Green County Chamber Seeking 1.5-Cent Sales Tax.

The Green County Chamber of Commerce is planning today to ask Paragould and Green County to schedule an election so that voters can decide if they want new sales taxes to raise about $28 million.

The money will be used for every-thing from adding 10 more police officers to repairing bridges and building a new community center, said Joe Higgins, director of economic development for the chamber.

Higgins said he hoped the election would be scheduled for March 27.

The county voters will only vote on a 0.5-cent countywide tax and the city voters will vote on the 0.5-cent county tax and a 1-cent tax.

The county tax only will be used for the county's bridge and road improvements.

Half of the city's 1-cent tax would be temporary and should expire in 12 years. The other half of the tax would be permanent to pay for the hew staff positions.

The county tax also should expire in less than 12 years, Higgins said.

Higgins said the chamber spent 18 months listening to various groups talk about what they want from government.

If voters approve the tax, a fire station will be built, 10 police officers and four firefighters will be added, the city parks will be improved and a new community center and recreational facility with soccer and baseball fields will be built.