Washington County Courthouse / File photo

Early voting is underway in Fayetteville for the city’s special bond election.

Voters may cast early ballots on April 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. inside the County Clerk’s office at the Washington County Courthouse, 280 N. College Ave.

Election day is Tuesday, April 9.

To find voter registration information, visit voterview.ar-nova.org. Sample ballots are available at co.washington.ar.us.

If passed, the referendum would continue the city’s 1-cent sales tax that voters approved in 2006. Just like 12 years ago, the money would be used to pay for a list of proposed capital projects.

The 2006 bond program paid for a variety of projects, including the 71B flyover bridge, the widening of Garland Avenue, an extension of Van Asche Drive, and a series of improvements to North College Avenue.

The 2019 bond issue would generate about $226 million to be used for road, drainage, trail and park improvements; economic development; construction of a cultural arts corridor with potential new parking facilities; a new police headquarters; three new fire stations; various city facilities improvements; and refinancing outstanding sales tax bonds.

City staff have said the goal is to pay off the debt in 16 years, but it’s possible that the bonds could be paid off in 10-12 years with expected growth.

If approved, Fayetteville voters would join those in Springdale who passed an extension of that city’s 1-cent sales tax for almost $225 million in bonds, and voters in Rogers who passed a nearly $300 million bond referendum last year.

Voters will find 10 items that will appear as separate issues on the ballot.

» See a list of the items and projects on the proposed bond issue