Benton budget
includes money
for construction

By Jody Norwood
Tribune-Courier News Editor
jnorwood@tribunecourier.com

BENTON – A new building to house the Benton Gas System took a step forward last week. The Benton City Council approved a budget plan which included funding for the project.

Voting on the measure was not unanimous. Councilman Tim King voiced concerns over the timing of construction.

“I just think it’s a bad idea to do it right now,” King said. “I’m all for seeing it done. I don’t think building a million dollar office building sends the right message.”

King noted the recent state of the economy and other projects the city needed to consider. With loan rates at all-time lows, King asked why the city couldn’t borrow money for projects such as water lines instead of construction.

Councilwoman Rita Dotson noted the timing of the project might be more fiscally feasible now.

“I think it will be cheaper to build now,” Dotson said. “There probably are other things we could spend the money on, but there’s always going to be things we need to spend the money on.”

Mayor Steve Cary said construction, which is estimated at close to $1 million, could be paid for in approximately three years. The construction in question would feature new office and maintenance buildings at U.S. Highway 641 North and 1st Street in Benton, adjacent to Leon Riley Ford.

The council cited the current condition of the maintenance building and ease of access for customers in their need for construction.