implications of a recent property reappraisal.

Dr. Randy Shannon, a local resident, raised alarms about the county's financial practices, specifically questioning the legality of the purchase of the First Bank building for $480,000. He highlighted discrepancies in the funding sources for this purchase, noting that the original resolution required a two-thirds majority vote for approval, which was not achieved. Shannon argued that the mayor's assertion that the purchase did not require such a vote was questionable, citing the county's private act that mandates strict adherence to budget appropriations. He called for negotiations with the county attorney and mayor to resolve these issues and proposed bringing a corrective resolution to the commission in upcoming meetings.

In addition to financial concerns, the meeting addressed the recent property tax reappraisal that resulted in significant increases in property values across the county. Tax Assessor Ryan Hall explained that the reappraisal was based on sales data from the past five years, reflecting a dramatic rise in property values due to market changes, particularly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hall reassured residents that while property values have increased, the county has not raised the overall property tax rate since 2015. He emphasized that the state would establish a new certified tax rate to ensure revenue neutrality, which would mitigate the impact of the reappraisal on individual tax bills.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency and responsiveness to citizen concerns, particularly regarding the property tax assessments. Residents were encouraged to participate in informal hearings to discuss their individual assessments and to appeal decisions if necessary. The commission aims to address these pressing issues in future meetings, ensuring that the community's financial integrity and property tax concerns are adequately managed.