JONESBORO, Ark. — The Jonesboro City Council has given the green light for a proposed five-eighths of 1% (0.625%) sales and use tax measure to appear on the November ballot after a petition met the required number of signatures.
During its meeting on Tuesday evening, the council also approved an ordinance to hold a special election on November 3, allowing voters to determine whether to adopt the measure. According to city officials, the tax proceeds would be allocated to support public safety services and infrastructure improvements across the city.
In addition to the tax measure, the council reviewed a separate ordinance on its first reading, outlining formal procedures for opening invocations during city meetings. Under the proposed ordinance, council members—rotating by ward and position each month—may deliver an invocation according to their chosen faith or invite a guest to do so.
The council also read a proposed amendment requiring at least three hours’ public notice for special-called committee meetings, extending the current two-hour minimum.
Other council business included the approval of two private club permits for local establishments. On their third reading, permits were granted to Blazing Buffalo Sports Grill at 3310 Southwest Drive and My Place Hotel at 2905 Gilmore Drive.
Additionally, the council authorized the purchase of two new Chevrolet 1500 Crew Cab 4x4 trucks for the Jonesboro Fire Department. Each vehicle, including essential equipment, carries a price tag of $65,000.
Voters in Jonesboro will make the final decision on the proposed sales tax measure during the November 3 special election.