According to attorneys for Mississippi County, a hearing before the Arkansas Supreme Court regarding the recent courthouse tax issue by Circuit Judge David Laser is set for Sept. 14.
Laser sided with the City of Osceola in recent litigation, effectively stopping the special election which was slated for August 9. The two proposed ballot issues would have split the existing half cent hospital tax with county general for the purpose of maintaining a new Blytheville Courthouse, and set up a bond to fund its construction.
County Judge Randy Carney's office told the CN Wednesday morning that while attorney had requested an expedited hearing to have Laser's judgement overturned, that request was denied because the Supreme Court is currently in recess. Attorneys will submit their briefs beforehand and attend the Sept. hearing to argue their cases.
sspears@blythevillecourier.com