The purpose of the 3/8th cents sales tax is to financially support the city of Pine Bluff fire and police departments through enhanced training, equipment and the adopted Johansen salary schedule. Based on sales tax receipts from 2022, a 3/8 cents sales tax is projected to yield M annually. It is anticipated that sales tax receipts will continue to grow with development.
The following represents a spending proposal based on M annual revenue.
60% (.8M) of annual revenues from the 3/8th shall be placed into a restricted salary account to fund the Johansen salary schedule. Up to 10% (K) of the total allocation (5% (K) for each department) can be used for sign on bonus recruitment, continued education incentives and uniform allowances.
17% (K) of annual revenues from the 3/8th shall be placed into a restricted account to fund equipment and building upgrades for the fire department. Only 75% (K) of the allocation can be used to support debt.
17% (K) of annual revenues from the 3/8th shall be placed into a restricted account to fund equipment and building upgrades for the police department. Only 75% (K) of the allocation can be used to support debt.
6% (K) of annual revenues from the 3/8th shall be placed into a restricted reserve account for public safety emergencies or debt retirement. The Pine Bluff City Council shall determine what constitutes a public safety emergency.