Now is time for Benton County to deliver new courts facility

On March 12, citizens of Benton County will make the critical decision whether to approve a one-eighth cent sales tax to fund a long-delayed and sorely needed project — a new circuit courts facility in downtown Bentonville. Since the reality now is that the courts are going to be built downtown, it’s time for a new perspective. Also, there needs to be a rebuttal to Libertarian Michael J. Kalagias’ guest column Feb. 4, “Benton County doesn’t need Taj Mahal facility for courts.”

Surely everyone understands the pressing need for this project. Inadequate courtrooms are now in four locations downtown, which is confusing and inconvenient. Regardless of the weather, those summoned for jury duty must stand in line outside the old courthouse to be processed through a single security gate. Participants are squeezed into courtrooms where a person on the witness stand may be sitting only arms length from where those brought from the jail for their hearings are seated.

Kalagias questioned the sales tax issue not being on the ballot last November, and stated it was deliberately left off with the belief that the small turnout in a special election would make it much easier to pass. I believe they didn’t yet have all the information needed for voter consideration.

Mr. Kalagias also harangued that Judge Moehring was elected to serve all the people, naming towns in the four corners of the county whose needs should be met, and “not just the wants and influence of people in Bentonville.” Bentonville is the county seat, where else should the courts be?

Mr. Kalagias also made the point that sales tax is a regressive tax that hurts low-income people. Normally, that is true; however, one-eighth cent would amount to about 13 cents on a $100 purchase and $1.25 on $1,000. He also offered this profound reasoning: “The Quorum Court prefers a building grand and large, so it will make the people feel small in the presence of their government.”

A few weeks ago Judge Moehring gave a presentation on the proposed facility to Siloam Springs Republican Women. It is an outstanding plan, which will meet the growing needs of this county for decades to come. The facility will fully accommodate courtrooms, judges, clerks, all personnel and activities involving the courts — and the unfinished top floor will be available for future expansion.

There will be a large reception area for those waiting to be checked through security, with two scanners for more efficient processing. While awaiting their court appearance, those brought from the jail will be held in a secure area in the basement, and will sit behind a glass partition inside the courtroom. It’s doubtful Mr. Kalagias’ scaled down, two stories smaller version would be adequate for current needs, much less future expansion.

The Quorum Court’s plan is not a Taj Mahal — it’s what Benton County has waited to build for so long. Now it rests on the voters to do their job.

BARBARA FOREMAN

Siloam Springs