HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-01-R "A Resolution Supporting the Extension of the 200
Independence County Economic Development Tax '
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RESOLUTION 2013-11-1-1�
WHEREAS, in early 2008,job losses resulting from the recent closu of the GDX
Automotive facility and the impending closure of the White Rodgers facility esulted in an urgent need
for a viable and competitive economic development program for Independen e County, and
WHEREAS, the leadership of the Batesville Area Chamber of Co erce, the City of
Batesville and Independence County formed a joint task force to research ec nomic development
programs used in other areas of the state to determine the best course of acti n for Independence
County which would result in an adequately funded economic development rogram to create, enhance
and retain jobs for our citizens, and
WHEREAS, the task force noted that the success of an economic de elopment program is
critically dependent upon an adequately funded program with a unified appr ach resulting from
collaborative partnerships between the Chamber of Commerce, the City and the County, and
WHEREAS, the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, the City o Batesville and
Independence County partnered to propose a county wide, 1/4 cent, sales tax for economic development
which would sunset in five years and would adequately fund a viable econ is development program
for job creation, enhancement and retention, and
WHEREAS, voters in the City of Batesville demonstrated their ov rwhelming support for the
2008, 1/4 cent, economic development tax with a 76% approval rating helpi g to propel the overall
county wide vote to a 66% favorable margin, and
WHEREAS, since 2009 the Independence County Economic Dev lopment Program has been
successful in securing more than 75 million dollars of private investment i our community resulting in
over 1200 jobs being added, and
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WHEREAS, it is critically important for the economic well being of ndependence County to
continue an adequately funded economic development program to remain competitive in attracting and
retaining jobs for our citizens and private business investments in our community, and
WHEREAS, the Independence County Quorum Court has called an ection to be held on
December 10, 2013 to extend the 2008, 1/4 cent, sales tax for economic development.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of B itesville, Arkansas that:
"The City of Batesville fully supports the extension of the 2008, 1/4 cent, county wide, sales tax for
economic development to provide our community with the tools needed to co itinue to be successful in
the support, retention and recruitment of jobs for our citizens and private busi iess investments in our
community. We strongly recommend and encourage voters to cast their ballots in favor of the
continuation of this successful program."
This RESOLUTION adopted this 26th day of November, 2013.
Mayor Rick Elumbaugh
Attest:
Denise Johnston, City Clerk