In February, Crittenden Fiscal Court introduced an occupational license and one-percent occupational and net profits tax ordinance as a possible means to raise revenue for the county’s general fund. A primary reason for the need to increase revenue is a request by Crittenden Health Systems (CHS) to help subsidize its ambulance service, which lost $204,000 in 2011. The county also says it has other ongoing expenses without a sure source of revenue for meeting those needs.
Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom has held public forums in various parts of the county to discuss the county’s proposed tax. However, the combined attendance has been fewer than 200 people, not counting those affiliated with county government or CHS who attended the meetings. The Crittenden Press has also devoted much space and time over the past few weeks with regard to this issue.
In an effort to further inform and answer some questions about the tax, The Press has submitted a series of questions to Newcom, who has agreed to have his answers published in their entirety. The answers appear in Newcom’s own words in this week's print edition of the newspaper.
The full length tax proposal is available online by following this link.
Also inside this week's issue, find out when Five Star Food Mart is slated to re-open and discover what Crittenden and Livingston County school systems are doing to combat bullying.
