A new office for some Benton county employees will soon open in Rogers. However, the new building is already in the red, according to county leaders.
The building at 1428 Walnut St. used to house USA Drug, but in just a few days, it will be the home to what county leaders are calling a "one-stop-shop" for taxpayers.
The new facility will house the Benton County assessor, the county collector, county clerk and the state revenue office, which serves drivers. County residents will also be able to register to vote at the location.
“This is the way it should be here in Arkansas,” said Benton County Judge Bob Clinard. “It's a one stop shop for all of the taxpayers.”
The total cost of the project is $270,000, which is $70,000 more than county officials were budgeted to spend.
“The cost was exceeded without my knowledge before we went to the court and asked for more money. That's not protocol here. You get the money approved and go spend it," Clinard said. "It was a mistake and never intended, but it happened.”
Officials said that appropriation for the extra money has been approved, and the underestimated cost is behind them now.
The new facility will be ready for business on Monday at 8 a.m.