MSE board voices support for renewal of one cent sales tax

The Main Street El Dorado (MSE) Board of Directors held their monthly meeting on Thursday and discussed many upcoming events, but what took up the majority of their time concerned the board’s support of the one cent sales tax.

Mark Givens, MSE's executive director, exclaimed that the revenue generated by the tax would help them out in their future projects. He was given a script to read which requested signatures in blue ink from the individual board members who supported it.

The form also provided reasons the renewal of the tax would benefit the community as well as a pie chart explaining how the revenue would be portioned out. There are some differences between the old sales tax and the new one. The new one allows the issuance of bonds based on tax collection and also adds two years in the clause. It is estimated to bring in $40 million to the city, according to Givens and Mayor Frank Hash, who was not in attendance but supports the tax. Givens also saw the tax as necessary.

“If it doesn’t get approved it could really hurt and we would be going backwards,” he declared with agreement from many.

The form stated the sales tax would be portioned out in many areas including some that directly affect the board’s tasks. Only one member questioned the unanimous approval of the tax, and desired they do something worthwhile. She remarked that in some streets she saw no evidence of improvement. All the board members appeared to have signed the form in the end.

“I’m proud to say we support the re-up on the sales tax,” Givens announced.

If the ordinance passes, a special election can be set in 60 days and it would be a temporary tax that will sunset in 10 years.

The board was also very excited about MSE hosting Main Street Arkansas’s quarterly training that will be occurring June 2 through 4. The training will have a theme built around promotions, said Givens. In the spirit of promotions, he announced that during this time, 50 to 60 Main Street people will be on hand to watch and see if the city sets the state’s largest outdoor record for most people involved in a line dance.

“I think this will be a big thing. We have people from all around here that love line-dancing. It isn’t completely clear yet, but on Tuesday night, the multi-platinum artist Cupid, the man responsible for the 'cupid shuffle' and producer of workout DVD’s, will show up and lead our city in the state record,” he said.

But before the mini-event on Tuesday night, most Main Street people will do a few sessions, some downtown workshops, and other activities.

“We are working with state staff in planning scheduling, as far as activities and spaces for those two days.We want to make them as interactive as possible to avoid the typical workshop and conference atmosphere,” Givens stated.

The Downtown Business Association met on Tuesday, April 7, to discuss spring retail promotion and upcoming events.

“We asked retailers what types of things they want to do in the upcoming weeks. The merchants brainstorm and email them to us, and we compile a list,” Givens informed the board.

He then announced that progress is being made with the addition of an interior stairwell between the Black Cat Cafe and the property once occupied by the Mink Eye. New downtown street banners are also beginning to be hung downtown. Givens expects them to be completed soon.

Harrison’s Christian Bookstore closed down earlier in the month but they expressed optimism at the Union County Hall of Fame located at 114 East Elm. Their hours are from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m, Monday through Wednesday. Givens encouraged patronage.

“They really took advantage of the space there. Goose Tatum, born here in El Dorado, of the famous Harlem Globetrotter’s, jersey is hanging up. You can find some really interesting things there,” he said. The board will host its official ribbon-cutting at the Pottery House inside Main Street Antiques. The executive director recommended that everyone go in and see the extraordinary work they are doing.

In promotion news, Givens was proud to say on Monday, Kat Robinson of Tie-Dyed Travels visited Union Square.

The enthusiasm for the Mayhaw festival is rising, Givens said, and they are doing well selling tickets to the Southern Food and Wine Festival the first weekend of May.

They discussed the limitless potential of musical prodigy Joseph Shackleford, who is gathering some popularity in the city, the board elaborated. He played his violin in front of the entrance to the Vince Gill concert and recently performed at the Administrative Professionals Luncheon.

“If you want background music, he can do it. He writes his own songs, does covers, and plays multiple instruments. It is amazing,” Givens beamed.

A regular at PJ's. Givens and MSE are looking to expand his range. He has been a regular at PJ’s.

MSE was also very pleased with the results of the sold out Vince Gill & Friends Live presented by MSE and Murphy USA at the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium on March 19. One member of the board mentioned that they were still below where they were last year at this time, but Gill brought them a net profit of $30,000.

On Tuesday, April 14, Governor Asa Hutchinson was in El Dorado visiting Union Square and his weekly radio address pertained to the city.

Givens told everyone to mark their calendars for Showdown at Sunset and the Showtime Concert Series which will take place June, 27, July 25, and August 22. Some performers are already scheduled, and others will be announced at a later date.

The board expressed great pride to one of heir own, Tracey Culver, who was named a finalist f the 2015 Chamber of Commerce Administrative Professional of the Year. They all felt it was well deserved.

Givens attended the National Main Street Conference in Atlanta, Ga., from March 29-April 1.

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