Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – KLEK 102.5 FM will host a live debate on the proposed Jonesboro public safety sales and use tax on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m.
The debate will bring together voices on both sides of the issue, giving Jonesboro residents an opportunity to hear directly from supporters and opponents before the proposal goes before voters on Nov. 3.
Representing Safety First for Jonesboro, the ballot question committee supporting the proposal, will be Ethan Ivy and Scott Byrd. Although both are public safety professionals, they will be participating in the debate as representatives of Safety First for Jonesboro and will not be speaking on behalf of the Jonesboro Fire Department or Jonesboro Police Department.
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Representing Citizens Taxed Enough, which opposes the proposal, will be Iris Stevens and Robin Martin.
Jonesboro voters will decide whether to approve a citywide 5/8-cent (0.625%) sales and use tax dedicated to public safety. The Jonesboro City Council unanimously approved ordinances placing the proposal on the Nov. 3 ballot after a petition drive led by Safety First for Jonesboro collected 4,239 certified signatures.
Under the ordinance, revenue from the tax, if approved by voters, would be restricted to public safety services, initiatives, facilities, infrastructure, maintenance and operations. Safety First for Jonesboro has said the revenue would be dedicated to police, fire and E-911 dispatch needs, including new facilities and additional personnel.
The Oct. 7 debate is being presented by KLEK as a community information forum. Both sides will have an opportunity to explain their positions, address the issues surrounding the proposal and respond to questions about what passage or rejection of the measure could mean for Jonesboro.
The debate will air live on KLEK 102.5 FM in Jonesboro and will be streamed live on the KLEK 102.5 FM Facebook page and KLEK YouTube channel.
KLEK encourages Jonesboro residents to listen to both sides of the discussion and use the information presented to make their own decision at the ballot box.
Early voting for the 2026 general election begins Oct. 19 and will conclude Nov. 2. Election Day will be Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The deadline to register to vote for this election is Monday, Oct. 5. Click here for voter registration information.
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