GRAVETTE -- County Judge Barry Moehring held a public forum at the Gravette Civic Center Tuesday evening, Feb. 5. In this meeting, the first of 12 planned around the county, Moehring gave a historical perspective of the current county courthouse, information on the proposed county facility and the funding proposal, a special election Tuesday, March 12, to approve a one-eighth of one percent sales tax for constructing and furnishing a new court facility.
Using a series of slides, Moehring presented a brief history of the historic courthouse in downtown Bentonville and an overview of where judges are currently holding court. Problems encountered with the present arrangement are insufficient public space, lack of room for expansion, inadequate courtrooms and security concerns because of prisoners and citizens being in close proximity.
He showed the selected location of the new courts facility on N.E. Second Street, next to the old post office, on land donated by the Walton Family Foundation. He said its proximity to current courts facilities would allow them to be used more efficiently.
An architect's rendering of the proposed building was presented, and Moehring gave an overview of the facility's features. It would consist of four stories plus a basement, sally port and a holding area for up to 50 prisoners. It would allow all judges and clerk functions to work under one roof. A parking deck with 400 additional spaces will provide a significant increase in parking and free parking 24 hours a day.
The building will be constructed of durable materials and has a projected lifespan of from 50 to 100 years. The contemporary, 21st-century courtrooms will provide plenty of space and the latest technology features, making video arraignment of prisoners possible. Wide hallways with large windows will provide plenty of space and light. The second and third stories will be alike, with the fourth story shelled out for future expansion. It will provide a secure facility with a better separation of inmates and the public.
The proposed tax is expected to bring in $25 million to supplement the $10 million in current funds. Moehring explained that the 1/8 percent sales tax is the lowest possible incremental tax. It will incur no long-term debt and will save millions of dollars in interest, he said, since it will run for only 4 1/2 years with no extension. The charge will amount to 12 1/2 cents for each $100 in purchases.
The sales tax, current funds, donated land and a $2 million grant offered by the Walton Family Foundation should be sufficient to construct a "secure, modern and efficient facility," Moehring said. He urged voters to support the proposal and approve the sales tax in the special election March 12. Early voting will be held March 5-8 and on Monday, March 11.
A question-and-answer session was held following Moehring's presentation with several citizens making comments and inquiries.
Tim Summers, a member of the quorum court from 1995 to 2008, said, with the county growing so rapidly, he was a strong advocate of the proposal. He pointed out that the county jail was built with a similar special sales tax.
Clayton Kalagias, a member of the Libertarian Party, said his group had hired an architect who has designed a courts building which could fill the county's needs in two stories at a projected cost of $15 million rather than $30 million. Kalagias asked why the proposed sales tax for funding a courts facility was not on the general election ballot in November, and Moehring replied that it would have been on the end of the ballot with several other important ballot issues and would have gotten little attention.
Mike Clifford, of Bentonville, said he has been attending meetings regarding a new courthouse consistently. He is opposed to the sales tax increase, saying Arkansas is already one of the highest taxing states. He opposes the special election because of the cost to taxpayers and questioned why plan to pay off the courthouse in five years when it would be in use 20 or more years. Clifford recommended charging a fee whenever a courtroom is used.
Will Tucker, of Gravette, a bailiff in Judge Scott's court, spoke about the problems with having a victim and an offender in the same courtroom. He said a separate facility is needed and he feels the proposed building will solve that.
George Cowgur, of Hiwasse, commented on the historical value of the old courthouse and reminisced about going there to wait for votes to be counted and hear election results announced in the past.
Pat Adams, of Rogers, justice of the peace for District 6, commended his fellow quorum court members for being good stewards of the taxpayers' money and said they were very conscientious about spending, making the best, most well-informed decisions. Adams explained that he has a background in law enforcement and has been in the courts as a bailiff. He feels there is little waste in county government. A sheriff, jail and county courts are constitutional mandates, Adams said, and he believes the current proposal is the most viable way to solve the problem and "will keep Benton County moving through the 21st century and into the 22nd century." He told those in attendance, "We're not trying to force this on you, just asking for your support."
Joseph Ballinger, of Bella Vista, commented that, with 30 people moving into the county every day, it should not be necessary to increase taxes. He feels the vote for a new sales tax should be on a general election ballot. He alleged that cuts were being made in funds for road maintenance, but Moehring said no cuts are being made in the road department budget.
Robert Mahmens spoke against raising taxes and expressed his opposition to a $30 million courthouse. He recommended tax reform instead. Judge Moehring said $1 1/2 million had been spent so far on architects' plans and core sampling. Mahmens asked if the construction contract would be open for bid, and Moehring said it would be. Nabholz has been chosen from about 30 firms as construction manager. Mahmens asked if there would be increased staffing after the construction of the new building, and Moehring said it would be similar to present staffing unless a new judge is approved at the end of the legislative session.
Mahmens asked if other options were considered, and Moehring replied that the quorum court looked at many options over many hours and chose the option that would pay for the project the quickest without long-term debt. Mahmens concluded by saying that "we need a new courthouse, but we need a different way to make it happen."
Kevin Hauger, a county employee, objected to steering the construction downtown. He said the infrastructure was not prepared for major downtown construction and he is opposed to locating the courthouse there as it would be a "catastrophe." He said he felt steering by a foundation (the Walton Family Foundation) is wrong, that "a company shouldn't decide a tax increase."
Susan Anglin, justice of the peace for District 9, said it would cost $1.3 million for every year the building is put off. She supports the current proposal "as a citizen and as a taxpayer" and concluded by saying, "We wouldn't consider asking if we didn't feel this was needed."
Linda Martin, a Decatur city councilwoman, asked about how long it would take to build the court facility after the sales tax is approved, and Moehring replied it would be about 24 months.
General News on 02/13/2019