Recently, a tax has passed in the city of Searcy. This tax will last eight years, from 2014 to 2022, and is expected to generate approximately $51 million dollars for the city of Searcy.


“In eight years, we can do a lot for the city, we can do a lot for the citizens of Searcy,” said mayor David Morris. “We feel like this is a very good proposal to put forward [at the time].”


Everybody that Searcy Lion Press was able to contact and arrange an interview with was for the sales tax.


“All of our city council members … voted to refer this to the voters and are in support of this plan,” said Morris.


“I’m going to support the sales tax this time,” said Carol Daves, registrar. “I am cautious when any government asks for more money, since I want them to spend it wisely. I’m not opposed to taxes by any means, because I know we all need them.”


One of the main talking points about the tax is how it will affect the city of Searcy.

“I believe it will affect business in a very positive way,” said Morris. “More people will come into town when our streets in better condition, when we have better police and fire protection, and things of that nature.”


There was a great deal of controversy over the tax before it’s ultimate passing in February.


“There’s a lot of false information going on out here,” said mayor Morris. “There’s a lot of people that are giving inaccurate information.”


“I think it’s kind of funny when you see red signs that say that [the Searcy sales tax] will triple sales tax. [Before the sales tax passed,] it [was at] 0.5%. So, it triples it to 1.5%, so it’s not like a huge increase,” said Searcy citizen Catie Holman.