Lawrence County voters will decide Tuesday whether to approve a one-mill increase in the county’s road millage rate.
The Lawrence County Quorum Court voted in July to place the measure on the general election ballot, allowing voters to determine the proposed tax increase. If approved, the county’s road millage rate would rise from two mills to three mills.
According to officials, the Arkansas Constitution permits a county quorum court to raise the road millage rate to three mills without seeking voter approval. However, Lawrence County justices chose to refer the decision to residents.
County Judge Gary Barnhill has stated that the additional revenue is essential to maintaining and operating the county road department. If approved, the increased property tax revenue would fund repairs and improvements to county roads, including providing gravel, culverts, asphalt, or concrete, as well as improving drainage systems through ditch cleaning or excavation.
The funds could also help the county acquire or update equipment. Earlier this month, Judge Barnhill told the court that two new road graders are needed, but the county currently lacks the funds to cover those costs.
The ballot proposal will let voters determine whether the county road department should receive the additional resources to address these needs.