Harrison Voters Reject Public Safety Tax Measure

City faces potential $1 million annual funding loss for police and fire departments

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:40pm

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Voters in Harrison, Arkansas approved a sales tax increase for infrastructure but rejected a separate measure that would have provided about $1 million in annual funding for the city's police and fire departments. The failed quarter-percent tax has been approved by voters every eight years since 2002, but this marks the first time it has not been renewed.

Why it matters

The loss of this public safety funding could force the city to make difficult budgetary decisions, potentially impacting staffing and equipment for the police and fire departments. This vote highlights the challenge cities face in securing reliable revenue streams to maintain essential services.

The details

The quarter-percent tax that was rejected by voters generated about $1.6 million annually, with roughly $1 million going to police and fire services. The remaining funds were allocated to the city's general fund. City officials acknowledged that the ballot language did not clearly state that police and fire were the primary beneficiaries of the tax, which may have contributed to its failure.

  • Voters approved the measure on March 3, 2026.
  • The quarter-percent tax has been approved by voters every eight years since 2002.

The players

Jerry Jackson

Mayor of Harrison, Arkansas, who said the city shares responsibility for the outcome and cited confusion over ballot language.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not blaming the community, I'm blaming us. We did a very poor job of communicating that with the community.”

— Jerry Jackson, Mayor

“The ballot probably could have read a little differently. The one that passed talked about infrastructure. This one didn't mention police and fire.”

— Jerry Jackson, Mayor

“It's my opinion right now, we can't afford to lose this tax.”

— Jerry Jackson, Mayor

What’s next

City leaders are considering placing a revised measure on the November 2026 ballot. They plan to work on better explaining the proposal to voters if it returns.

The takeaway

This vote highlights the challenges cities face in securing reliable revenue streams to maintain essential public services like police and fire departments. The failure of the tax measure in Harrison underscores the importance of clear ballot language and effective communication with voters on the importance of funding these critical community needs.