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Maumelle council explores ending revenue office agreement to create a city museum
Summary
Council asked the mayor to investigate ending a long-standing arrangement that houses the state revenue office rent-free in city hall and to study converting the space into a city museum and city store; members cited convenience for residents and potential benefits of a dedicated museum space.
Maumelle — The Maumelle City Council on July 7 asked the mayor to research ending a decades-long agreement that allows the state revenue office to operate rent-free in city hall, and to evaluate converting that footprint into a city museum and city store.
Mayor raised the issue as the revenue office's contract approaches renewal in October and noted a nearby, larger revenue office often processes customers faster. "There's almost a perfect time" to consider the change, the mayor said, noting lobby crowding and mixed use of the reception area. Council Member Gardner said she now uses the newer North Little Rock location because it is "so much faster." Council Member Williams supported converting the space, saying it would make memorabilia more accessible and could increase public visits.
Council acknowledged trade-offs: some residents rely on the downtown convenience and could object if local service moved. Council Member Booker asked whether the agreement is year-to-year; staff said it is. The council voted to request the mayor's office look into ending the agreement and return with recommendations; no final decision was made.
What happens next: The mayor's office will contact the revenue office regarding the upcoming contract renewal and evaluate options for repurposing the space; the council may consider any formal proposal at a future meeting.
