Lawrence County voters will decide on Nov. 3, 2026, whether to approve a proposed increase in the county’s road millage rate. The measure, referred to the ballot by the Lawrence County Quorum Court in July, seeks to raise the current rate from 2 mills to 3 mills.
Early voting begins Oct. 19 and continues through Nov. 2. Early voting hours at the Lawrence County Courthouse, located at 315 West Main Street in Walnut Ridge, will run 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Polls will also open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, the day before Election Day. Polling locations across the county will be open on Election Day from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The proposed increase is intended to generate additional funds for the maintenance and operation of county roads. If passed, the 1-mill increase is expected to provide $147,817 annually for the county’s road fund and $56,950 for cities to share. The additional revenue would be used for projects such as paving, graveling, and improving road drainage, as well as replacing or upgrading equipment. Quorum Court officials said these funds are necessary to continue to meet road maintenance needs.
Under the Arkansas Constitution, quorum courts can raise the road millage rate to 3 mills without voter approval. However, Lawrence County’s court opted to place the measure before voters.
A mill represents $1 of property tax for every $1,000 of assessed value. Properties in Arkansas are assessed at 20% of their appraised value. For example, a home valued at $100,000 has an assessed value of $20,000. Increasing the millage rate from 2 mills to 3 mills would raise taxes on that property by $20 annually, from $40 to $60.
If approved, the new tax rate would apply to 2026 property tax bills, due in 2027. Those residing outside municipal limits would see all revenues from the road millage go to the county's road fund. Residents within city limits would see their road millage divided equally between their city and the county.
The county’s current road funding includes $380,079 from property taxes, supplemented by $20,085 in federal aid and $1,550,832 in state aid, according to a 2024 Arkansas Legislative Audit report. Lawrence County’s last property reappraisal occurred in 2023, with the next one scheduled for 2027. Assessed values and tax bills may change following that reappraisal.
Residents with questions about the proposal or voting logistics are encouraged to contact the Lawrence County Clerk’s Office.