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Sales Tax To Help Reopen Arkansas Hospital Passed By Voters

Voters in Crittenden County have approved a 1 percent sales tax to help reopen the county hospital that closed last year because of money woes.

The proposal raises the county sales tax from 1.75 percent to 2.75 percent. It passed by a vote of 2,846 to 439 in Tuesday's special election and is in addition to a 6.5 percent state sales tax.

County Judge Woody Wheeless says this is one of two steps needed before Nashville, Tennessee-based Ameris Health Systems can reopen the hospital. Ameris must also settle about $7 million in secured debt against the property.

The tax is to end after five years and is expected to raise about $30 million. Wheeless says the money will be used for maintenance of the property and none will go to Ameris.

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