NLR Mayor answers about sales tax proposal

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR -- About 125 North Little Rock voters listened to Mayor Patrick Hays discuss his plans for a proposed tax increase Thursday. Most in the audience are still unclear about how the money will be spent and that's why they came to get answers.

"It's tax dollars and we are the ones as citizens paying into it. Anytime you pay in, you want to know where the money will go," said voter Lisa Smith.

The fire department will get a portion of the permanent tax that generates about $8 million a year. It would build a new station and hire 13 firefighters. The police department would also add ten new officers to the force.

Meanwhile, streets and sidewalks would see improvements from a second temporary tax. It would last five years generating $40 million over its lifetime.

"This sales tax election, if we are successful on both counts, would give us a real boost to take the city even further than where we have come already," said Mayor Patrick Hays.

State Representative Tracy Steele moderated the meeting, saying it allows voters to get the facts.

"It's never too late to get information. Information is power. So once they will be empowered to make their own decision," said Steele.

The final tally at the polls will be taken Tuesday.