BENTONVILLE, Ark.-Benton County voters have rejected a sales tax hike that would have funded a new courthouse and the renovation of the current court building.
Benton County Judge Barry Moehring says the 0.125 percent sales tax increase would have funded the construction of a $30 million 87,000-square-foot courthouse.
Under the proposed 54-month tax increase, county courts would have been consolidated under one roof, making court visits more convenient and secure.
The unofficial results from Tuesday's poll show 62 percent of voters oppose the proposal versus 38 percent who approve. Turnout was 6 percent of 161,802 registered voters.
The results will be verified March 22.
Some residents say they could see the need for a new court facility, but disagreed with how it would be funded.