Politics
Little Rock Property Tax Levy Referendum Sets 2-Mill Increase for Public Safety Operations
The November ballot measure would add roughly $85 a year to the tax bill for the average single-family home in the city.
How we reported this
The Little Rock Property Tax Levy Referendum on the November 2026 ballot proposes raising the city millage rate by 2 mills to fund police and fire department salaries and equipment. Property owners inside city limits would pay the new rate beginning with tax statements mailed in January 2027.
City budget documents released in March 2026 show public safety spending reached $142 million last fiscal year, or 38 percent of the general fund. Officials have cited overtime costs and vehicle replacement needs as reasons for seeking dedicated revenue rather than relying on annual appropriations.
Daily costs for property owners and renters
For a homeowner whose property is assessed at $150,000, the added 2 mills equals an extra $85 on the annual tax bill. Renters could see the increase passed through in higher lease payments when landlords adjust rates to cover the new levy. The Pulaski County Assessor’s office has confirmed that commercial properties would face the same per-mill calculation, affecting businesses along Markham Street and in the River Market district.
Local advocates note that the measure would generate an estimated $7.2 million each year once fully collected. That figure comes from the city finance department’s projection based on the 2025 assessed valuation of $3.6 billion inside the municipal boundaries.
Residents who own homes valued below the city median would pay proportionally less, while owners of higher-value properties in neighborhoods such as Hillcrest and Chenal Valley would contribute more. The ordinance creating the referendum requires that all proceeds stay within the public safety accounts and cannot be transferred to other city departments.
Ballots will be mailed to registered voters beginning October 15. Early voting opens October 26 at the Pulaski County Election Commission office on West Third Street. The measure requires a simple majority to pass and would remain in effect until voters approve a future change.