The first meeting of the Future Benton focus group will be 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 8th at the Benton Event Center. The public is invited. Update June 7, 2021 – Members of the focus group are listed at the end of this article.
The meeting is concerning the future projects to bring tourism to Benton. The Benton City Council voted on May 24th to renew the 1.5% Advertising and Promotions tax on hospitality purchases (dining out and hotels) in order to create new amenities for residents and visitors.
See illustrations below of possible projects. To read more about the A&P Tax, see www.mysaline.com/benton-tax-hearings
The following are members of the Future Benton focus group. (List updated to include all current members)
Future Benton Focus Group 2021:
Ward 1
- Bill Ford
- Alderman Steve Brown
- Robert Gage
- Alderman Frank Baptist
Ward 2
- Vincent Robinson
- Alderwoman Robin Freeman
- Linda Larkin
- Alderwoman Evelyn Reed
Ward 3
- Stephanie Duke
- Alderman Jeff Morrow
- Allison Drennon
- Alderman Bill Donnor
Ward 4
- Dr. Kim Armstrong
- Alderman Judd Hart
- Dave McCollum
- Alderman Shane Knight
Ward 5
- Amy McCormick
- Alderman Steve Lee
- Jeff Watts
- Alderman Jeff Hamm
Council Members
- Steve Lee
- Steve Brown
A&P Members
- Bill Eldridge
- Luke Moody
Parks
- Stephanie Jones
- Daniel Baxley
Director of Chamber
- Gary James
Mayor
- Tom Farmer