FORT SMITH (KFSM)- Fort Smith voters approved renewing an existing street tax, but voted against putting part of it toward a trail system project.
A special election on the two issues was held Tuesday (May 12).
Of the 6,267 ballots cast in the election, 80% voted for the street tax and 20% voted against. 44% of voters were in favor of putting 5% of the street tax toward a trail system and 56% were against it.
The street tax, which has been in place for 30 years, will be renewed for another ten, but trail system supporters will have to find another way to fund 35 miles of hiking and biking trails. City leaders said a trail system would cost about $10 million.
The money generated by the street tax will go toward improving area streets, sidewalks, and drainage throughout the city.