Morrilton, Conway County To Seek Quarter Cent Tax For Jobs (UPDATED)

The Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce and Conway County Economic Development Corporation are seeking a five-year, quarter-cent countywide sales tax to be used for job recruitment to Conway County.

The Conway County Quorum Court will meet Thursday (Jan. 8) to consider an ordinance calling for a special election on March 11, 2014.

“The residents of Conway County have been very vocal on the need for new jobs in the area. We take the needs of our community seriously and are actively seeking funding that will allow Conway County to remain competitive in the job creation and retention market,” said Brandon Baker, President & CEO of the Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce and Conway County Economic Development Corporation.

The tax, if passed, will be used to recruit new jobs to Conway County and assist existing business and industry in Conway County with workforce training and expansion needs, including infrastructure such as water, sewer, gas, electric and rail projects. It is estimated to generate roughly $4.25 million over the five-year period proposed and the tax would sunset unless re-authorized by voters.

“Every penny raised will be used to bring new jobs into the county.” Baker said.

The funds would be administered by a five-person economic development board appointed by the Conway County Quorum Court.

Morrilton scored a solid manufacturing prospect late last year.

Vietnamese-based Vinh Long, a manufacturer of a variety of home furnishing products made from natural fiber mixed with industrial materials, is locating a new manufacturing facility in the former Bosch building in Morrilton.

The company will invest $5 million in the plant and add 75 workers.

The new facility, to be known as Vinh Long – Arkansas Ltd., will manufacture storage furniture and kitchen cabinets for potential retailers.

UPDATE: On Thursday, the Conway County Quorum Court unanimously approved the special election ordinance.