BENTONVILLE -- Benton County officials said last week they'll need to get accurate information to voters as a pair of plans to pay for rural ambulance service go on the ballot in November.
County Judge Bob Clinard said the first step will be to make sure the ballot titles for the plans are clear and informative.
"I heard the criticism before when we had the vote on the $85 fee that it wasn't clear," Clinard said. "It's important to do everything we can to ensure voters know exactly what they're voting on."
Clinard wanted ballot titles that explain how the plans work.
"If you vote for this option, the fee, it will pay for half the cost of ambulance service," he said. "If you vote for this other option, the millage, it will pay 75 percent of the cost. But I was told we couldn't do that."
The justices of the peace approved putting a 0.2-mill property tax increase on the Nov. 4 general election ballot during a special meeting Tuesday of last week. County officials have said the increase would result in a $4 increase in the annual tax on a home valued at $100,000. All county voters will be able to vote on the tax increase proposal.
The justices of the peace also approved sending on a proposal to the vote for an emergency medical services district with an annual fee of $40 assessed on each household in the district. Only residents of the proposed district will vote on the district and fee.
Mike Crandall, accounting manager, told the justices of the peace the fee would raise about $527,000 a year and the millage would generate about $834,000. If one or both of the plans gain approval, the revenue would be designated to pay for rural ambulance service.
Several justices of the peace said they already are considering how to get information to voters.
"We've got to get out there and spread the word," said Patrick Carr of District 12. "It's important people understand what they're voting on. You're not paying for ambulance service, not paying for a call. You're paying for the availability of an ambulance so one will be there in case you do need it."
Carr plans to host at least one town hall meeting in Siloam Springs, where the majority of his constituents live. He said he plans to provide information on the millage proposal and the EMS district. He said he favors the millage.
"I think that's the best way to go, in my opinion," he said. "I travel back roads that aren't in the incorporated areas. I want that protection for myself and for my family."
Carr said he doesn't want to see the election come down to an "us versus them" mentality with city and rural residents feeling they're on opposing sides.
"We've got to get rid of the us and them attitude," he said. "We're all residents of Benton County, and we've got to take care of all of our citizens."
General News on 08/20/2014