Sheriff Holloway, Surveyor James win in Benton County; three special ballot items approved

Benton County Sheriff Shawn Holloway, R-Rogers, will remain sheriff of Benton County, after receiving more than 78% of the vote, unofficial results show. The sheriff’s race was one of several contested races in Northwest Arkansas that was decided in the primary election Tuesday night, and following are others, including three special ballot items.

Benton County Surveyor Michael James, R-Gentry, will retain his position, Siloam Springs residents approved a 5/8-cent sales tax extension for water improvements, Gravette School District approved a property tax increase for building security enhancements and a new gym and Goshen residents approved a 1% city sales tax.

“I view elections as my job evaluation,” Holloway said. “I believe I got a stamp of approval tonight.”

Holloway said he will continue to develop the programs he campaigned on in the 2016 election, such as putting the community first, expanding work detail and reducing recidivism.
Holloway was elected to a four-year term, and the longer term will allow him to complete long-term planning. Previously, the sheriff’s term was for two years.

Holloway received 11,736 votes, while Glenn Latham, R-Gentry, earned 3,288 votes. When asked what happened, Latham explained Holloway had 400 large signs, he was an incumbent and was supported financially. This was Latham’s second time to run against Holloway. In 2016, Holloway received 72% of the vote.

Like in the last election, Latham said he focused on the unincorporated areas and would be interested to see the vote totals in those areas. Latham thanked his supporters and doesn’t expect to run again in four years.

James said he was pleased to win the election for county surveyor. He received 10,319 votes, or 74.31% of the vote, and Grant Nevill, R-Bentonville, picked up 3,567 votes, or 25.69% of the vote. This was James’ first time to run for election after being appointed to the position in 2015. He’s worked as a professional surveyor in Benton County since 1982.

“It makes me feel good that all the years of working for the people of Benton County that I’ve done a good job for them,” James said. “It’s kind of like a little thank you. There’s no money in this. Maybe a little recognition.”

The position has no duties, but he would like to work more closely with the county planning office on regulations.

Goshen Mayor Max Poye wasn’t surprised the residents of the city approved a 1% sales tax, with 54.64% of the vote. When it goes into effect, it will be the city’s first sales tax, and is expected to generate between $9,000 and $15,000 annually for its general fund as the city of 1,601 people will soon have a Dollar General, Poye said.

In the Gravette School District, property taxes will increase by 2.5 mills to 39.7 mills after 60.11% of voters approved a millage increase. One mill is equal to $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value for property, and with a 1-mill tax, a $100,000 home would have $20 tax bill because the state bases assessed value on 20% of a home’s worth. The 2.5 mill increase is expected to generate $12.81 million, and along with the $1 million contribution from the school district’s building fund, the district will have a total of $13.81 million. Construction will cost $13.422 million for the projects, including a 1,750-seat gym, an expanded career center and security improvements to the schools in the district. The projects are expected to be complete in 2020, said Superintendent Richard Page, adding that he’s proud the taxes are still low and were previously increased 11 years ago.

In Siloam Springs, residents approved a 5/8-cent sales tax extension, with 86.71% of the vote. The sales tax revenue will be used to pay for a $31 million bond issue for water plant improvements and a new water line, between the Illinois River and the plant. The city of Siloam Springs has 6,516 water customers in the city limits and 846 outside the city, said Holland Hayden, city communication officer.

Following are unofficial results of contested races and special ballot items in Northwest Arkansas:

Benton County
Benton County Sheriff
Sheriff Shawn Holloway (R): 11,736 (78.12%)
Glenn Latham (R): 3,288 (21.88%)

County Surveyor
Grant Nevill (R): 3,567 (25.69%)
County Surveyor Michael James (R): 10,319 (74.31%)

JP District 1
JP Mike McKenzie (R): 701 (61.87%)
Dale King (R): 432 (38.13%)

JP District 11
Dustin Todd (R): 660 (58.56%)
Kelli Latham (R): 467 (41.44%)

JP District 15
JP Joel Edwards (R): 782 (68.9%)
Jamie Sheppard (R): 353 (31.1%)

City of Siloam Springs
Sales tax extension for water improvements
For: 992 (86.71%)
Against: 152 (13.29%)

Gravette Public School District millage increase
For: 1,421 (60.11%)
Against: 943 (39.89%)

Washington County
JP District 5
Patrick Deakins (R): 267 (52.77%)
Denny Upton (R): 239 (47.23%)

JP District 13
Willie Leming (R): 545 (60.62%)
JP Joel Maxwell (R): 354 (39.38%)

City of Goshen
1% sales tax
For: 100 (54.64%)
Against: 83 (45.36%)