Berryville seeks 15-year extension of sales tax

Berryville voters will be asked to approve a 15-year extension of the city’s existing half-cent sales and use tax in a May 13 special election.

At its regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 25, the Berryville City Council unanimously approved three readings of Ordinance No. 1146 to extend the tax, which is currently set to expire on Sept. 30, 2030, to Sept. 30, 2045, pending voter approval.

The council also approved a resolution referring Ordinance No. 1146 to the voters, then approved three readings of Ordinance No. 1148, calling for the May 13 special election.

According to Mayor Tim McKinney, extending the tax will allow the city to issue bonds in order to finance various improvement projects. McKinney said Berryville’s sales tax would remain low compared to other cities in Northwest Arkansas.

Also at the Feb. 25 meeting, the council approved the second and third readings of an ordinance setting the compensation for members of the city planning commission at $40 per meeting attended, to be paid in a lump sum immediately after the last scheduled meeting of the year.

The council approved the second and third readings of an ordinance setting the compensation for council members at $100 per meeting, to be paid in a lump sum immediately after the last scheduled meeting of the year.

The council also approved the second and third readings of an ordinance revising the fee for building inspection permits in the city.

McKinney gave his annual State of the City address, highlighting the city’s accomplishments in 2024 and challenges for 2025 and beyond. See the full transcript of McKinney’s remarks beginning on Page 2.

The Berryville City Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, at City Hall.