BLACK ROCK, Ark.—A proposal for a half-cent sales tax in Black Rock was decisively voted down during the midterm elections. According to city officials, 62% of voters opposed the measure.
The tax, if approved, was intended to generate additional revenue to help lower water rates and provide funds to match grants for local projects. Police Chief Bryan Archer said the grants, among other things, could have supported initiatives such as installing a tornado warning siren, building a walking trail, and upgrading parks with a playground.
“What a lot of the citizens here in Black Rock don’t understand—as much traffic as we have come through here to stop at the gas station, the one gas station that we have—a lot of them would be helping pay that half-cent sales tax,” Archer explained.
Over the years, Black Rock has faced revenue challenges stemming from the loss of businesses, including its only grocery store, as well as the ongoing costs of storm damage repairs. Archer noted the city operates on a small-town budget, leaving little available for development after covering essential expenses.
The rejection of the sales tax could make it increasingly difficult for the city to meet the matching requirements for future grants. Archer emphasized that funding city projects without that revenue may rely more heavily on community contributions.
“If we continue to get grants that are matching grants, it’s going to be tough,” Archer said. “We keep going and asking for donations from people. We’ve got people who have donated regularly to us.”
Residents who wish to contribute can leave donations at city hall and may specify which project they would like to support, officials said.
With the measure defeated, Black Rock leaders are left to evaluate alternative ways to address funding needs while continuing basic operations.