Madison County votes against one-cent sales tax increase to operate new jail

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Madison County residents have failed to pass a 1-cent sales tax increase to go towards operations at the county's jail.

County officials said during early voting in October the jail can not operate without the sales tax increase.

According to unofficial results, the initiative failed 3,632 votes for to 3,692 against (60 votes).

Cane Hill alcohol vote count blocked by Arkansas Supreme Court

Sheriff Ronnie Boyd previously told KNWA that the county has been using an "EMS fund," and that funding the jail will cost a minimum of $700,000. However, additional costs will also be incurred.

"[Y]ou have health care," Boyd said. "You have to feed the prisoners — the food cost. You know, all the other expenses come along with it."

In 2022, voters did pass a sales tax increase to build the new jail, but they did not pass the tax to help run it.

More election results can be found here .