The Pulaski County Quorum Court voted tonight to put a quarter-cent sales tax on the county ballot March 1 to provide a dedicated source of revenue for Rock Region metro, the agency formerly known as Central Arkansas Transit.

The proposal joins another tax on some local ballots —- the city of Little Rock’s request of voters to issue bonds to pay for improvements to the Arkansas Arts Center. A two-cent increase in the hotel tax takers effect whether bonds are used or not.

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We’ver said before and say again; A first-class city needs a first-class transit service. This is one element in achieving it. Don’t be fooled by non-users who anecdotaly judge its utility by the occasion bus they observe.

The Quorum Court voted 8-6 to allow the vote requested by the agency.  Said Director Jarod Varner:

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We are extremely grateful the Pulaski County Quorum Court acted tonight to let the voters decide on improved funding for public transit. Stakeholders and community leaders throughout Pulaski County were heavily involved in the MOVE Central Arkansas initiative (rrmetro.org/move) which will guide future transit investment. Dedicated funding for transit will allow for innovative services that better support economic development and provide greater connectivity from our neighborhoods to jobs, education, healthcare and local businesses.