Editor’s note: Michael Hibblen is the author of this report.

Dallas County voters rejected a proposed 1% sales and use tax Tuesday (Nov. 3), according to corrected election results published by the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office.

The revised figures show 969 voters, or 56.6%, opposed the measure, while 743 voters, or 43.4%, supported it. The proposal was defeated by 226 votes.

The Secretary of State’s website initially reported that the tax had passed, with 2,051 votes in favor and 1,321 against.

However, a representative of the Dallas County Clerk’s office said Wednesday that those figures were incorrect and provided the actual results by phone. The representative said county officials had contacted the Secretary of State’s office to correct the discrepancy.

The Secretary of State’s website was subsequently updated to reflect the figures provided by the county.

The proposed tax would have increased Dallas County’s existing county sales tax rate from 2% to 3%, in addition to applicable state and municipal sales taxes.

County officials estimated the increase would generate approximately $1.2 million annually, with 70% of the net revenue dedicated to county roads and the remaining 30% supporting law enforcement, ambulance services or solid waste operations.

The proposal was placed on the ballot after the Dallas County Quorum Court voted July 28 to refer the measure to voters.

County officials cited rising costs for equipment, fuel, materials, maintenance and personnel as reasons additional revenue was needed.

Had voters approved the proposal, the new tax would have taken effect Jan. 1, 2027.
The results remain unofficial pending certification.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported that Dallas County voters approved a proposed 1% sales and use tax in Tuesday’s election.