Little Rock board skeptical of city plans for spending federal relief money
Little Rock board skeptical of city plans for spending federal relief money MAYOR FRANK SCOTT JR. (file photo) BRIAN CHILSON
Ongoing tension between the
Little Rock Board of Directors and
Mayor Frank Scott Jr. surfaced again Tuesday as several board members expressed skepticism for how the city administration has proposed to spend $18.8 million in federal relief funds.
The city will ultimately receive a total of around $38 million, divided in two parts. Little Rock got the first half in May 2021, but has been waiting on federal guidance on how the money can be spent before proceeding. This first tranche of federal money has to be obligated for projects by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2026.
The Little Rock Board of Directors may soon consider whether to ask voters to approve a sales tax increase. In May, Ward 3 Director Kathy Webb made a successful motion to table consideration of Mayor Frank Scott Jr.'s plan to add 1% to the city's sales tax rate, which would generate an estimated $53 million per year. Webb's motion was to table consideration for 60 days, until July 13, but at tonight's city board agenda meeting, Webb asked for the ordinance and resolution that would trigger the election to be added to the board's June 15 meeting. Scott said a special meeting might be necessary.