From Jay Dixon:
At its meeting on September 5, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the resolution to place a five-year local option operating levy on the November 7, 2006 ballot.

The levy would continue current public safety, health and other services supported wholly or partially with property taxes. It would continue measures to combat crime related to methamphetamine, alcohol and other drug abuse.

The levy would allow the county to avoid reductions in sheriff patrol and investigation, criminal prosecution and juvenile offender supervision and detention. It would also fund public and mental health services including access to primary medical care, health education and disease prevention.

The levy would cost $.89 per $1,000 of assessed value – a home with an assessed value of $150,000 would pay about $11.13 per month or approximately $133.50 per year in additional taxes.

The Benton County Democrats have endorsed this measure.