Posted on

No new taxes for West Memphis parks projects

No new taxes for West Memphis parks projects

Share

Mayor, city launch campaign for $10.85 million bond vote

news@theeveningtimes.com

Marco McClendon may have channeled a bit former President George H. W. Bush’s line read my lips, no new taxes, at city hall Tuesday as the West Memphis mayor launched a city campaign for voters to approve a $10.85 million bond to improve parks.

They mayor pointed out the city council unanimously voted to place the bond on a Dec. 10 referendum.

“Today is another great day for the city of West Memphis as we continue to move forward on our winning streak,” said McClendon. “I’m here to announce our campaign to improve our community and its parks. On December 10 will be asking residents of West Memphis to vote yes on this measure. “

The mayor said improved parks meant improved lives.

“This is a quality of life piece that helps the families and children of our community,” said Mc-Clendon. “Our parks will receive the money needed to design, upgrade and renovate. We will make our parks a focal point for our city.”

Tilden Rodgers would serve as a magnet drawing traveling tournament teams with top notch facilities.

This list of amenities has grown each time the parks make-overs has been discussed. An expanded four lane entry and exit to

“Our parks will receive the money needed to design, upgrade and renovate. We will make our parks a focal point for our city… there will be zero dollars asked from the residents of West Memphis.”

— West Memphis Mayor McClendon handle more traffic in the city park became part of the resign along with the first mention of a dog park and more picnic covers.

“The sports complex will have eight turf fields, sand volleyball courts, new tennis courts, a walking trail, a new dog park, new bathrooms and concessions stands so it can be the premier sports complex in the mid-south area,” said McClendon.

Neighborhood parks get revamped under the plan too. Worthington and Franklin parks were slated for splash pads. Franklin park also gets a much needed new foootball/baseball combination field.

“Hightower Park will receive a new amphitheater new playground equipment and pavilions,” said McClendon.

The Willie Mae Rowe park rehab will be completed with bond funds.

Matthews Park plans included a resurfaced kickball

A municipal pool had entered planning but no location had been determined.

City Treasurer Frank Martin said funding would not cost tax payers anything because the new tax levied at Southland would fund park improvements.

“Last year voters changed Southland electronic games of skill to live casino betting,” said Martin. “Along with that came amendment 100 that changed the funding formula for the city of West Memphis, the county and the state. This increase allows us to build these projects with no increase in taxes coming from citizens.”

The treasurer had verified the planned expenses against project revenue from Southland Casino Racing and offered voters reassurance.

“Vote for it on Dec. 10 and we will get it done,” said Martin.

“There will be zero dollars asked from the residents of West Memphis,” said McClendon.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LAST NEWS
Scroll Up