Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Resolutions And Public Comments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Benton County approves package of resolutions; residents urge alternatives to tax increases
Summary
The commission approved several resolutions including nonprofit contributions, a USDA grant application, a committee for resale of delinquent-tax land, and allowing animal shelter credit-card payments. Public commenters urged alternatives to raising property taxes and highlighted park improvements and animal shelter staffing needs.
At its July 15 meeting, the Benton County Commission approved a series of resolutions addressing nonprofit contributions, grant applications and local services, and heard public comment urging that growth not be pursued through property-tax increases.
The commission approved RESOLUTION 20190715-03 to fund contributions to local nonprofits for FY 2019–2020; the motion carried by roll call with 15 ayes, 1 nay and 1 abstention (Commissioner Mary Powers recorded an abstention with conflict). Commissioners also approved RESOLUTION 20190715-04 to establish a committee to oversee resale of land bought at delinquent tax sales; and RESOLUTION 20190715-05 authorizing the mayor to execute documents related to a $12,000 USDA Rural Development grant application to prepare an application for the Community Facilities Program.
RESOLUTION 20190715-06 asked state lawmakers to examine decreases in Benton County bank excise taxes; the item was approved unanimously by those present. The commission also approved RESOLUTION 20190715-07 to permit the Benton County Animal Shelter to accept credit-card payments for adoption fees and sales.
During Citizens Forum, James Ricketts said growth matters but "doesn’t think a property tax increase is the answer" to bring new residents. State Park Ranger J.C. Johnson reported park improvements at Nathan Bedford Park at Eva — including new land acquisition, fiber-optic internet and cabin upgrades — and Sharon Neal, director of the Animal Shelter Board, said shelter staff need at least one full-time position to handle demand.
Other routine business included appointment of July notaries and the removal, by amendment, of the Benton County Girls Softball lease agreement from the agenda earlier in the meeting. The commission adjourned following roll-call and voice votes on the evening's items.
