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THE POLK COUNTY
1168 Hwy 71 S Mena, AR 71953 479.243.9600
July 29, 2020
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Authorities search for teens
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Photo by Jeri Borst
Judy Drye, left, prepares to checkout at James Super Save Foods, as Dean Lott completes her purchase with Debbie Thompson. Customers and employees have been required to wear a mask since Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s executive order, which has been in effect since Monday, July 20.
MRHS to fast-track COVID-19 testing with new equipment
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Sales tax steady State sales tax on Nov. ballot By Jeri Borst
Back the Blue Parade set for Saturday
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After two months of lost revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic, sales tax in Polk County has begun generating income. Taxes collected in April, which were generated with purchases in March, were down $2,308.68 from last year. However, after stay at home orders were lifted, sales tax revenue picked up. June purchases equated to $152,123.34 in July’s collected sales tax, which is $29,269.81 more than
the amount collected in the same month last year. “Though I don’t get a break down of how people are spending their money, I assume people are spending their money at home,” Tanya Fretz, Polk County Treasurer, said. “I think people are not going out of town as often and are spending locally.” County Judge Brandon Ellison said he thinks sales tax is fairing well, but said he continues to monitor the revenue stream. “With the virus we were concerned
about revenue loss, but it has done well over all,” he said, noting online sales were having an effect on tax revenue. “Last legislative session, there was a marketplace fairness bill to collect internet sales tax and deliver locally,” he said. “I think that was a critical measure to enact.” Sales tax in Polk County is 8.5 percent, with 6.5 of that being state sales tax. Inside city limits, sales tax is higher and includes an Advertising SALES TAX CONTINUED ON PAGE 8